J San Sushi & Market — Restaurant in Toronto

Updated review on Mar 23, 2025: After seeing the msg from JSan responding to my previous review, I contacted them to provide the order info to support their investigation. What I’ve experienced in the communication was great customer service from the management (owner?). Not only I received promptly response with very sincere attitude with shared info of how they took care of things (which assured me that they do take the freshness & quality of their food seriously) but also taking very good care of of their customers by offering the store credit to compensate which could be the mishaps from the previous order, and ensure a seamless order when I was ready to use it! After giving it another 2 tries again (in Feb and yesterday), I’m confident to say that their fishes were nice and fresh (my hub and I enjoyed everything from photos with no bad experience!) and the size are also better! So I think it’s fair that I update the review to reflect the latest good experience to share it with other customers One thing I’d hope to see is the consistency of the rice from the nigiri sushi, as it’s more proportional on the fish, but huge on the BBQ Eel as example. I really enjoyed the fresh sushi/sashimi from them and happy to see things are good. I’m looking to order more from them in the future!

*Previous review: This has been our “go-to” sushi take out place the last couple years and we always enjoyed their fresh fishes. The sashimi were in good size, the portion of rice and fish in the sushi were also nicely proportioned . We always build our own box with the price came to $120-150 each time for the orders of sushi/sashimi for just 2 people (and we are not big eaters, so its not cheap for takeout!). Everything’s been until the last few orders especially which we found the size of sashimi shrunk (smaller, thinner), and the rice in the sushi were much bigger, but the fish were smaller. But since we like the freshest of the fishes, we continued to order but the last 2 orders made me really questioning the freshness of their fishes, whether they’ve changes the supplier, or the way the fishes were handled, or they made our order too early before our pickup times and let the orders sat the the shelf… whatever it may be, I got a bad case of diarrhea for 2 days each time after eating their food. Just a note that we always went straight home as soon as we picked up the orders and had them as soon as we got home (also it’s not that we let the food sit around). I guess it’s time for us to find another sushi place that I can enjoy the food without worrying about having stomachache/...

I visited JSan Steeles for the first time on Sunday, February 25, 2025. Since my group was passing near the Markham location, we decided to stop in for a dine-in dinner.

What was supposed to be a quick meal turned into a frustrating wait. Despite being well-staffed, service was extremely slow, with orders taking 45-60 minutes to arrive. Even during a dinner rush, this felt excessive. Since we had already ordered and paid, we had no choice but to wait—but I noticed several walk-in customers leave after hearing the wait time.

That said, the sushi was high quality and consistent with the downtown Toronto location.

However, the slow service and congestion at this location could impact business in the long run.

Here are a few suggestions to improve efficiency…

Ordering Transparency: Display estimated wait times near the entrance to help customers decide before lining up. QR code ordering or UberEats pre-orders could streamline kitchen operations, allowing dine-in customers to order from their phones and receive an order number displayed on a screen. Takeout wait times should also be communicated upfront.

Clear Pickup & Market Area: A designated space for UberEats, Fantuan, and takeout pickups would reduce congestion. Currently, customers browsing the market section must navigate through the order line.

Separate Dine-In & Takeout Prep: A dedicated team for takeout and delivery would ensure dine-in guests aren’t delayed. A notification system for takeout customers (allowing them to wait elsewhere) could also ease in-store crowding.

Rearrange the Market Layout: The fridges for fish and drinks are placed too close to the order line, creating chaotic traffic flow. Relocating them could improve movement within the store.

Provide a Customer Washroom: It’s inconvenient to send customers to neighboring businesses, especially for families, the elderly, or those with urgent needs. Since JSan serves food and drink, a washroom should be accessible for dine-in guests.

I hope this feedback is helpful! JSan offers fantastic food, but the long wait times, disorganization, and lack of amenities could drive customers away. Looking forward to seeing...

I frequently visit Jsan and have introduced many friends to this place. The fish is fresh, but the service seems to decline with every visit.

In early May, my friend and I came here for dinner. They messed up my order and despite the fact that I tipped, I had to pay more to correct their mistake.

Yesterday I came here for dinner and as usual I tipped. I purchased fish from the market section and also from their sashimi a la carte menu. They did not package everything in the same box. First of all, it’s difficult to sit down and eat with all this unnecessary packaging. Second, paying 8 dollars in tips, I think it’s the least they can do.

When I asked them if they could package it together, the associate said it will cost me an extra dollar and also asked why I didn’t say anything earlier. Sure, I will take fault for that, but what is the point of tipping then?

Additionally, I think for this type of establishment, it is common if a customer placed an order and want to add more to the order afterwards. Isn’t that better for business ? Yet the staff was so annoyed with me.

UPDATE- September 05 2025

I’m really disappointed with my order today. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I decided to place an online order before heading to an event. I ordered 6 pieces of torched sushi, 10 pieces of sashimi, 2 miso soups, and 1 sushi rice.

The shrimp in the torched sushi was extremely dry and hard. The sashimi was clearly not fresh.. the color was off, and both the smell and taste were fishy. Chu toro is supposed to be pink, not pale pink or brown. Normally, when I visit, it’s busy and lively. Today, it was empty.

I spent $65 for something not up to the standard I’ve come to expect. I didn’t even finish it. The fishiness was too strong. This used to be my go to place. I am disappointed with how much it has...