Great, quick experience with authentic taste.
The restaurant is located inside the Google building, on the ground floor within the fancy foodcourt. As the name comes from the term "Tachigui (stand-up eating)", this is a standing sushi bar. There's only one 30-min omakase/chef's choice menu which comes with 11 pieces of sushi.
While you are chewing one piece, the next one is served. The space is very intimate--'stands' 7 people--right in front of the chefs, and you can watch every move the chefs make. Although definitely not good for a relaxing night out with a long chat, it is entertaining.
Food:
- The rice was prepared in an authentic way, good warm temperature that enhances the scent.
- Not all fish pieces were fresh, but most of them. Considering you are in Toronto, this is more than acceptable.
- The gradient of tuna variation was impeccable. It goes from Akami (lean red part of tuna), Chu-toro (fatty tuna), then to O-toro (extra fatty tuna).
- Another thing worth noting is the surprisingly delicious Nori seaweed. I believe it was Yakinori, nori seaweed torched to enhance the flavour.
Service:
- This is a very interactive way of eating. There are two chefs in total. They serve 2-4 customers each. They introduce each fish to you, and if you have questions, you can ask them right away.
- Other service was okay. It does feel like being very rushed, but a 30-min omakase is what you signed up for. I really like that they don't charge or even ask for tipping (no screen for tipping on the card machine). It's all included in the price; very simple, organized, and shows confidence. (*Correction: second time I went, they had started charging tips...)