Page 61 - 02_March-2025

Best
Japanese
2.
Dorinku Tokyo
Every time we walk into Dorinku Tokyo,
we physically feel fully immersed in
another (cooler) world, where a corner
of Whyte Avenue teleports you to a
street in Anywhere, Japan.
Basically, Dorinku is a dimly lit, wood-
decor-based feast for the eyes as much
as it’s a rich and flavourful adventure for
the mouth (the bathroom bidets leave
quite an impression, too).
Its ramen rules, its tataki tantalizes
and its crispy Chicken Karaage crunches
just right. The four-foot Tokyo Bridge of
daily pressed sushi is one of the funnest
dishes in the city to order with friends.
And I will never do a Dorinku review with-
out imploring you to purchase a jar of its
Shaka Shaka Fries (also fun!) seasoning
to put on your homecooked eggs. – C.S.
10205 82 AVE. NW
780-988-9760
TOKYO.DORINKU.CA
1.
Kobachi
We’ve covered Sherwood Park’s Kobachi online before. But this
is the first time it’s appeared in the pages of our Best Restaurants
issue, after our judges raved about it being the best Japanese in
(or around) town.
There was a time when most sushi in Edmonton was found in
chain restaurants, which meant it was flashy and full of colour...
but lacking flavour and less than fresh. Kobachi’s website,
conversely, says “diners will no longer find colourful-filled rolls
with sky-scraping toppings” under the heading “Clean. Honest.
Simple.”
And that’s what you get in this charmingly small Sherwood
Park spot, with its laminated list of fresh sushi options (the
Salmon Roe and Engawa were our favourites). You fill it out with a
Sharpie and present it to your server, who passes it on to the chef
beaming with pride in the open kitchen, ready to make his next
simple-but-succulent creation. – C.S.
#125 200 FESTIVAL LANE, SHERWOOD PARK
780-570-5858
KOBACHI.CA
3.
Japonais
I just won the restaurant seating lottery:
I’m next to a couple on their first date,
and I’ve got all the time in the world to
eavesdrop while brainstorming my review.
Japonais Bistro is the spot for these
moments — effortlessly sleek and stylish,
sushi that’s as artful as it is delicious,
and just the right vibe for impressing
someone without looking like you’re
trying too hard. While they stumble
through small talk on their love of
sashimi, I’m already in a committed rela-
tionship with the Spicy Mango Prawns.
Japonais nails it — the food and the free
entertainment. – A.M.
11806 JASPER AVE.
6138 CURRENTS DR. NW
780-760-1616
JAPONAISBISTRO.CA
PHOTO CURTIS TRENT
Edify
Loves
A new spot opens, the buzz is out there, and the lineups are long. But, what about a place that still has long lines
years after the grand opening has come and gone? That’s the case at Tokiwa. Come around noon, and chances are
you’ll need to leave your name at the door… and wait. The ramen is that good. – S.S.
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