$$ - Japanese Izakaya
About & Location
Located just north of Toronto in the vibrant city of Vaughan is the electrifying Yōkai Izakaya. The term "Yōkai" translates to "strange apparition," referring to a class of supernatural Japanese creatures that, according to their website, bridge the divide between our world and the spirit realm. This unique izakaya aims to bring to life the rich tapestry of Japan's past, present, and future through its diverse menu, immersive ambiance, and extensive selection of Japanese spirits.
Yōkai Izakaya is conveniently situated across from Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre, a prominent regional outlet mall located at the corner of the Highway 400 and the Rutherford Road interchange. This prime location, just south of Canada's Wonderland, ensures easy accessibility for those taking transit as well as driving, as it is just off the highway. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, Yōkai Izakaya offers an enchanting dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.
Ambiance
Upon arriving at the Izakaya, you might not immediately realize what lies within. The entrance is modest, with a single set of doors that blend seamlessly with those of the surrounding businesses in the plaza. Once we stept throguh the first set of door into. a small vestibule, we were faced with a second much larger metal doorUpon stepping through the first set of doors into a small, unassuming vestibule, we encountered a second, much larger, heavy metal door to our right. Passing through it, we were swiftly transported from the generic look of the plaza into an intriguing, dark space. The room was illuminated by a striking wall of Kitsune fox masks and a ceiling adorned with irregular dark brown and gold boxes, from which bulbs hung low by thick, knotted ropes. To the left of the entrance lay the bar, showcasing a selection of unique spirits along the back wall. On the right was the dining area, featuring tables and backless wooden chairs with soft cushions, evoking the traditional interiors of Japan.
We were seated at one of the tables and initially found the backless chairs a bit unusual, but we soon got comfortable. We each started with a glass of Sapporo and gradually made our decisions on what to order. Although the menu isn't extensive, it can be challenging to narrow down your choices when you want to try everything. We began with the Wagyu Sliders ($22 CAD), which came as a set of three. They featured a delightful truffle aioli and bonito-spiked onion jam, elegantly pierced with skewers ornamented with pearls. Next, we sampled something from the Raw Bar: the Salmon Tartare ($17 CAD). It was delicious and came with shrimp chips for scooping. Lastly, we ordered the Sukiyaki, a Japanese dish that slowly simmers thinly sliced beef in a tableside iron pot, accompanied by vegetables and tofu. It was absolutely delicious, though it appears to have recently been removed from their menu. The service was attentive, and the food was made with high-quality ingredients. We enjoyed it so much that we decided to return to try more of their offerings as you will be able to read more about below.
The Menu
Yōkai Izakaya offers a variety of unique experiences for its guests. Every weekend from 11 AM to 3 PM, they present their 'Big Boozy Brunch,' which infuses a Japanese twist into classic brunch staples. Indulge in dishes like the 'Matcha Cereal Milk French Toast' ($17 CAD) featuring Shokupan (Japanese Milk Bread), white chocolate matcha mousse, yuzu curd, and strawberries. For a heartier option, try the 'Yokai Big Breakfast' ($22 CAD), which includes two eggs cooked to your preference, Japanese thick-cut bacon, honey butter home fries, steamed rice, miso soup, pickles, and Shokupan with miso maple butter.
The brunch menu also boasts an array of delightful beverages, including creative takes on the classic mimosa. Enjoy flavors such as the Passionfruit Mango Mimosa or the Lychee Cactus Pear Mimosa ($12 CAD each). For a more adventurous drink, try the Okinawa Milk Punch ($14 CAD), a refreshing blend of overproof rum, Malibu, lychee liqueur, and lime.
Yōkai Izakaya also features a 'Lucky Monday Special,' offering a selection of tapas and specific beverages for a fixed price of $8 CAD. This deal is an incredible bargain, especially given the high cost of dining out in the Greater Toronto Area.
One Monday, my friend and I decided to try out Yōkai Izakaya's special menu. We started with the Yokai Wings, cooked in a brown butter teriyaki sauce. Though incredibly sticky, they were absolutely delicious and well worth the mess. Thankfully, we were provided with two wet hand wipes each, which was perfect. Next, we got two orders of the Sweet Corn Croquettes. The combination of perfectly melted cheese and corn was so delightful that we had to get a second order.
For vegetables (because we love a balanced meal), we ordered the Mentaiko Caesar Salad and the Crispy Ume Brussels Sprouts. Both dishes were crisp and bursting with flavor. The Chicken Karaage was perfectly cooked and paired beautifully with the yuzu aioli. Lastly, we ordered the AAA Beef Tenderloin with a red miso and mustard glaze. It was perfectly tender and melted in our mouths..
To complement our meal, we each enjoyed a Rye and Ginger for $8 CAD. There was a bit of confusion from the Izakaya's side about the drink, as they initially thought we wanted Coke with it. However, after we clarified that we meant ginger ale and whisky, the drinks arrived and tasted just as we expected.
Conclusion
I would highly recommend Yōkai Izakaya for its unique atmosphere, high-quality cuisine, and diverse menu. The restaurant offers an immersive dining experience with intriguing decor that blends traditional and contemporary Japanese culture. The food is meticulously crafted with high-quality ingredients, featuring standout dishes like Wagyu Sliders, Salmon Tartare, and creative brunch items. Special events such as the 'Big Boozy Brunch' and 'Lucky Monday Special' provide unique dining experiences and excellent value for money, allowing guests to try a variety of dishes and beverages at reasonable prices. Conveniently located near Vaughan Mills Shopping Centre and easily accessible from Highway 400, Yōkai Izakaya is perfect for both locals and visitors. The attentive and knowledgeable staff further enhance the dining experience, ensuring guests feel welcome and well taken care of. Overall, Yōkai Izakaya is a must-visit restaurant in the city of Vaughan, offering a captivating environment, delicious food, and unique dining events.
How To Get There
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