Four Japanese brands opening their first Toronto location

Japanese brands are coming to Toronto in droves, and it means that the city is being treated to some truly world class food. New restaurants for udon, tempura, ramen, sushi and more will be opening up soon, so get ready to dig in.

Marugame

Japanese noodles and tempura are the specialty of this restaurant brand that was first established in Japan back in 2000. They serve traditional Sanuki udon and tempura, and noodles are made daily. The brand has over 800 restaurants around the world, and should be opening at 494 Yonge St. in December.⁠

Kajiken

This Michelin-recommended chain specializes in abura soba with homemade noodles, a signature secret sauce and customizable toppings. They’re known for toppings like minced pork, pork belly and roast beef, and should be opening in North York in October.

The brand’s history stretches back to 2010, when the first Kajiken was establishedin Fukue, Showa-ku Nagova in Japarby Kenichi Kaji. They now operate over 100 stores worldwide.

Machida Shoten

This restaurant for Yokohama Iekei ramen should be opening in Toronto around November. The style of ramen is known for its medium-thick noodles and a creamy broth that blends pork bone broth, chicken bone broth and soy sauce.

The brand was founded in 2008 in Japan, and now operates hundreds of locations in Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and the U.S.

Katsuya

Locations of this Japanese restaurant in California are a hit with celebrities, and now they’re gearing up to open a Toronto location.

Set to open around 2028, the Toronto location of Katsuya will measure 10,000 square feet and will be located on the second floor of a new hotel and residential project at Adelaide and Duncan.