Making its claim to fame as the popular izakaya franchise Guu, this chain has since gone off on its own to become Kinka. Any location of this lively izakaya is perfect for group outings, made better with sake bombs.

Best known for its flame-torched aburi sushi, this Vancouver transplant has consistently been a city favourite since it first landed on Bay Street by Harbourfront. Whether it's for a power lunch or an evening date, Miku is still a top spot for refined contemporary Japanese cuisine.

While this Vancouver-based chain first landed in Hogtown in 2009, owners Masaru Ogasawara and Natsuhiko Sugimoto have since moved to a solo operation in Parkdale. Expect the same drink-friendly lineup of snacks like kakimayo and takoyaki, as well as karaage.

This stalwart near Yonge and Bloor has been serving savoury Japanese-style pancakes since the 1970s. Those familiar with the menu and its casual red lantern-lit atmosphere will be happy to note it remains the same, including its teppan-cooked the cabbage-filled okonomiyaki and yakisoba.

With seven locations in and around the GTA, this Japanese-fusion restaurant specializes in modern takes on tonkatsu. Choose from pork loin, chicken or fish cutlets, or the signature version that's stuffed with cheddar or mozzarella cheese.

Squeeze into this Dundas West room for delicious Japanese-inspired bar snacks like dyno wings stuffed with dumpling filling or the katsu bun, another menu staple. The signless 30-seater has a dive bar kind of feel, and as with any project by Leemo Han, packed with strong and delicious cocktails.

This cozy Little Portugal space is a destination for Japanese homestyle cooking and comfort eats that are relatively more affordable compared to other places. In addition to staples like a katsu curry rice meal, there are drink-friendly bites including corn kakiage and tebasaki, aka Nagoya-style chicken wings that are coated with a garlicky-sweet soy glaze.

The latest show-stopping space for flame-seared sushi is the Entertainment District restaurant from Aburi Restaurants Canada. Enjoy the à la carte offerings or leave things up to the chefs in its four-course chef's tasting experience that begin with a creative appetizer course, features a selection of sushi and always ends with one of pastry chef Aiko Uchigoshi's incredible desserts.

Let the aroma of sizzling kushiyaki grilling over binchotan hit you as you enter their Cabbagetown or Queen West spot for all things delicious and casual. The skewered foods – including a range of yakitori (grilled chicken) from momo (thigh) to nankotsu (knee cartilage) – are a perfect pairing with sake and pints of Asahi.