The top 10 places to eat in Toronto's Little Tokyo

Toronto's Little Tokyo is the new, unofficial moniker for the stretch of Dundas West between Bay and University that used to be referred to as Old Chinatown. Here you'll find an abundance of Japanese, Taiwanese and other Asian eateries serving up cheesecake, sushi and crazy ice cream concoctions..

Here are my picks for the top restaurants, bakeries and cafes to visit in Little Tokyo.

Tsujiri
It's all about matcha at this Japanese cafe. Get your green tea fix with a latte, sundae or a shaved ice treat. There are also pastries, parfaits and macarons available. But if you decide to visit, be prepared to wait in line.

Uncle Tetsu
Uncle Tetsu maintains a strong foothold in this mini neighbourhood with a trio of popular dessert spots. Head to Uncle Tetsu's Angel Cafe if you want to sit down, Uncle Tetsu's Matcha Cafe if you're craving green tea and the original Uncle Tetsu if you just want some Japanese-style cheesecake.

Fugo Desserts
Head here for an Instagrammable dessert, like the cookie monster cone featuring blue cookies and cream ice cream and mini Chips Ahoy cookies in an Oreo-encrusted cone. Or, go for the sweet-sounding Crispy Comb, which does indeed include fresh honeycomb.

Japango
While it may be tiny, this sushi joint is among the best in the city. If you choose to dine in, you might end up sitting on top of your neighbour, but don't worry because the fresh fish more than makes up for the cramped quarters.

Don Don Izakaya
Head upstairs to this izakaya and fill up on small plates of Japanese snack as well as lots of drinks. Don't miss the fried chicken, a perfect accompaniment to your beer.

Yutaka
This sushi emporium doles out fresh fish for lunch and dinner. If you're looking for something special, go for the omakase (chef's special) for $80 - just be sure to order 24 hours in advance.

Gyugyuya
Not many restaurants in Toronto specialize in Japanese-style curry, but Gyugyuya does. Grab a bowl of beef, chicken or pork curry and round out your meal with miso soup and a salad on the side.

Sansotei Ramen
This restaurant usually has a line that snakes out the door as crowds clamour for steaming hot bowls of pork-based tonkotsu ramen.

Kenzo Ramen
If you can't get into Sansotei, Kenzo Ramen is another great option if you're craving Japanese noodle soup. Grab sho-yu, shi-o or miso ramen, or kick it up a notch and order one of Kenzo's spicy bowls.

Chatime
With multiple locations in Toronto and the GTA, there's a good reason this Taiwanese bubble tea shop keeps expanding. Stop in on Dundas for a grass jelly roasted milk tea or grab something even more decadent to treat yourself.

Photo of Uncle Tetsu Angel Cafe by Jesse Milns.

by Amy Grief via blogTO