I know sushi very well, but I don't know Japanese food all that well. While sushi is a tiny sliver of what Japanese has to offer, I soon found out the rest of the cuisine at Ematei.
I can't say I personally loved it, especially since the bill reached 30$ (after tax and tip) and I didn't feel like it was amazing. but I can attest to Ematei have 100% Japanese Staff and many 90% Japanese customers.
This little restaurant is nice if you know and can appreciate the full spectrum of Japanese cuisine, but I will admit, I am only in it for the sashimi and rolls (of which they were above average for Toronto, aka- not drowning the sushi in mayo or excessively battered deep fried grossness).
Yes, ematei is "authentic" and was suggested by a Japanese friend of mine.
I probably would only come back if somebody demanded I take them to an authentic Japanese owned and operated restaurant. The food is good, just not great. and more pricey than I care to spend for a few pieces of quality raw fish.
The menu has a variety of appetizer sized things that hover at about $10. Then they have some nice udon and fried rice bowls (VERY glutinous rice) that range from 12-15$. If you want sushi you can get 15 or so pieces for about 25-30$.
Nothing stuck out for me, although service was good quality.
The atmosphere kind of looks like its in a basement even when it is ground level. No natural light here. But the atmosphere is cozy and reminds me of sushi bars back home in Vanouver. Even though there isn't really inspired izakaya type food, the menu and feel of the place is more like an izakaya than most of the mediocre Japanese places Toronto offers.