North York's Yonge corridor has become a legitimate izakaya strip — from $1 oyster nights and neon-lit skewer bars to authentic charcoal yakitori just past the Steeles border. Whether you want a buzzing group night out or a quiet late-night bite at 2 AM, here are the 6 best izakaya-style spots, ranked.
The best izakaya in North York is Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St for group vibes and their legendary $1 oyster nights (Tuesdays & Wednesdays). For the most authentic yakitori experience, Izakaya Ju at J-Town (3160 Steeles Ave E) is worth the short drive. For late-night eats past midnight, Hashi Izakaya at 5582 Yonge St stays open until 2:30 AM.
Ranked by a combination of food quality, atmosphere, value, and social media buzz. All prices and details verified February 2026.
📍 4848 Yonge St, North York (also at Shops at Don Mills)
$1 – $4 per oyster • $12 – $22 per plate
The $1 Oysters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the main event — come early because these nights require reservations weeks in advance. Beyond oysters, the Japa Burger Sliders and Bulgogi Tacos showcase their Japanese-Korean fusion style.
📍 J-Town, 3160 Steeles Ave E, Markham (North York border)
$4 – $10 per skewer • $35 – $55 for Omakase Sets
The Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori is the real deal — smoky flavour from actual binchotan charcoal that gas grills can't replicate. The Grilled Mackerel (Saba) and Teba Gyoza (Stuffed Wings) are the dishes regulars never skip. It feels like a genuine Tokyo neighbourhood bar.
📍 5649 Yonge St, North York
$3 – $9 per skewer • $15 – $28 per main
Order a bucket of Chinese-style BBQ Skewers — lamb, beef, and the must-try Chicken Skin. The Stir-fried Clams and Fried Chicken Knees are the adventurous picks. Pair everything with a pitcher of Japanese beer under their neon lights.
📍 5582 Yonge St, North York
$12 – $24 per dish
The Creamy Pork Belly is their signature — tender, rich, and the reason regulars keep coming back after midnight. The Salmon Hako Sushi (Torched) is a sleeper hit, and the Taro Chips are the perfect drinking snack.
📍 633 Silver Star Blvd, Scarborough
$18 – $35 per dish
The Meiji Lava Dessert is their viral star — a molten showpiece that's been featured in multiple "most creative" food videos. The Uni & Caviar Pasta pushes izakaya boundaries into fine-dining territory. The Aburi Sushi Platter rounds out a full experience.
📍 4862 Yonge St, North York
$14 – $26 per dish
The Kimchi Fries are the gateway — crispy, spicy, and shareable. The Spicy Pork Tacos and Honeycomb Makgeolli (Korean rice wine served with an actual chunk of honeycomb) are the pairing that made this spot a date-night favourite. Cozy, vintage-styled interior seals the deal.
New openings, viral dishes, and the spots dominating social media in North York's izakaya scene. Verified February 2026.
Currently the most-photographed dish in the North York area on XiaoHongShu, with 12,000+ saves on similar "Top 5 Winter Warm-up Udon" lists. The creamy cheese udon is the reason people are lining up — a comfort-food bowl that's become peak social media bait.
The freshest izakaya addition to the area, gaining traction on Reddit r/Markham with a 4.4-star rating (120+ reviews on UberEats/Google). Already being called "pretty good" for high-quality sashimi and skewers — a rising contender for the next edition of this list.
Gaining buzz on TikTok and Instagram as an "authentic Japanese hangout where most Japanese people in the industry eat." With 50,000+ views on "Hidden Gem" reels, this is the spot for readers seeking a true Tokyo local-bar experience over clubby vibes.
Addressing the rumours: the Yonge/Sheppard Kinka Izakaya location remains active as of January 2026. Confusion arose from their "Sushi Bar" rebranding, but the main izakaya continues operating with 400+ upvotes in Reddit's "Best North York Eats" threads.
Three distinct izakaya vibes along the North York Yonge corridor. Easily walkable, starting right at the subway station. This is a proper evening out — budget 4–5 hours and come hungry.
Transit: Start at Sheppard-Yonge Station (TTC Line 1). All stops are on the east side of Yonge Street heading north. End at Finch Station for an easy subway ride home.
Budget: ~$50–$70 per person for tapas-style sharing and drinks across all three stops. Allow 4–5 hours.
Start loud and energetic. Aim for Happy Hour or the $1 oyster specials (Tue/Wed). Order a half-dozen oysters and the Japa Burger Sliders to share. The vibe is social and warm — perfect for the kickoff.
A 2-minute walk north into a modern, sleek space. Order the Kimchi Fries and a round of Honeycomb Makgeolli (Korean rice wine with a real chunk of honeycomb). This is the cocktail-and-conversation stop.
A 10-minute walk north toward Finch for the neon-lit finale. Order a bucket of mixed skewers (lamb, beef, and chicken skin) and a pitcher of Japanese beer. The late-night street food energy makes this the perfect closer.
Izakaya dining is designed for sharing small plates, which means you can eat very well without a big bill. Here are the best options for value seekers.
| Shop | Price | Best Deal | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nomé Izakaya | $1–$22 | $1 oysters (Tue/Wed) | Group nights, oyster lovers |
| ZUI Beer Bar | $3–$28 | $3–$9 skewer buckets | Late-night vibes, Instagram pics |
| Izakaya Ju | $4–$55 | $4–$10 per yakitori skewer | Authentic charcoal yakitori |
| Hashi Izakaya | $12–$24 | Creamy Pork Belly + beer combo | After-midnight eats (until 2:30 AM) |
| Han Ba Tang | $14–$26 | Kimchi Fries + Makgeolli pairing | Date night on a budget |
Where is the best izakaya in North York?
Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St is the best overall izakaya in North York. Their $1 oyster nights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are legendary, and the Japa Burger Sliders and Bulgogi Tacos round out a lively Japanese-fusion menu. They also have a second location at Shops at Don Mills.
Which izakaya in North York is open late?
Hashi Izakaya at 5582 Yonge St stays open until 2:30 AM, making it the latest-closing izakaya on the Yonge corridor. Their Creamy Pork Belly is the go-to post-midnight order. ZUI Beer Bar at 5649 Yonge St also keeps late hours for skewers and drinks.
What is the cheapest izakaya food in North York?
Nomé Izakaya offers $1 oysters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — the best deal in the neighbourhood. ZUI Beer Bar has skewers starting at $3–$9, and a bucket of mixed skewers with a pitcher of beer is a favourite group order.
Where can I get authentic yakitori near North York?
Izakaya Ju at J-Town (3160 Steeles Ave E, Markham) is the gold standard. Their charcoal-grilled yakitori at $4–$10 per skewer uses real binchotan charcoal for that authentic smoky flavour. The Grilled Mackerel and Teba Gyoza (stuffed wings) are regulars' favourites.
What izakaya spots are near Yonge and Sheppard?
Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St is steps from Sheppard-Yonge station. Han Ba Tang at 4862 Yonge St is just north, trending for Honeycomb Makgeolli. Farther up toward Finch, ZUI Beer Bar (5649 Yonge St) and Hashi Izakaya (5582 Yonge St) anchor the late-night scene.
What new izakaya opened in North York in 2026?
Kuroki Izakaya near the North York/Markham border is the newest addition, with a 4.4-star rating. MeNami Udon & Izakaya is trending for their viral Cheese Udon. Koyoi is gaining TikTok buzz as a hidden gem where "most Japanese industry people eat."
Is Nomé Izakaya good for a date night?
Nomé is better for lively group outings (it can be loud). For a more intimate date, Han Ba Tang at 4862 Yonge St has cozy, vintage-styled lighting and a 4.7-star Google rating (2,100+ reviews). Hashi Izakaya at 5582 Yonge St is another solid date option with late hours until 2:30 AM.
Restaurant photos provided by Google Maps contributors. Powered by Google. Restaurant information verified by North York Guide. Prices and availability subject to change.
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