Chako Eglinton Barbecue Sushi izakaya — Restaurant in Toronto

A Truly Heartbreaking Experience – Please Read Before You Go

This was supposed to be a special evening. It was our first time at this restaurant, and we were excited to try something new. When we arrived, the receptionist told us about their “premium deal” – $53 for 70 items. It sounded great, and we were eager to experience it. But that excitement quickly turned into regret.

What we weren’t told – and what no one clearly explained – was that if we couldn’t finish the food, we would be charged $5 for every 100 grams left over. No signs, no clear communication, no honest warning. We only found out after we had already placed our order.

We thought, like in most places, if we paid for it, we could take it home. But no – that wasn’t allowed. What broke us even more was how it all unfolded. After we ordered, we started noticing the side glances, the smirks, and the sarcastic comments – “Oh, you think you can finish all this?” That’s when it slowly began to dawn on us: something wasn’t right.

There were only two of us, and once the mountain of food arrived, we realized we’d made a mistake – a mistake we didn’t even know we were making. We tried our best. We really did. Bite after bite, we pushed through, but we just couldn’t finish it all. And then came the moment that truly hurt: a lady – possibly a manager – came over, not with kindness or understanding, but with a harsh tone and cold words: “If you don’t finish, you will be charged.” No empathy. No explanation. Just rudeness.

We were already overwhelmed and embarrassed, and this only made it worse. At that point, we were exhausted, confused, and just wanted to leave. We told ourselves, “It’s fine, we’ll pay a little extra and go.”

But then came the final blow – the bill: $154. Three times what we expected. We were shocked. We sat there in silence, not even sure what to say. What started as an exciting night turned into one of the most humiliating and disheartening experiences we’ve ever had at a restaurant.

This isn’t just about the money. It’s about how we were treated. We didn’t feel like customers. We felt like we were being set up. And it hurt. We’ve been to other Korean and Japanese restaurants before, and we’ve always been met with kindness, grace, and warmth. That’s why this was so shocking. This felt like a place that forgot what hospitality really means.

To the owners: please know that your team’s behavior and lack of honesty created a truly painful experience for us. It’s not about the food. It’s about the way we were made to feel.

To anyone reading this: please be careful. And to the restaurant – please, do better. No one deserves to leave a place...

First off, service was fairly attentive for our first time dining in at Chako's at Eglinton. We dined in the evening with family (4+senior+toddler) during holiday hours, and we were able to be seated right away. Ambiance was nice, and food was decent, although for the price we had paid, we hoped that the menu was a bit more extensive as it says we got 45 items to choose from and it didn't feel like it was enough for 40.99 in my opinion. We chose the classic menu, and they also have a premium menu available as well for about $8 more that included steak and other higher cost items. There were a lot of items on this menu that you needed to order through a QR code, which is nice and easy to use. But, the majority of the items such as drinks and desserts are EXTRA. Please make sure you double, triple, and quadruple check your bills and items that you are having to ensure you stay within your ordering capacity.

Unfortunately, we ended our night with a bad experience tonight. We left after dinner thinking how we ended up spending so much for our small family. We could not wrap our heads around the amount we had just spent and returned back to receive the itemized bill. To our surprise, we were actually charged the premium menu amount, which we didn't NOT ask for, nor got things from that menu. The servers claimed that we had ordered the steak, which wasn't true. We asked them to go through the items on our order list while we were there, and it proved that we did not. So, we had 4 adults that were charged PREMIUM as opposed to classic. That is a HUGE difference, and that was not okay. Had we not gone back, we wouldn't have gotten refunded for our dine in experience (got refunded around $8 per person).

Long story short, The food was okay. We did enjoy the bone-in ribs and the sushi, but wished there was a lot more selection to justify the pricing. (Including desserts) Note: CHECK YOUR RECEIPTS. Save yourself the hassle of finding wrong charges. They do give 10% off for seniors, and discounts for children. Our toddler was 4.99. Also, gratuity IS INCLUDED, so if you hesitate to tip, remember that as well. (Not sure how gratuity should be included for groups, as our group was small).

Not sure if we'll be back here again because of this experience, but we hope it will improve in the future for others' experience! We're glad at least the server was apologetic about our bad experience, and we hope others do not go through...

“$20 bucks set menu is the game changer”“Chako Eglinton BBQ is a popular all-you-can-eat Japanese and Korean BBQ restaurant that brings people together over sizzling grills, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere. Located along Eglinton Avenue, it has become a go-to destination for friends, families, and food lovers who want to enjoy a fun and interactive dining experience. Unlike traditional restaurants, Chako gives you the chance to become the chef at your own table, grilling meats, seafood, and vegetables just the way you like them.

The menu is extensive, offering a wide variety of marinated beef, chicken, pork, and seafood options, along with fresh vegetables, noodles, sushi, and side dishes. Guests can try tender short ribs, spicy pork belly, or savory chicken skewers, and pair them with house-made sauces for a perfect bite. Sushi rolls, miso soup, and classic appetizers like gyoza and tempura add even more variety to the dining experience. With so many options, everyone can find something they love, whether they prefer bold flavors or lighter, healthier choices.

The atmosphere at Chako Eglinton BBQ is lively and welcoming. The restaurant is designed with spacious tables equipped with built-in grills, making it ideal for group gatherings and celebrations. The open and modern interior, combined with the sizzling sound of grills and the aroma of freshly cooked food, creates an energetic yet cozy vibe. It is a place where laughter, conversation, and great food come together naturally.

What makes Chako especially appealing is its focus on freshness and value. The all-you-can-eat format allows guests to enjoy a wide variety of dishes without limits, making it an excellent choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready to assist, whether it’s refilling plates, adjusting the grill, or recommending popular items from the menu.

Overall, Chako Eglinton BBQ offers more than just a meal—it provides an experience. It’s about sharing food, enjoying the process of cooking together, and creating memories around the table. Whether you are a BBQ enthusiast or someone looking to try something new, Chako promises a delicious and enjoyable outing every time. It has rightfully earned its reputation as one of the top spots for interactive...