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| - HIGHLIGHTS
Hanmoto, an izakaya from Leemo Han (founder of OddSeoul), is of one of my favourite spots in Toronto. It does not take reservations and is open only for dinner/late night eats - and you can easily see why when you come here. I loved the cool and effortless vibe of this restaurant, the delicious Japanese pub food, and eclectic selection of cocktails.
GOOD FOR:
- Group of friends
- Casual date
- Late night eats / bar food before bar hopping on Dundas West (they don't stop serving food all night!)
ATMOSPHERE (5/5)
It's a pretty hidden establishment - keep Google Maps on hand when trying to find it. The restaurant was consistently busy throughout the night on a Friday. It played mostly loud hip hop, was dimly lit and had an open kitchen. Effortlessly well decorated with exposed brick walls and industrial and vintage Japanese furniture.
FOOD (4.5/5)
- The menu is small and is split up into two sections: Raw and Hot.
- Salmon Aburi (4.5/5) - torched salmon, sushi rice, tobiko and scallions - this dish was served with seaweed. The blowtorched flavour + a creamy, wasabi sauce makes it the perfect appetizer
- Uni Bomb (3/5) - this was a simple dish with sea urchin and rice, nothing out of the ordinary. I'd recommend some of the other dishes for your first time.
- Miso ice cream (4/5) - with sweet miso topped with nori (seaweed) and crunchy rice balls - a weird flavour but oddly enough, highly addicting
PORTION SIZES
Hungry: order 2-3 main dishes to yourself, or share 4-5 with 2 people.
Moderately hungry: 1-2 main dishes to yourself, or share 3-4 with 2 people.
Not-so-hungry: share 1-2 dishes with someone, or opt for just dessert.
DRINKS (5/5)
- The cucumber and green tea infused gin with yuzu (5/5) was refreshing - perfect for cleansing the palette in between dishes.
SERVICE (5/5)
- Service was great, nothing to complain about. Food came quickly and water was topped up without having to ask.
OVERALL (5/5)
Would recommend? Yes
Would come back? Yes
What would I try next time? Everything on the menu. Especially the eggplant and dyno wings.
What would I order again? Cucumber and green tea infused gin, salmon aburi
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