Tatsuro's — Restaurant in Toronto

Disclaimer alert: super long review.

I have been on the hunt for good Chicken and Waffles for a year now and I have tried 40+ CW places in the World, including US, Canada, Japan, Korea, Belgium, Sweden, German, UK, Vietnam, etc. So my preferences might be different than yours.

I really like the creativity here with the moffles! It's very well done, and it doesn't yell "try-hard" like some of the "creations" that I've tried. It was a pleasant surprise from the chewiness on top of the crunch combined with the softness. It reminded me of a Vietnamese snack called "Banh day", and the way my grandma and mom made it was different, we pan-fried them a bit to get the crunchy texture on top of the chewiness. I was also impressed when you said you mixed the mochi and waffle batters together, cause the moffles weren't dry since mochi tends to dry out quickly. To me, you absolutely nailed the texture. I like the moffles on their own and I also like the sake syrup, it definitely satisfies people with sweet-tooth (especially western). I truly believe even with only half the amount of syrups, it should be enough! And another thing is sometimes people tend to pour too much syrups on their waffles, and when they become soogy, they are inedible to me cause it will lose it crunch and fall apart so easy (but the mochi might glue them together?).

The chicken to me was very well seasoned. It's simple and to the point but you can definitely tell it's seasoned. There were places that I went to, I could only taste the dough and nothing else (not even salt). I like the fact that they was Karaage, cause the coating was a light flavorful layer and not overpower the chicken. I hate it when restaurants tried to trick you with a thick piece of batter with little to no meat in it... Maybe thanks to the thin layer, the chicken was cooked through and still moist and tender. I have encountered uncooked chicken with burnt batters before as well, this was an extreme case but it did happen to one of the household names. Also, maybe the thinly sliced chicken help, the pieces were nicely sized. Like I said, the chicken was great on it own even without the sauce. But others might say otherwise.

And absolutely love the salad instead of the traditional coleslaw to add freshness, and geared toward the health-junkies and weightwatchers!

A good CW to me needs to have both the CW on the same level or close. A 10 chicken would not save a 5 waffle and vice versa. I'd rather have them both to be 7, and they might compliment each other to become an 8 overall.

A number rating system is definitely broken since the number would change over time the more C&W I tried. However, If I set the first CW I tried, since my CW tour, as standard, this would be above standard. I would happily pay $25+tax for this. (In comparison, might reference was priced at $32 due to its portion size; however, I would not pay that price but maybe $29 at best. Or the best one I got in NA was in Chicago, it was priced at 16 USD, I would happily pay 26USD for that).

Overall, this CW ranked quite high on my list!

I also really enjoyed the services, the experiences, and the ambiance there! The cooks are really passionate and serious about their dishes. Super friendly and attentive staffs as well! This place deserves all the praise and attentions...

Tatsuro’s is a true hidden gem in Leslieville that I can’t stop thinking about. This cozy spot blends Italian and Japanese flavors in the most delicious ways, and after having tried nearly everything on their menu, I can confidently say it’s one of the best spots in the neighbourhood.

If you haven’t tried the karaage moffle or the wafu carbonara, you’re missing out. Both are standout dishes that are worth every bite. But if I had to pick my personal favourites, it’s the breakfast sandwich and the pomodoro. There’s something so simple yet completely magical about them—proof that you don’t need to overcomplicate a dish to make it unforgettable. Who knew you could make simple food so tasty! It makes me want to learn how to be a better cook!

I recently tried their creme brûlée french toast, and while I’m not usually one for sweets, it left me speechless. It’s a french toast turned up to 100, with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that you simply can’t find elsewhere. Trust me, if you're even remotely a fan of French toast, this is the one to beat.

They’ve also started selling their house-made shokupan, which I can’t recommend enough. It’s amazing on its own, but when you turn it into a sandwich, you’ll wonder why every sandwich isn’t made with bread this good. Grab a loaf to take home—you won’t regret it.

What truly sets Tatsuro's apart, though, is the vibe. The service is incredibly warm and personal—our server actually knows my name and my drink order by now, which is a nice touch when you frequent a place. Everyone seems to genuinely enjoy working there, which shows in the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. I’ve spent hours just reading and working over a coffee and a meal, and it feels like sitting in a friend’s kitchen. Plus, the music they play is always on point—it’s the perfect background to a laid-back meal. And even when I’m in a rush and stopping by for takeout, they manage to get my order out fast without sacrificing quality. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel at home, no matter how you choose to experience it.

I really hope this spot stays a local treasure for a little longer before the word gets out too much, but if you're in the area, do yourself a favour and check it out.

Tatsuro’s is a place you don’t...

We were in the area and decided to check out this new Japanese-inspired brunch spot - and wow, what a gem! The interior design is both welcoming and simple, beautifully suited to the surrounding community. It strikes that perfect balance of minimalism and warmth, which immediately puts you at ease.

As someone who loves the taste of Japanese curry but often finds the dish too heavy, I was genuinely impressed by their signature curry bolognese. It delivered all the rich, comforting flavour I was craving, without feeling overwhelming. The pasta was portioned just right, cooked al dente, and generously topped with meat and other thoughtful add-ons - nothing felt skimpy.

The real star for us, though, was the karaage moffle. It exceeded my (already high) expectations, and my partner and I ended up ordering an extra side of karaage because it was that good. So if I had to nitpick one thing, it’s that I wish the moffle dish included just one more piece of karaage!

Price-wise, everything felt fair and reflective of other restaurants in the area.

Bonus points for the extremely clean and inviting washrooms, and for the friendly, attentive staff (and lovely owner) who really made the experience feel 5-star from start to finish.

Will...