Saku Edward

Saku Edward

22 Edward st, Toronto, ON M5G 1C9

(647)438-8503

sakukatsu.com

Over all: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Having been a long-time enthusiast of Japanese Curry Katsu, I was eager to try Saku, a Vancouver-based Japanese eatery that has recently brought its concept to Toronto. My visit revealed a restaurant that excels in execution and offers a unique, upscale casual dining experience.

Saku's dining room presents a clean, minimalist aesthetic, featuring light wood panels and modern light fixtures that create a bright and welcoming space. The seating is thoughtfully arranged, offering a mixture of options from a communal table to traditional seating for twos and fours, and even solo dining seating—a detail that is genuinely appreciated.

The staff were friendly, helpful, and professional, maintaining a polished look with clean uniforms. The overall feeling is that of an upscale casual eatery, a vibe that works well despite the somewhat cafeteria-style service flow. This unique difference is ultimately appreciated.

Chicken Katsu (8/10)

The menu offers a focused selection of pork, chicken, and seafood Katsu. I opted for the Chicken Katsu and was pleased to learn that the accompanying miso soup and salad are refillable, adding great value to the meal.

The presentation was excellent and well-managed.

The Setup: Steamed rice, a generous piece of golden-brown chicken katsu, shaved white cabbage, pickles, and the curry sauce served separately in a gravy boat.

The chicken itself was tender, juicy, and delicious. The crispy panko breading was firm and held together perfectly, never falling apart. The curry sauce was velvety smooth, well-balanced, and delicious.

While the dish was overall a great experience, as someone used to the type of Katsu Curries that include a medley of vegetables (onions, peppers, potatoes, and mushrooms), the neutral flavour profile of Saku's version left me wanting a bit more complexity in the sauce itself. This is totally a personal preference based on a different style I'm used to.

Saku has clearly focused on quality ingredients and precise technique, delivering a truly delicious katsu with a perfectly executed texture. The environment is comfortable, and the staff are excellent. Though the curry style was different from my personal preference for a vegetable-filled sauce, the quality of the meat and the panko is top-tier. I am definitely looking forward to returning to try their Seafood Katsu next time!