Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto Restaurant

There were only three sets of guests? Which was nice. Group of three, had good service/food, very accommodating.

Fanstastic cozy place with very good food. Just 3 tables there each in a private room. Service was amazing, the japanese artwork made us feel like we're in Japan. Much recommended!

Great experience. All the details in each plate are fantastic, and a perfect balance of flavors. Definitely the best japanese experience. And the sake suggested by Kei was amazon!

Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto was a restaurant I had high expectations for, given its reputation and hefty price tag (around $500 per person after tax and tip). However, my dining experience left me somewhat underwhelmed.

I expected much more from this Michelin-starred establishment. On the positive side, the service was impeccable. The staff's attention to detail and hospitality were truly commendable. But when it came to the food, nothing really stood out. I expected to be blown away, and unfortunately, that didn't quite happen.

While the presentation of each dish was beautifully executed, I felt like not enough premium ingredients were used to match the high price tag being charged. The flavors, while decent, didn't reach the extraordinary level I anticipated. I was also somewhat disappointed by the overuse of jellied ingredients in some dishes, which seemed to detract from the overall experience.

While I don't mind splurging on exceptional dining, Kaiseki Yu-Zen Hashimoto fell short of my expectations. There was way too much emphasis on presentation, which I felt was what you’re mainly paying for. Maybe my expectations were too high, but for a restaurant at this price point, I had hoped for a more memorable and exceptional culinary experience .

Let me preface this by saying that I've dined at many restaurants across Japan and Canada, including Michelin starred ones and those considered the best by locals. Hashimoto is far and away one of the best dining experiences I've had - easily among my top 3.

The food served throughout the 8 courses transcended what I consider "good" into "out of this world". Everything from details in the presentation to the arrangement of the ingredients on a dish conveys the thoughtfulness of Chef Hashimoto. The flavours come together so beautifully and everything is so well-balanced, which is the hallmark of the best kaiseki experience.

Every dish was memorable and distinctive, but my personal favourite was the chef signature, the crane. The use of A5 Miyazaki wagyu and matcha salt was just *chef's kiss*. I was also not expecting to try Ayu sweetfish outside Japan (a summer local delicacy) and the freshness as well as crispiness sent me to another dimension of bliss. The final course with musk melon was out of this world - the sweetness and juiciness of the flesh was incredible!

Honestly all the dishes were hits and the only almost-miss on the menu was the fish dish with bones in it. While the flavours were impeccable and the soft bones were edible, the texture was weird and I wish they substituted it for a fish that was easier to eat.

It would also be remiss not to mention the service. Haruna was our server and huge compliments to her for making our night very enjoyable with her explanation and hospitality. She went above and beyond in making sure we were well-attended to.

We came here to celebrate my birthday and it is the birthday meal I will remember for life. I truly felt I was transported to Japan with the authenticity of the atmosphere, rarity of ingredients used, mastery of cooking techniques and just overall good food. It's pricey but well worth the money for a good occasion.

ありがとうございました！

What do you get a guy who has everything? An elite birthday dinner at Kaiseki Yu-zen! The experience was exquisite from start to finish. The entire restaurant holds just three tables. Each table is set in a separate and cozy room emulating the traditional "tatami" feel with western seating. Our server was impeccably professional, friendly, thorough and knowledgeable with every detail of our meal. Each dish was immaculately plated. I'd tell you to avoid a "spoiler alert" by skipping the photos, but your visual and taste experience will change with the meat, seafood and vegetables in season at the time. If you want a fine dining experience like no other, this is the place.

An absolutely perfect kaiseki experience, I’m confident to say this was the best I’ve had outside of Japan. From the very beginning, the attention to detail is present. The staff immediately greet you and walk you to your seating area. As you make your way into the restaurant, the decor and ambiance of really pops out. Each decorative piece works as a whole to make you feel like you’ve been transported to Kyoto and prepares you for the work of art that is their kaiseki tasting menu. Even the movement of the servers showcased careful poise with no wasted movement, as each dish was placed with such care and love and a respectful bow as they enter and leave the room.

They really have mastered the art quite well, as each dish stimulates all five of your senses individually. Each course itself is a work of art in its own right, the textures of each dish work well individually and together, feel like a harmonious symphony that doesn’t overpower you. I must give kudos to their house made sesame tofu, the texture of that dish was a personal favourite of mine. Their steamed dish also whetted your appetite as when you uncover it, the balance of the vegetables and red snapper emit a delicate scent that is is a stark contrast with the umami of the mingled broth formed at the bottom. Needless to say, each dish was absolutely delicious and inventive. The chef has not only mastered his art but showcases how well thought out his combinations of seasonal ingredients are. The pairings of each dish and how they prepare them prove it’s Michelin status.

The only possible way they could have made the experience even more perfect would be to offer a seiza-style seating room with traditional tatami mats. I truly feel like that would make diners feel like they really have been transported to Japan. This has been my absolute favourite Michelin experience in Canada thus far. Kudos to all the staff!