I was visiting Toronto for an event one afternoon and felt like eating something light for lunch. Luckily, I noticed this restaurant across from me and went to check it out. This was exactly what I needed. Hana Don specializes in chirashi bowls or “sushi bowls.” They have a variety of chirashi bowls to offer and I wish I could’ve tried all of them. I went with the Large Premium Fuji Don and I also ordered a seaweed salad. The sashimi was high grade quality and the rice was fantastic. It also had uni and eel, both of which made the bowl premium as well. I also ordered a seaweed salad which was delightful. The meal also came with miso soup which was comforting and tasty.
But what made my experience at Hana Don even better was not just the amazing food, but the service as well! My waitress, Rachel, was the best. She was kind, helpful, and just a joy to talk with. She actually taught me how to properly drink miso soup and explained that the traditional Japanese way is to drink it from the bowl and not with a spoon (which is how I always drank it). She was also always diligent to see if I needed refills on my water and hot tea and had a great balance of checking in on me to see how I was doing while giving me space to enjoy my food. What was also impressive about Rachel was that she was able to handle multiple tables while maintaining a good composure. And she was able to do all of this while still very friendly!
When I come back to Toronto, I hope I can come back to enjoy good food and have Rachel be my waitress again! Thank...
Read moreI had the chance to dine at Hana Don in Downtown Toronto, and it was a delightful experience that highlighted freshness, quality, and attention to detail.
The restaurant itself has a clean, modern design with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy a casual lunch or a more special dinner outing.
The star of the visit was undoubtedly the donburi. The sashimi selection was beautifully presented with a wide variety of premium cuts, including salmon, tuna, snapper, and more, each piece fresh, tender, and bursting with natural flavor. The bowl also featured delicacies like uni, shrimp, tamago, and even baby octopus, all thoughtfully arranged to create a vibrant and visually appealing dish. Every bite spoke to the restaurant’s commitment to quality seafood.
The miso soup that accompanied the meal was light yet flavorful, a perfect warm start before the donburi. Service was friendly and attentive, ensuring the overall dining experience was smooth and pleasant.
What stood out most was not just the freshness of the ingredients but also the balance of textures and flavors—the creamy uni, delicate fish, and perfectly seasoned rice worked together in harmony.
For anyone who loves Japanese cuisine, especially donburi, Hana Don is a gem in Toronto. It offers an authentic taste of Japan with generous portions, fresh seafood, and a welcoming dining space. A must-visit spot for sashimi lovers...
Read moreToday I was celebrating one of my friends career milestones at Hana Don when she almost drank a piece of glass. We reported it immediately to our server and she took the piece of glass away. This is the first time something like this happened to us so I didn’t think of taking a photo for evidence. I asked for an apology and free meal since my friend could have ended up in the ER on what was supposed to be a great day for her. The server was very kind and understanding and helped us contact the store manager. However the store manager refused to apologize or offer a free meal. I was very disappointed at their attitude and told them I would write an honest google review about their behaviour if they don’t try to make things right. The server kept going back and forth between us but the store manager refused to take any sort of responsibility. So I took pictures and recorded part of our conversation (with the consent of the server) in Mandarin. I also took a picture of my bill to prove I did dine in and wrote a small note about what happened today (also under supervision of the server). I am overall very upset at this experience and I don’t recommend anyone to dine here due to their poor attitude towards a potentially life threatening mistake.
Edit: I have left my number with them but to this day I have yet to receive a formal apology phone call or any compensation. I would expect something more than a short google...
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