Yokai Izakaya Menu Taste of Japanese Fusion in Vaughan
The Yokai Izakaya menu presents modern Japanese food with creative global influences. It focuses on shareable plates, grilled skewers, raw seafood, rice, noodles, desserts, sake and cocktails. The restaurant combines traditional izakaya dining with an energetic and modern atmosphere.
Popular dishes include chicken karaage, Wagyu sliders, spicy crab fried rice and Saikyo miso black cod. Like the PorchYYC Menu, the selection offers several satisfying options for different tastes. Guests can also order oysters, salmon tartare, yaki udon, steak frites and Japanese-inspired desserts, with prices generally ranging from CA$7 to CA$38.
What Is Yokai Izakaya Menu?
The Yokai Izakaya menu offers modern Japanese food made for sharing with friends and family. It includes small bites, grilled skewers, raw seafood, rice, noodles and signature dishes. Popular choices include chicken karaage, Wagyu sliders, yaki udon and spicy crab fried rice.
The menu also features oysters, salmon tartare, miso black cod and Japanese-inspired desserts. Guests can enjoy sake, cocktails, Japanese whisky, beer and other refreshing beverages. Its creative flavours and attractive presentation make it ideal for brunch, dinner and celebrations.
Who Owns Yokai Izakaya?
Chris Nguyen and Tony Tran are identified as the owners of Yokai Izakaya. Chef Rob Yu helped develop its contemporary Japanese menu using ideas inspired by Japan and other cuisines.
| Restaurant detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owners | Chris Nguyen and Tony Tran |
| Chef associated with the concept | Rob Yu |
| Cuisine | Contemporary Japanese and Asian |
| Dining style | Casual izakaya dining |
| Average price | Approximately CA$30 per person or more |
Location and Contact Information
Yokai Izakaya is located near Vaughan Mills and the intersection of Highway 400 and Rutherford Road. The restaurant provides public parking, indoor seating, counter seating and seasonal patio dining.
| Location detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 3175 Rutherford Road, Unit 28 |
| City | Vaughan, Ontario |
| Postal code | L4K 5Y6 |
| Nearest major roads | Highway 400 and Rutherford Road |
| Parking | Public parking lot |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible premises |
| Reservations | Online or by phone |
Groups of more than six people should contact the restaurant directly. An 18% service charge may apply to groups of six or more.
Opening and Closing Hours
The restaurant serves dinner every day and opens earlier for brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Weekend dinner service continues until midnight.
| Day | Opening time | Closing time | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 5:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| Tuesday | 5:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| Wednesday | 5:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| Thursday | 5:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| Friday | 5:00 p.m. | 12:00 a.m. | Dinner |
| Saturday | 10:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Brunch |
| Saturday | 5:00 p.m. | 12:00 a.m. | Dinner |
| Sunday | 10:00 a.m. | 3:00 p.m. | Brunch |
| Sunday | 5:00 p.m. | 11:00 p.m. | Dinner |
Opening times may change during holidays, special events or private functions. Customers should contact the restaurant before making a long journey.
Delivery and Takeout Hours
Yokai Izakaya offers takeout, but the restaurant does not publish separate fixed delivery hours. Its old Uber Eats listing is marked unavailable, so customers should check the latest local availability before ordering.
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Dine-in | Available during restaurant hours |
| Takeout | Available; confirm by telephone |
| Uber Eats | Listed as unavailable |
| Other delivery platforms | Check using the delivery address |
| Recommended order method | Call (647) 930-2623 |
When third-party delivery is available, its operating hours may be shorter than the restaurant’s dining hours. Availability can depend on the delivery address, menu stock and the number of active drivers.
Small-Bite Items
Small bites are ideal for sharing before the main meal. This section includes light vegetables, salads and crispy chicken dishes.
| Small-bite item | Price |
|---|---|
| Shio Butter Edamame | CA$7 |
| Heirloom Potato Salad | CA$7 |
| Sweet Corn Croquette | CA$10 |
| Broccolini Gomaae | CA$11 |
| Crispy Ume Brussels Sprouts | CA$12 |
| Japanese Pickle Salad | CA$13 |
| Mentaiko Caesar Salad | CA$14 |
| Chicken Karaage | CA$14 |
| Truffle Mushroom Poutine | CA$15 |
Skewer Items
The skewer menu features vegetables, seafood and meats cooked with Japanese seasonings. Most orders include two skewers, while the platter includes six.
| Skewer item | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| King Oyster Mushrooms | 2 skewers | CA$12 |
| Koji Pork Belly | 2 skewers | CA$14 |
| Soy Ginger Chicken | 2 skewers | CA$15 |
| AAA Flank Steak | 2 skewers | CA$16 |
| Negi Shio Scallop | 2 skewers | CA$18 |
| Skewer Platter | 6 skewers | CA$34 |
Signature Items
Signature dishes combine Japanese ingredients with modern cooking techniques. These larger plates work well as main courses or shared dishes.
| Signature item | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Godzilla Tails | 4 pieces | CA$18 |
| Wagyu Sliders | 3 pieces | CA$20 |
| Yokai 7-Spice Rib Set | Half rack | CA$28 |
| Saikyo Miso Black Cod | One serving | CA$29 |
| Tokyo Steak Frites | 7-ounce steak | CA$38 |
Raw-Bar Items
The raw bar offers oysters, tartare, crudo and creative seafood dishes. It is a suitable section for diners who enjoy fresh and lightly prepared seafood.
| Raw-bar item | Quantity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hamachi Crudo | One serving | CA$18 |
| Salmon Tartare | One serving | CA$18 |
| Spicy Tuna Tostada | 3 pieces | CA$18 |
| East or West Coast Oysters | 6 pieces | CA$21 |
| Yokai Signature Maki | 8 pieces | CA$22 |
| Lobster and Shrimp Tacos | 3 pieces | CA$22 |
| Hibachi Wagyu Beef | One serving | CA$23 |
| East or West Coast Oysters | 12 pieces | CA$38 |
Rice and Noodle Items
The rice and noodle section provides filling choices for lunch or dinner. The dishes feature pork, beef, seafood and rich Japanese sauces.
| Rice or noodle item | Price |
|---|---|
| Yaki Udon | CA$17 |
| Ebi Nori Risotto | CA$22 |
| Stone Bowl Gyudon | CA$23 |
| Spicy Crab Fried Rice | CA$24 |
Dessert Items
Desserts offer a sweet finish after the savoury dishes. Guests can choose a simple seasonal ice cream or a more creative Japanese-inspired cake.
| Dessert item | Price |
|---|---|
| Seasonal Ice Cream | CA$7 |
| Matcha Cheesecake | CA$10 |
| Tokyo Banana Cake | CA$13 |
Special Items
Yokai Izakaya occasionally introduces special dishes alongside its regular menu. Availability can change according to the season or restaurant promotion.
| Special item | Price |
|---|---|
| Yokai Fried Calamari | CA$18 |
| Crispy Chicken Nanban Tacos | CA$18 |
Customer Reviews
Customers often praise Yokai Izakaya for its creative Japanese dishes, attractive presentation and lively setting. However, individual experiences can differ during busy dining hours.
| Reviewer name | Rating | Review summary |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony G | 5/5 | Enjoyed the chicken karaage, Wagyu sliders, yaki udon, corn croquettes and Tokyo banana cake. |
| Riyah M | 3/5 | Praised the food quality and portions but felt that the dining experience was rushed. |
| Andrew T | 5/5 | Appreciated the attentive service, stylish interior and well-presented Japanese dishes. |
| Samantha L | 4/5 | Liked the energetic atmosphere, cocktails and shareable food selection. |
| Michael C | 5/5 | Praised the fresh seafood, bold flavours and friendly restaurant team. |
What Makes Yokai Izakaya Famous?
Yokai Izakaya is famous for its dramatic Japanese-inspired interior, creative food and lively nightlife atmosphere. Its décor includes kitsune masks, dark lighting and supernatural themes inspired by yōkai, mysterious creatures found in Japanese folklore.
The restaurant was also recognised as one of Toronto Life’s Best New Restaurants of 2023. Its Japanese fusion dishes, artistic cocktails, weekend brunch and shareable menu attract couples, groups and birthday parties.
Conclusion
The Yokai Izakaya menu provides a modern version of Japanese izakaya dining in Vaughan. It offers small plates, seafood, skewers, Wagyu dishes, noodles, rice, desserts and a broad drink selection.
Its creative presentation, unusual décor and lively atmosphere help it stand apart from standard Japanese restaurants. Guests should reserve ahead on busy evenings and confirm takeout or delivery availability before ordering.
