Rooftop TONO by Akira Back in Toronto

TONO by Akira Back: Nikkei cuisine on the roof of the W Toronto

On the 9th floor, between Yorkville and Yonge Street

The W Toronto stands on Bloor Street East, a few steps from the intersection of Yonge and Bloor, on the edge of the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood. Its 9th floor, formerly occupied by the Skylight restaurant, is now home to TONO: a dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, a sculptural sushi bar at its centre and a floral installation hanging like a cloud beneath the industrial ceiling. Outside, an open-air terrace laid out as a lounge looks out over the lights of Bloor Street and the downtown towers.

Japan and Peru on the plate

The menu is Nikkei, the fusion of Japanese techniques and Peruvian flavours: fish ceviche with aji amarillo leche de tigre, wagyu or tuna tartare, crispy rice with spicy tuna, “dynamite” shrimp and A5 wagyu seared on a hot stone. The cocktails draw on the same repertoire, with sake, pisco, tea or yuzu, most of them between CA$23 and CA$33; a few alcohol-free creations are around CA$16 to CA$17. For groups of 15 to 20 people, set menus range from CA$95 to CA$180 per person, and the restaurant can be booked privately for dinners or parties.

Practical information

Open every evening from 5pm, until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. The glass-walled dining room offers the view in every season; the open-air terrace depends on the weather. Online booking recommended. A smart casual dress code is requested. Phone: +1 416 920 6500. Allow CA$23 to CA$33 per cocktail, plus taxes and tip. Subway: Bloor-Yonge station (Lines 1 and 2), a few minutes' walk away.