Matsuda Japanese Grill House
Matsuda is the place to go when you're craving some Japanese grill BBQ meats, sushi and sashimi in an AYCE format.
The restaurant took over the space formerly occupied by Ten-Ichi, the much-beloved OG of AYCE sushi restaurants in Scarborough.
The once-simple and traditional-looking interiors have been completely renovated and now feature high ceilings, spacious seating, and a more elevated vibe.
Glowing purplish lights hang suspended from the ceiling, evoking the classic imagery of traditional Japanese rooftops.
The pricing here is as follows: $34.99 for weekdays and $37.99 for weekends to get the AYCE Japanese grilled meat options and side dishes. For an extra $3, you also unlock their AYCE sushi and sashimi menu, making it a no-brainer, really.
Among the cuts of meat here are the thin pork belly and the black pepper rib finger meats, which are melt-in-your-mouth tender, provided you grill it just right, of course.
For a thick cut, go all the way with the pork belly which is so satisfying due to its extensive marbling.
The marinated kalbi and prime short ribs here are also excellent. They go particularly well with some of their sweet soy marinade.
The pork toro (the fatty meat around the pork cheek and neck) is one of my absolute favourite cuts of meat. I have a weakness for fattier cuts, and the buttery smoothness of the meat shouldn't be missed.
Don't skimp on the side dishes here such. The beef ron comes with the well-seasoned rice and tender slices of beef. The bibimbap is also a solid option.
If there's one side dish you must get it might be the Japanese cold soba served with a raw quail egg which you crack and mix into a wasabi-soy sauce mix.
From the seafood options, there's scallops, fish, squid, tiger shrimps and more.
From the sushi menu, I recommend their collection of aburi (torched sushi) including the Fantastic Roll featuring tempura shrimp, white tuna, tobiko, spicy mayo, and green onions. It's torched lightly before reaching your table, of course.
The cocktails here come in multple sizes and colours such as the Green Cocktail ($8.50) featuring cucumber and vodka; the Lychee Punch ($8.50) with lychee, vodka, and club soda; and the Strawberry Punch ($9) made with strawberry and white rum.
For those seeking a non-alcoholic option, the watermelon juice is very refreshing and light. It's a good counterbalance to the heavy meal you're probably going to have.
Hector Vasquez