Mikaku Udon Bar is a casual Japanese restaurant that emphasizes thick cut noodles above all else.

Located on Carlton Street, just west of Parliament, Mikaku Udon Bar is the second restaurant to bear the name and the first to open in Toronto.

The original location, off of Highway 7 in Richmond Hill, has drawn huge crowds since opening in 2022. The Carlton location has been attracting similar crowds since its grand opening in Sept. 2024.

Mikaku Udon has two service periods: a lunch period from noon to 3 p.m. and a dinner period from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. The staff tell us that dinner is usually a little busier than lunch, but that both meals are well attended.

The restaurant occupies a small but welcoming space, filled with wooden furniture and traditional Japanese art. Additional decorations are added around the restaurant, depending on the season.
A private room can be found downstairs. This space comes with a fully stocked bar and can be rented out for parties and private events.

Mikaku Udon Bar offers a wide selection of Asian fusion dishes. Most are variations on traditional udon, but some take inspiration from Western dishes as well.Start your meal with a plate of seared buta ($18), a light appetizer made with strips of tender pork belly.

Each piece has been caramelized to crispy perfection, giving it a pleasant texture and a smoky flavour.

This platter also comes with a house salad and a side of Japanese pickle.

Maple bacon garlic fries ($15) are thick cut fries topped with garlic mayo, maple syrup and bacon bits.
Mikaku beef tartare ($22) is an unusual take on steak tartare.

Instead of ground meat, julienned beef sashimi is combined with sesame seeds, quail egg yolk and Mikaku's signature sauce, giving the dish a unique texture.

The dish is served with a side of mixed vegetables, which help to balance out the rich flavour of the raw beef.

The chicken curry udon ($21) pairs chewy noodles with halal breaded chicken and a creamy curry sauce.

Chili oil and crushed peppers are served on the side, in case you want to add a little spice to your meal.

The bacon rose udon ($20) was a personal favourite of mine, due in no small part to the creamy tomato sauce that it uses in place of broth.

If not for the thick, chewy noodles, the combination of crispy bacon, plump tomatoes and parmesan cheese would have convinced me that this was an Italian dish.

The herbal chicken udon ($20) is inspired by samgyetang, a Korean dish made with chicken, ginseng and herbs.

Described by the staff as a quintessential comfort food, this hearty soup is brimming with nourishing ingredients, including garlic, potatoes and scallions.

The Yuzu highball ($15) is a bright blue cocktail, served in a stemmed glass and garnished with a lemon wedge. It has a light, citrusy flavour and makes a refreshing counterpoint to many of the spicier dishes on offer.The Jim Beam highball ($14) is a bit more subdued, both in terms of flavour and presentation. Served in a large mug, this cocktail has a smooth, mellow taste, thanks to the bourbon that gives the drink its name.Momo Peach ($43) is one of several imported sakes. Made with 100% Japanese white peach, this drink has a sweet and juicy flavour, which can be enhanced with soda or sparkling water.Desserts vary from day to day, but generally consist of small pastries or cakes paired with fresh fruit. Prices range from $10 to 13, depending on the dish.

We were lucky enough to try the matcha cheesecake, a soft, sweet dessert served with strawberry and raspberry syrup.

Mikaku Udon Bar is located at 229 Carlton Street.