There’s a side street in Yorkville that most people walk straight past. It’s called Old York Lane, tucked beside Kasa Moto at 115 Yorkville Avenue, and if you turn down it and climb a narrow flight of stairs, you’ll find yourself somewhere that feels considerably less like Toronto and significantly more like a rooftop vacation you didn’t know you needed.
That’s the thing about Kasa Moto. It has been quietly reigning over Yorkville’s dining scene since 2015. A two-story contemporary Japanese restaurant and a lounge that features a rooftop terrace that makes other patios feel apologetic.
The space was recently reimagined with bold new design bones. A sweeping pink quartzite bar anchors one end, Shou Sugi Ban charred-wood soffits line the ceiling, and a Douglas Fir pergola filters sunlight into ever-shifting shadows as the afternoon rolls into evening. The effect is somewhere between a Tokyo penthouse and a European piazza, and it works magnificently.
The Menu
The menu is izakaya at its heart. Meaning you’re encouraged to graze, share, and order more than you planned. Kick off with the Hamachi Crudo (yuzu ponzu, tomato salsa, and serrano) or the Wagyu Carpaccio with wasabi aioli and parmesan. From the robata grill, the short-rib beef skewers with smoked Maldon and yuzu kosho disappear fast.
The signature Miso Black Cod in sake beurre blanc with ikura is the dish this kitchen is quietly famous for. The Wagyu Skirt Steak with yakiniku ($56) is exactly as exceptional as Yorkville prices suggest it should be.
Sushi devotees will want to start with the house Kasa Moto Roll: spicy scallop, Fogo Island shrimp, tobiko, and yuzu aioli. From there, the soft-shell crab maki or the Wagyu maki with dashi tamago and ume mayo are both worth the extra round. The Omakase handroll platter (6 pieces, $55) is the move if you can’t decide.
The cocktail list is just as considered. The Sake Sangria in a one-litre format has become something of a Kasa Moto rite of passage, made with spiced rum, Cointreau, Izumi sake, and an armful of citrus. If you’re keeping it lower-key, order the Permanent Vacation. Mezcal, Malibu, passionfruit, and lime. Summer in a coupe.
Rooftop Experience
On weekends, the rooftop experience stretches across the whole afternoon. Brunch runs from noon to 3 p.m., with all-you-can-enjoy food and beverage packages starting at $99 per person.
That hands off to Japanese High Tea from 2–5pm ($95 for two), which arrives with a large-format Sakura Kiss cocktail, Wagyu sliders, shrimp toast, and a selection of maki and nigiri. On Friday and Saturday nights, Kasa After Dark takes the terrace through to close with a mini martini flight and a late-night menu for $50 per person.
The dress code is upscale casual. No shorts after 5pm and no athletic wear. The restaurant politely asks that you treat this rooftop with the respect it deserves. The view from up here absolutely demands it.
The Need To Know Details
- Address: 115 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1C1
- Hours: Mon–Fri: 5pm–Close
- Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 12–3pm
- Japanese High Tea (Weekends): 2–5pm
- Kasa After Dark (Fri & Sat): 10pm–Close
- Phone: 647-477-0423
- Website: kasamoto.ca
- Reservations: Strongly recommended via website or SevenRooms
- Price Range: Upscale
- Dress Code: Upscale Casual—no shorts after 5pm, no athletic wear or flip-flops
- Instagram: @kasa_moto
