Kissa Tanto

Kissa Tanto occupies the upper floor of an old building on East Pender Street in Chinatown, and the climb up the stairs is part of its appeal. The restaurant describes itself as tucked into the upper storey of a delightfully faded building, and the room inside takes its cue from the jazz cafés of 1960s Tokyo, with white mosaic floors, antique Japanese panels, steel-coloured walls and walls of art and photographs. It holds a Michelin star in the 2026 Michelin Guide Canada, and the guide also lists it among the city's best places for a date night.

The menu brings together the delicate flavours of Japan and Italian cooking. Dishes change, but recent menus have included fish crudo, an octopus salad, charcoal udon and an organic half chicken, with a pork chop and a whole fried fish at market price. The Michelin Guide has highlighted hand-cut tajarin with butter, miso-cured egg yolk and parmesan, regional produce such as roasted and fried celeriac in an onion and mushroom dashi, and a version of tiramisu with a tofu filling soaked in plum wine.

For a fuller experience there is an omakase, devised by the chef, that draws on the à la carte menu and adds dishes that are not on it. Groups of five or six are offered the Quintessential Omakase. Corkage is available, with a limit of two bottles per reservation, and outside food is not permitted.

Kissa Tanto opens on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5:30pm to 11pm and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30pm to midnight. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Reservations for parties of up to six are made through Tock and open 30 days in advance at midnight, so set a reminder if you have a particular date in mind. Changes to bookings are also made on Tock.

The restaurant suits couples and small groups looking for a stylish evening, and the late opening at weekends makes it a good last stop. Gift cards are sold in person and online. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, also in Chinatown, makes a good daytime visit before an evening here.