Sushi Masaki Saito: Inside Toronto’s Most Exclusive Omakase Experience

Sushi Masaki Saito is one of the most sought-after dining experiences in Canada. Located in Yorkville, Toronto, and led by two-Michelin-starred chef Masaki Saito, the restaurant offers a highly curated omakase that draws on traditional Edomae techniques and seasonal ingredients flown in from Japan. With only a handful of seats, precise execution, and a minimalist atmosphere, it’s built for diners who value restraint, detail, and exclusivity.

This guide covers what you need to know before committing to a reservation.

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Sushi Masaki Saito Overview

Sushi Masaki Saito opened in 2019 as Chef Masaki Saito’s first restaurant outside Japan and the United States. Within just one year, it became the first and only sushi restaurant in Canada to receive two Michelin stars, a distinction it still holds. The experience centers on traditional Edomae-style sushi, with a focus on aging, curing, and temperature control to bring out subtle flavors.

Every element—from the hinoki wood counter to the hand-selected ceramics—is intentional. The place is controlled, composed experience designed to highlight the purity of each ingredient and the philosophy behind each movement.

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Location and Setting

Sushi Masaki Saito is located in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville neighborhood, at 88 Avenue Road, 1st Floor, nestled among designer boutiques and luxury residences. The entrance is discreet, with minimal signage, leading into a serene interior crafted almost entirely from Japanese hinoki wood.

The dining room is limited to a single 11-seat counter, designed to replicate the atmosphere of elite sushi restaurants in Tokyo. Lighting is soft, the space is quiet, and the setting eliminates distractions. The focus remains on the interaction between the chef, the food, and the guest—nothing more. It’s not a hybrid lounge or fusion space. It is purpose-built for omakase.

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Reservation Policy

Reservations for Sushi Masaki Saito are required and must be made well in advance. The restaurant releases booking slots on the first of each month for the following month’s availability. All reservations are handled online through the official website and select concierge services.

Due to the limited number of seats and high demand, bookings fill quickly. There is no walk-in availability, and cancellations are rare. A credit card hold is required at the time of booking, with a cancellation policy that typically requires at least 72 hours' notice to avoid full charges.

For international guests or those traveling to Toronto for the experience, planning ahead by at least four to six weeks is recommended.

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Menu and Pricing

Sushi Masaki Saito offers a single omakase menu of about 18 to 20 courses, rooted in traditional Edomae techniques. The focus is on balance, temperature, and aging.

Ingredients are flown in daily from Japan, including seafood from Toyosu Market. Every piece is served by Chef Saito directly.

Pricing starts at CAD $680 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Optional wine and sake pairings are available. No à la carte. Dietary restrictions must be disclosed in advance.

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Dining Experience

The atmosphere at Sushi Masaki Saito is quiet, focused, and highly structured. With only 11 seats around a hinoki wood counter, the experience is personal and uninterrupted.

Service is formal but not rigid. Each course is explained with precision, and timing is deliberate. The pacing is slow, allowing each dish to stand on its own without distraction.

There’s no background music, no crowd noise, and no room for improvisation. The environment is built to honor the process—every movement, temperature shift, and cut is intentional.

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Chef Masaki Saito’s Background

Chef Masaki Saito was previously the executive chef of Sushi Ginza Onodera in New York, where he earned two Michelin stars—a distinction he brought with him to Toronto.

Trained in Tokyo, Saito specializes in Edomae-style sushi, emphasizing aging, curing, and precision. His philosophy centers on simplicity through technique, letting ingredients speak without interference.

At Sushi Masaki Saito, he prepares every course himself, maintaining direct engagement with each guest throughout the omakase. The experience reflects his personal style—quiet, exacting, and deeply traditional.