Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery — Restaurant in Toronto

Manpuku is unfortunately past its heyday. Food quality seems to have been cut drastically in order to maintain their exceptionally low (and probably unprofitable in current economy?) prices.

Curry don was served with watery, largely flavorless curry. Chawanmushi had little seafood and no detectable shiitake, contrary to the menu (maybe hasn't been updated?)

Seating can be quite packed during heavy traffic hours - which, due to being in close proximity to a few colleges (OCAD, UofT, TMU, etc.) is most of the regular meal hours - and is not at all pleasant. Tables are simply placed too close to each other in an attempt to maximize the seating availability of their limited space. Ventilation is quite poor; not sure if A/C is missing like other reviews said or if they're relying on the mall A/C. Lighting is also too dark. Service is decent, but it seems easy to be ignored and forgotten in one of the corners during heavy traffic hours if you are not proactive in requesting service.

Only pro for the current Manpuku is its prices, which I understand they have maintained exceptionally low since their inception. It's true that you will be hard pressed to find another filling meal that includes a main and a side for $18 including taxes elsewhere in Toronto.

The bottom line: Does it taste good, like old reviews say? No. Does it taste completely terrible? Also, no. Could you cook a better meal yourself at the same price? As always, yes.

So, why bother with this place? Only if you want a cheap filling Japanese-style meal that tastes somewhat decent and don't want to cook yourself. I recommend sticking to takeout only to skip the tips and not having to pack yourself into a can of sardines for a subpar dining experience. Again, in the current economy, you get what you pay for (that is, no amazing food for...

I went out with my friends during lunch after one of them recommended me to try this place. The place does cater to a lot of students and causal diners owing to its proximity to OCAD university and University of Toronto. It is located inside the food court.

Food (5/5): I ordered the niku udon and takoyaki while others ordered the kitsune udon, and curry don. In terms of quality, the food was surprisingly good and tasty for the very low price that you pay with regards to the portion you pay. It's very hard to find a place that offers decent quality food at low prices

Cost ($): I think this is the biggest factor in why I liked the place. You get delicious food while paying at very affordable prices that you normally see at fast food restaurants or at places that sell cheap but lower quality food. This makes enjoying side dishes more worthwhile. I liked the idea of noddle refill and how it is really cheap (only $1.50) just in case you want more. Definitely, a good option for students who are tired of eating on places on campus (they are normally not even that good to being with) and want something that is affordable yet good quality. (score of 5/5 with regards to cost)

Service and ambiance (5/5): The service was excellent. The servers did a good service, telling us how the food was, and how long the food would take. The place does cater to a lot of students although it has a bar where single diners can sit.

Overall (5/5): Overall I think it you are looking for a quick eat at affordable prices without resorting to fast food restaurants while still having good quality, I would recommend this place, especially for students going out in groups for lunch owing to it catering to students a lot. Probably one of the more underrated places and a good hole in the wall spot...

Honestly, the only redeeming factor for this place is the price. I had high hopes considering the reviews but was left so disappointed and unsatisfied. We ordered two udons, takoyaki, nikujyaga and the imo mochi and the total was $40 after tax and 15% tip. However, that’s where the good ends. The service was slow - normally forgiven if the place is busy but people came in after us, got all their food and left before we even got our last dish. We had to remind the waitresses several times. Even though we had ordered the same dishes as everyone surrounding us, ours came last. Sat down at 6, ordered at around 6:15, imo mochi and nigujyaka arrived at 6:45, udon at 7:10 and takoyaki at 7:25. The udon, while comforting and nice in the cold, was overcooked and nothing special. The soup was very thin for a curry udon and the only indication that this was a curry udon was the colour as I could not taste it. They were also out of beef so any dishes we ordered that had beef were exchanged for pork - not a big deal and doesn’t impact the overall experience much but mentioning it to be fair. The imo mochi was decent, nice crispy exterior and mochi texture with pieces of potato inside but bland and served with ketchup mayo on the side. Nikujyaka was probably the best tasting dish overall, sweet, savoury and comforting but a little heavy on the sweet side. Takoyaki was the worst. Super doughy, had like one micro piece of octopus in it and mushy. It was the worst takoyaki I’ve ever had and I ended up spitting it out because I could not eat it. Unless I am broke and in the area, I will not return nor recommend to others. Maybe they had a bad day considering all the positive reviews but in my opinion, you get what you pay for. You would probably be better off choosing other food...