Sara Toronto: Japanese Small Plates on Portland

Sara Toronto is the newest edition to King and Portland’s fine dining scene (Gusto 101, Lee, Oretta). It’s the Food Dudes’ more refined sister restaurant to their grittier Rasa concept. Located in a two-story Victorian house, the 2400 sq ft space was totally gutted and transformed into a bright and airy dining experience.

**The 2nd floor dining room at Sara Toronto**

Sara Toronto: Design

Skip up the stairs to the King West restaurant’s second floor and you’ll find a tucked away bar and dining room sitting under a domed ceiling. If you’re hard of hearing or looking to talk to those at your table clearly, be sure to book a table on the main floor as the sound is much more subdued.

I love Sara Toronto’s crisp and clean aesthetic, which was designed by the team at ODAMI. Walls are minimalist white, accented by green potted plants, soft leather turquoise banquettes, and warm wooden chairs. Tabletops are custom white marble featuring wavy edges and an inlaid box made specifically for stowing cell phones. A rather subtle and ingenious way for the kitchen to hint that diners should focus on their meal rather than upping their screen time.

Enjoy a thrill on Sara Toronto's Japanese toilets — **Enjoy a thrill on Sara Toronto’s Japanese toilets**

Sara Toronto: Attention to Detail

The restaurant’s luxe prices are paired with stellar attention to detail. Servers are outfitted in uniforms by local designer Mary Young. The grey on pink on white combo pairs perfectly with Sara Toronto’s interior design elements. Air purifiers offer a quiet hum, eliminating the pollution from outside. Sara also has her own signature scent, crafted by local essential oil experts Murphy & Jo.

Our two favourite service moments offer a hat tip to Sara Toronto’s Japanese inspired menu. After drinks are served at the table, a ceremonial rolled oshibori towel is placed at the table. The sweetly scented, steaming hot towel offers a refreshing cleanse on a cold winters day. When nature calls, step downstairs and you’ll find a choir of bathrooms outfitted with fancy Japanese toilets. Indulge your fanny in the thrill of a shower and blow dry to complete Sara’s immersive cultural experience.

Sara Toronto Bar

Sara’s drinks menu shares a distinct preference for vodka and gin. Four signature cocktails are described by their aromas and flavours and offer suggested pairings with top shelf vodka and gin bottles. You’ll also find a petite list of bottled craft beers and upscale consignment wines. If you’re looking to enjoy an impromptu dinner and the place is packed, hop up on one of the bars soft pink stools. Bartenders are chatty and it’s a perfect perch to people watch.

Sara Toronto Menu

Executive Chef Davin Shearer and Chef de Cuisine Mary Dinh have crafted a globally inspired small plates menu, which sing a sweet song to Japan. The luxe priced menu is organized by small dishes, dumplings, and Japanese charcoal grilling.

Several of Sara Toronto’s dishes like the Wagyu Reuben ($18), Pork Dumplings ($13) and Chicken Yakitori ($18) offer a quick bite to be shared between just two people. If you’re looking for a light tasting we’d suggest ordering four dishes between a party of two. If you’re starving (and just won the lottery) you’ll likely want to order four dishes per person as plate portions are petite.