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| - I'd really give this place 4.5 stars, because I've been to better places in other cities. But this is probably one of the best overall places I've been in Toronto and I keep coming back so I'll bend on the nice side. I've had lots of different things here: tempura, unajyu, sushi negiri, sushi rolls, hand rolls, teriyaki, fried crab, etc. All good. Meals come with miso soup that's pretty good and also both ice cream and watermelon for dessert. Actually I wouldn't recommend the unajyu (aka unagi don aka eel on a bed of rice) because the eel wasn't fresh...that's probably just too hard to come by in Toronto. However, if you've never been to California or Japan then this is probably the best unajyu you would've ever had.
Part of what makes Etsu good is not just the good food but the good value. I've had meals here for $20 that are far better than what I've paid $40 at other places in Toronto. I find the service is very good, though I've only been serviced by either this one Japanese girl (great for impressing people with my Japanese chops) or the owner/manager...who is not Japanese. One time I was there quite late and he was really nice and served my friends and I three different flavors of ice cream and really showed that service doesn't have to be bad or rude...a lesson that other places in Toronto should learn.
There are even little nuances like the chopsticks and oki (chopstick rests) and the tables and decor in general that make this place a cut above competitors on Queen St or, well, anywhere I've been around town. So I'll keep coming back since I have never been disappointed with this place and I am regularly disappointed with most places I go in Toronto.
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