Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery image

Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery

Restaurant Japanese restaurant Japanese authentic restaurant

One of the Top rated Japanese authentic restaurants in Old Toronto


Address

105 McCaul St, Toronto, ON M5T 2X4, Canada

Website

www.manpuku.ca

Contact

+1 416-979-6763

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Thursday: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Friday: 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Saturday: 12 to 7:30 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: udon (25) good (21) price (20) Japanese (17) great (17) takoyaki (15) service (15) rice (14) curry (13) ordered (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Angela 1 year ago on Google
    I've been coming here for years and I always get their curry udon. Super affordable prices. This time I got their hotate (scallop) don and it was so delicious. I can't express how much I love this restaurant from the meals, to the staff, to the authenticity. I feared that the restaurant would be impacted by covid but I'm so glad it's still here. Manpuku has such a warm place in my heart. Came here again and ordered the takoyaki and fried onigiri. YUM!!
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin G. 6 months ago on Google • 25 reviews
    The place is insane value for what you’re paying for. I made the mistake of ordering multiple dishes because I thought the cheaper menu items corresponded to smaller portion sizes. I was wrong 😢 each menu item has portions enough for lunch even the $4 items. Not sure if you can get Japanese food anywhere cheaper in the city. The soups and noodles were good but I wasn’t the biggest fan of their takoyaki which was a bit too chewy. In terms of seating, this place was full on a lunch on Wednesday with a small line up. Service was good, it’s a relatively small location with waiters and customers moving around but wasn’t an issue for us. They also sell chocolate and other Asian snacks at the counter.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Xi W. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was great: staff were patient and polite. They were also friendly enough to recommend me popular menu items and offer to make me a smaller portion of their shigure don so I could also try the daily cake without getting overly full. Liked the don as it was very flavorful and satisfying; the daily cake was a cheesecake with a refreshing citrus orangey taste to it though a little too thick. The ambiance is cozy and intimate despite being a little dark. Overall a delightful experience.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rafael S. 6 months ago on Google • 72 reviews
    The food wasn't too tasty. Maybe we didn't order the right things. The vegetarian options were lacking a bit. There weren't a lot of options, and the staff had issues communicating. The prices were pretty good, though. So, if you're looking for something at a very reasonable price, this place is for you. Overall, I wouldn't come back again. I think it's simply not for me.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joanne T. 9 months ago on Google • 11 reviews
    Absolutely love this place! Food is not only super affordable, but also delicious. One can be full for around $10 pp. Takoyaki is the best! This gem is tucked inside the food court at the Grange, so I’m guessing the pricing is for students. I take my children to eat here regardless we are hungry or not because always have room for their tasty food. Totally recommend!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Michelle W. 1 year ago on Google
    Tucked away in a foodcourt across from the AGO/OCAD, Manpuku has always been known as one of the best deals in the city for cheap eats or a quick meal. What I got: - Takoyaki - Tofu Nuggets - Kitsune Udon Final Thoughts: I haven't been to Manpuku in years and I'm quite honestly torn as the price is still unbeatable (the whole meal cost me about $15), but the quality is not what I remember from years ago. I bit into an empty takoyaki and after biting all of them in half I found only 2/6 pieces had any octopus in them. The octopus that was present was so small I almost missed it which was incredibly disappointing. I hope this was just a one-off. The udon is nothing special, but for the price it's a great cheap meal. The tofu nuggets had edamame in them and were topped with a tangy sauce. The server helping me was also incredibly sweet. I'd come back for the price when I'm in need of a quick bite, but if you're looking quality it may be worth spending a little more elsewhere.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jonathan L. 7 months ago on Google • 486 reviews
    We came here as we were in the area and my 7 year old daughter’s friend’s mom recommended this place. We were seated quickly. However, we ran into another friend of my wife’s and she said normally there is a wait to be seated as the eating area is small. We ordered our food and it arrived quickly. I ordered the Curry Udon and it was delicious. My wife and daughter didn’t like their food as much as I enjoyed mine. My daughter ate my udon instead and I finished off her noodles (not sure what my wife ordered for her) and I thought they tasted great as well. My wife ordered a rice bowl and thought it was on the small side. But otherwise, thought the taste was fine. By the time we finished and paid for our meal there was a lineup out the front door. I guess we arrived at a fortuitous time. Overall, we will come back and we will likely all order the same thing I ordered.

  • 5/5 Malena Y. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing value for a light meal, or get a bunch of smaller dishes to share! Everything I’ve tried so far is delicious. Highly recommend the tofu nuggets. Their udon soups are always cooked perfectly and I like how clear and flavourful the broth is. This is a neighbourhood staple and I’m so happy they’re still around!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Hydi N. 7 months ago on Google • 462 reviews
    Noodles is very small portion but is hot, salad in light dressing is tasteless. Don’t order. Tight space and NO baby booster or high chair. Don’t advise kids to come. The staff English is very difficult to understand they one missed my order. So my toddler knocked off the soup and they have no emergency kit or ice. When I asked for another noodle, the waiter would ask IT WILL BE CHARGED, IS IT OK? The noddles came back second time and the noodles texture tasted starchy and it’s not the same as before. Definitely not coming back.

  • 5/5 Brandon C. 9 months ago on Google • 211 reviews
    The value for money here is through the roof. Everything on their menu is very reasonably priced and the food is quite good. I used to come to the Grange to get fast food when I worked in the area but didn't try this restaurant until last week. Staff here are also very friendly and appear to know a lot of customers coming in which really gives it a nice local vibe.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 em j. 6 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    great place with a fairly extensive menu and really quick service!! the udon arrived in about 5 minutes - the waitress told me the takoyaki i ordered might be a bit more of a wait, but it wasn't really, so no issues there. food itself was good, prices are excellent in my opinion!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aisha S. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing service, food and overall experience! Unfortunately they were understaffed that day which caused a short delay in getting seated, but with the small crew they had, they still delivered with quality food and speedy service. The menu is very simple and cheap, but for all the good reasons. We also ordered onigiri for about $4 for two. Almost every udon bowl is under $10 here! Will definitely be coming again to try out all their other udons and rice bowls.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sawa g. 1 year ago on Google
    This places is insanely cheap. I think you can get the cheapest Japanese food here in Toronto. When we went there, the places was packed with people. The food was served fresh and good. If you want a quick bite, this is the place for you.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Em 1 year ago on Google
    I visited a few days ago. Amazing value for the meal! It's a simple, small, no-frills location hidden in a food court. Google Maps guided me to the spot, since there wasn't a sign outside the building! In terms of taste: the rice was perfectly soft and warm, while the meat was generously portioned for the low price. You can't buy a bowl like this for 7$ anywhere else! It's a rather simple but filling meal for those on a budget. I had a green tea Castella as their "daily cake", which also tasted great -- it was soft and not too sweet. The food came quickly and the server came around regularly to check whether we needed a water or tea refill. Would definitely return!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alyssa L. 1 year ago on Google
    Food was pretty good! I liked the udon although the noodles weren’t too great in my opinion (a little bit too hard). The broth was very nice and warm though! Definitely worth the price. Customer service was great as well and staff members were very kind
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley C. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a hidden gem!!! I have been coming to this restaurant regularly since university about 6-7 years ago and still coming back sometime. The price is super affordable and the quality is amazing. Can not get this deal elsewhere in TO. The best udon I have ever eaten so far, everything is mixed well together. The salad, takoyaki, dessert and Japanese snack are awesome and in amazing price too! Customer service is always quick and friendly even when they are super busy! I hope you guys stay forever in Toronto ❤️❤️❤️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anthony X. 7 months ago on Google • 158 reviews
    The food was definitely really great— the most authentic it can get to Japanese food while being in Canada! Such rich and deep flavour. The service is meh. They’re in a rush so I get that they won’t provide the best service but even when they were not in a rush they just gave sluggish vibes unfortunately. I love how they are all Japanese, it adds to the experience and it makes it accessible for Japanese newcomers to Canada 🇯🇵🎌🎌 Also! The atmosphere is really really nice! I love the Japanese art around the restaurant. I just don’t like how it’s tight and in a secluded area…
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Soyeb E. 11 months ago on Google
    this place has a very comfortable and home-y atmosphere inside. the food is really cheap and great for what you pay. service was both friendly and really quick too. i came on a saturday with my friends and it was pretty busy but found a seat quicky.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alex G. 9 months ago on Google
    The dollar goes far here! The value alone is worth it. The food is very good considering the price. I wouldn't come here expecting the best dishes in the world but instead I'd come here for a satisfying meal.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 M H. 10 months ago on Google
    Speedy service and the portion of the orders are generous in comparison to the price was great. I ordered the Tsukimi Udon and Niku Udon. The flavours of the food itself isn’t amazing, it’s missing more umami which results into being a bit bland. For the price, don’t expect it to be the best but it is decent. Food: 7/10 Service: 9/10
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Brandon T. 11 months ago on Google
    A great little spot to grab a quick bite! Manpuku is a simple, easy spot to grab a snack or smaller meal, with quick service and staple japanese eats. We got the clam takoyaki, udon, and hayakshi rice. The udon and takoyaki were good, however the rice was just okay. I am really happy with the value here, with our bill coming to only 24$. Overall, a big recommend for its category of cheap eats!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 seveninabottle 1 year ago on Google
    Hidden gem in downtown Toronto, serves cooked Japanese foods for ridiculously cheap prices. We dined for two ordered 2 main dishes (beef curry udon and beef curry rice), plus we ordered extra sides (tofu nuggets, grilled tuna rice balls) and total came to around 30 cad incl. taxes and tips for two ppl combined. The udon is very springy and the curry flavour in the soup has some depth to it. This place seems to use some MSG as we are thirsty always after visiting, and the sides are sometimes hit or miss but considering the price I would still say it is a must visit! Note: the staff are very friendly, but they are understaffed so expect some delays in service.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 PG 5 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    My favourite place in Toronto. I have lost count of how many times I have been there. The taste, the price, the service all unmatchable. It is usually crowded so expect to wait about 15mins. But totally worth it! My favourite: Shigure don, Takoyaki , takowasa.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roma 1 year ago on Google
    This is a cosy Japanese Noodle hideaway in a food court... Tiny place but delivers big <3 Good portions, Comfort food & reasonable price.. All in all.. A very happy tummy ;) Try whatever you want- everything is good. Be prepared for queuing up during peak hours Tried: 1. Takoyaki (an all time fav) 2. Manpuku Ramen 3. Niku udon (replaced the udon with thin yam noodles)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicki 4 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    A very affordable udon for anyone who just wants appetizing udon to eat on a cold day. Will definitely come back here again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah P. 2 years ago on Google
    Delicious food in good portions and great pricing. In-dining was full so we did take out instead and they brought it to our seating area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Google G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little eatery in the Village by the Grange. It has been established for many years and they have a steady flow of customers the while day. The food is good and very reasonably priced. In a day when most Japanese restaurants are operated by other ethnicities, this one is not. This adds to the authenticity and uniqueness of this place. It is located by the food court but it is not a food stall. Convenient to public transit. #letsguide #covid At this time they have covid protocols: masks, 24 person limit inside, and proof of vaccination.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian 8 months ago on Google
    I ordered the Japanese curry pork with rice. The taste is okay, and the price is affordable. I tried the Soboro Don. I like the taste. It's delicious.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 ちんエミリー(Emily) 1 year ago on Google
    I didn’t know you could get 3 takoyaki & either a salad or soup to add as a combo on to udon or donburi for only $2.50! Don’t make the same mistake as me and pay $4.99 for a regular order of takoyaki. I couldn’t even finish all my food so the combo would have been perfect!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anne Mary P. 1 year ago on Google
    The beef udon was great - they give you a decent amount of meat and the broth is really flavourful. The best part is the price. My coworkers and I came here and got three bowls of udon, takoyaki, and tofu nuggets and it all came out to $33! Such a great value. The service was also great. Would highly recommend this place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Z2 V. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice to see some things have not changed over time. The beef curry rice tastes the same as I remember from a decade ago. Ask for some sriracha to offset the bit too much sweetness. My kid approved and we shared a the bowl. Also ordered the chicken ramen for my kid but decided didn’t want it last minute. The broth was unnaturally sweet and the noodles were gummy. Stick with the tried and true curry and other classics. Tried and true. Expect a bit of a wait as it gets busy and they were understaffed today. My memory is a little unclear but think the prices have not changed much for several years. Pretty amazing. Beef curry on rice is the steady option but remember to ask for sriracha as it runs a bit sweet. They expanded their menu to ramen so tried the chicken but found the broth too sweet and the noodles gummy. Standards are great so looking forward to the next visit. Tip generously as the service is good and considering inflation, the kind waiting staff need a bump.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sophia T. 10 months ago on Google
    price matched quality so can’t complain. but strictly speaking of quality here’s the run down…their chicken ramen is my least favourite version i’ve tried…the broth is sweet? while the portion is well worth your money, i couldn’t bring myself to finish it…sweet broth is just not something that should exist. the takoyaki was edible but it was so mushy…and there was no distinguishable filling. and finally the onigiri was mostly rice…do not get it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sarah 3 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    A hidden resto with seriously cheap Japanese eats! Kitsune Udon: - broth was decently sweet - noodles were smooth and chewy, although a bit too firm for my preference - tofu pouch was lovely (same as on inari sushi), perhaps a little too sweet when paired with the broth - fish cakes were nice and bouncy Overall for under $7, it is a worthwhile light meal. With a fairly extensive menu, there are many Japanese bowls and snacks to try!

  • 5/5 Lily 1 year ago on Google
    I have been here years ago and I am so happy to see that the food is STILL affordable and delicious! My partner and I ate for $16 before tip. He had natto rice, which was surprisingly good. I was a bit skeptical trying some of the natto, but I honestly liked it. I’m unsure if it’s because I’m used to eating things with a “strong flavour profile,” or if natto isn’t as bad as it is portrayed. The beef curry udon was AMAZING! The curry was rich and I felt so cozy. The beef that came along with the curry udon was so tender that it melted in my mouth. The portion size was good for the price, and most of the appetizers were less than $5 if you were still hungry. Service was quick and our server was kind. It’s fairly busy at dinner so you might have to wait a bit, but it’s worth it! Thank you Manpuku for keeping your prices relatively the same all these years, and making delicious and affordable food!

  • 5/5 Christopher C. 2 years ago on Google
    Really tasty and bang-for-your-buck. Definitely coming back :)

  • 5/5 Cindy 2 years ago on Google
    visited this spot multiple times and always consistent quality. really affordable prices and good portions. the udon dishes & takoyaki are what i highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Rachel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Our go-to budget friendly meal! It’s so hard to come by these kinds of prices downtown Toronto. Good quality food for an amazing price. I mean obviously it’s nothing crazy fancy, but the udons/ rices are filling and it tastes good! My fave is the kitsune udon because I love tofu skins and fish cakes as well as a simple shoyu broth. My fiancés favourite is the manpuku ramen. We also really love their tofu nuggets and takowasa :)

  • 4/5 Zoe L. 7 months ago on Google
    Hormone soba🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️(so delicious Mozuku🙆🏻‍♀️(first trying. Challenging taste but not bad Beyond expectations. Though to be some average taste, but turns to be super delicious, on point ——————— Hotate rice🙅🏻‍♀️(more like scallop egg omelette, dry over done type. Wired seasoning, a really pungent vinegar smell? nikujaga😐(little meat lots potato. Don’t like the thicken starchy sauce Hayashi rice 🙆🏻‍♀️(heartening. Got balance of tomato and meat soup Natto curry 🙅🏻‍♀️(tasteless, dry. Not a fan of natto flavour, weird Soboro don 😐 Pork hormone soba😐(the seasoning is a bit different from the beef version? too peppery. Chawanmushi😐(sloppy presentation Ochatsuke tofu 🙆🏻‍♀️(didn’t really get the tea flavour, more a seasoned soup?

  • 3/5 Barry I. 7 months ago on Google
    Small Japanese restaurant, good for quick bite, very affordable price, food is so-so, noodle is soaky, takoyaki couldn't taste of octopus, you get what you pay for, nothing unreasonable, overall rating is acceptable

  • 4/5 T. 2 years ago on Google
    Solid hidden gem with affordable and tasty Japanese eats. Simple food, great prices, and efficient service. I tried the kake udon and made it a combo for $3 which included your choices of 2 sides: a soup, salad, or 3 pieces of takoyaki. My order mid-afternoon was ready in 15 minutes. There's a nice earthy savoury flavour to the udon broth. It's a simple and humble dish that was filling and warming. The salad was fresh and takoyaki was hot, though it was quite soft and had a small piece of octopus inside.

  • 5/5 Felicia Shane E. 1 year ago on Google
    Go to spot back when I was in college because it’s close by, delicious, and affordable! Always recommend this place to everyone visiting Toronto🫶🏼so so good for the value!! The servers are also very nice and attentive, and the place is relatively clean despite being part of the Grange foodcourt.

  • 5/5 Ren A. 2 years ago on Google
    A must try if you come to Toronto. My favourite dish here is the Japanese chicken curry don. The staff are really friendly.

  • 4/5 Eliz W. 9 months ago on Google
    Great tasting food and value! We got the hormone yakisoba, negitama gyudon, and yakionigiri. Only downside is that there wasn't much filling in the onigiri. Everything was about $17. They seem super busy during lunch hour so it's probably best to get there early before the rush.

  • 5/5 Bored K. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good Japanese food!! Their prices are very low too, I was pleasantly surprised to see that my total was under $15. If you're looking for a yummy dinner out on a budget, this is the place.

  • 4/5 Tia K. 2 years ago on Google
    We sat down and waited an hour for our food. Either they were really busy (but it didn't seem like that) or they forgot. We mentioned it to the server and our food came out shortly after. Great food though and very cheap.


Call +1 416-979-6763 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Healthy options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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