Affinity Fish — Restaurant in Toronto

Food: 5 Stars Service: 5 Stars Ambience: 5 Stars Sanitary: 5 Stars Overall: 5 Stars

Note: Complimentary Invite

Absolutely blown away by our experience at Affinity Fish! We came in for the Affinity Fish x Mizunara Japanese Tasting event and weren’t quite sure what to expect—but it ended up being one of the most memorable meals we’ve had in Toronto.

The evening featured an omakase-style tasting, and from start to finish, every dish was beautifully executed and packed with incredible flavour. The quality of the fish was genuinely surprising—fresh, delicate, and handled with obvious care and expertise. You can really tell that Affinity Fish is dedicated to showcasing the best of what Canadian waters have to offer, and they do it with respect and precision.

The open kitchen concept was a fantastic touch. It made the experience feel more intimate and engaging. You get to watch the chefs in action, and it adds a level of transparency and trust that really elevated the evening. One detail that stood out to us was the fish fridge—it's at the same level as the kitchen and clearly visible, which is not only practical but also shows the thoughtfulness behind their approach to fish aging and preparation.

The ambience was warm and inviting, with a modern yet minimal design that lets the food and interaction shine. While the chairs weren’t the most comfortable for a long dinner, everything else about the space made up for it. It felt like a cross between a high-end tasting bar and a neighbourhood gem—cool but unpretentious.

Jon and Matt, the co-founders and chef duo, were outstanding. Their passion and talent came through in every course, and they were generous with their time, sharing insights about each dish and their sourcing philosophy. It made the experience feel not only special but also personal.

We also loved browsing the local goods available for purchase—sauces, drinks, and other curated items that reflect the same care and quality as the food. It’s a nice bonus to be able to take a little piece of the experience home with you.

All in all, Affinity Fish is doing something truly unique and exciting. We can’t wait to come back and see what they do next. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a standout dining experience in Toronto.

xx...

When you step into Affinity Fish, you'll immediately notice that it's not your average fishmonger. The soothing and minimalist design of the store gives off a restaurant-like vibe, making you feel more like you're stepping into a chic dining spot rather than a place to buy fish. But don't be fooled by the appearance – you're definitely in the right place to get some of the best sustainable freshwater fish in town.

One of the most unique features of this fishmonger is the stone-topped bar that runs through the entire room length. It's here that Klip and Taylor work their magic, expertly preparing the day's catch for purchase or turning it into mouth-watering dishes for their weekend omakase experiences.

Affinity Fish is committed to sourcing local and sustainable seafood from the Great Lakes and establishing direct relationships with Indigenous fisherfolk. You can taste the difference in the quality of their fish, thanks to the traditional Japanese ikejime method they use. The fish is firmer, more flavorful, and has a longer shelf life, making it the perfect choice for any seafood lover.

The selection of fish available at Affinity Fish is awe-inspiring. There's something for everyone, from lake trout and smallmouth bass to walleye, pickerel, whitefish, and even burbot. I went for the pre-marinated filets in the standing fridges near the entrance, which made for a delicious and easy dinner at home. And don't forget to pick up some of their carefully selected sauces and miso to complete your meal – they know how to pair their fish with the perfect condiments.

In a city like Toronto, it's rare to find a vendor as dedicated to quality, sustainability, and tradition as Affinity Fish. Not only are they changing how we think about and consume seafood, but they're also creating a unique dining experience that's unlike anything else in the city. If you're a seafood lover looking for an exceptional and memorable experience, Affinity Fish is the...

Affinity Fish is an interesting shop which acts as both a fish monger and a restaurant! This dinner course is from the Lake Huron sushi omakase event by fishmongers and chefs Jon Kip & Matt Taylor. It focuses heavily on the Lake Huron fishery, which could include Southampton Ontario up on the Bruce peninsula, kettle pont close to Grand Bend, or the north channel at the top of Lake Huron on Manitoulin Island. Unlike traditional sushi, freshwater fish from Ontario will be used instead of saltwater fish – an interesting experience involving different preparation methods, such as dry aging and smoking, to serve freshwater fish raw.

The process of ikejime is used so that the fish could be aged without smelling and tasting foul. This method allows the fish to be aged while hanging in dry, cold air – like a cut of beef – without rotting.

Overall, I do prefer the traditional saltwater fish sushi. However, freshwater fish sushi was an interesting experience, and I don’t think I could find this elsewhere; if you’re a sushi lover, then you should try this place at least once, especially if you like the taste of saltiness, smokiness and sourness. My only complaint with this course is that the sushi pieces were a bit too small for me, and the rice didn’t stick together all that well. Aside from that, I...