Hapa the latest Vancouver izakaya to migrate eastward
Yet more evidence that 2012 truly is the year of the Vancouver Japanese import: Hapa Izakaya announced yesterday that it will open a Toronto location this August, taking over Coco Lezzone’s old Little Italy digs. This follows on the heels, of course, of Guu’s triumphant Toronto takeover of 2009 and Kingyo’s announcement earlier this year of plans for an eastward expansion. Vancouver expatriates inform the Dish that Hapa takes a cue from, say, Earl’s or Joey—at least with respect to waitress-hiring practices and décor—and has a slightly less adventurous menu than Kingyo (in other words, it’ll probably fit in well on College Street). Indeed, it describes itself as “offering a winning combination of a sexy room, excellent service, outstanding Japanese tapas, cocktails and sake.” Still to come in this year’s spate of non-sushi Japanese imports: Nejibee, an izakaya, and Santouka, a ramen shop, which are both outposts of chains from Japan, as well as Raijin, a ramen bar from the owners of Kintaro and Motomachi Shokudo in Vancouver. Phew.
Hapa Izakaya, 602 College St., hapaizakaya.com
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Yet more evidence that 2012 truly is the year of the Vancouver Japanese import: Hapa Izakaya announced yesterday that it will open a Toronto location this August, taking over Coco Lezzone’s old Little Italy digs. This follows on the heels, of course, of Guu’s triumphant Toronto takeover of 2009 and Kingyo’s announcement earlier this year of plans for an eastward expansion. Vancouver expatriates inform the Dish that Hapa takes a cue from, say, Earl’s or Joey—at least with respect to waitress-hiring practices and décor—and has a slightly less adventurous menu than Kingyo (in other words, it’ll probably fit in well on College Street). Indeed, it describes itself as “offering a winning combination of a sexy room, excellent service, outstanding Japanese tapas, cocktails and sake.” Still to come in this year’s spate of non-sushi Japanese imports: Nejibee, an izakaya, and Santouka, a ramen shop, which are both outposts of chains from Japan, as well as Raijin, a ramen bar from the owners of Kintaro and Motomachi Shokudo in Vancouver. Phew.
Hapa Izakaya, 602 College St., hapaizakaya.com ){kind=link}
finally coco lezzone is closed………….party time.
Guu and Fin need the competition, so they can step their service game up. I have been to Hapa`s Vancouver location on Robson St, and I have to say that it was one of the highlights of my trip. Can’t wait for Hapa to open up in Toronto.
Apparently, the crew opening up this place is the same hot management team from Hapa Robson in Vancouver. In other words, it’s going to be great food and drinks served by some of the finest hotties in TO.
small amount of food(taste like crap)+ terrible service.
give me a break! whats the big deal. i have been to both and both suck and will never go back again. Give me a nice soju bar with awesome korean ahnju over izakayas anytime!!!
Wow, here is our first Toronto hater. (You know it’s inevitable, it’s Toronto.)
Hey Steve, when did you try their small amount of food when the place hasn’t opened yet? How about giving it a shot, ONCE IT’S OPEN, than giving your opinion.
FIIINNNAAALLLYY!!!
steve is mad cause coco lezzone is closed…steve loves the over coooked pasta and burnt pizza from sysco boxes. steve wishes he was a food critic. steve is a frustrated line cook from coco lezzone. i decided.
Dear Frankie Rodriguez
On behalf of all Torono Life readers may we say thankyou for the promotional writeups and best of luck with Hapa. While we see no reason to get excited about bar food we wish you only the greatest of successes.
Love TL
Dear Mila Stuffenberg
Um… you’re welcome? There are a few people that we left out. On behalf of all Toronto Life readers we should also thank iisnochef (who posted on July 10, 2012 at 2:26 pm), Paolo (who posted July 10, 2012 at 5:17 pm), and 604to647 (who posted July 10, 2012 at 8:26 pm). I know he posted some bad energy, but we can’t forget about steveik (who posted on July 10, 2012 at 5:33 pm).
Thanks for sharing the positive energy, Mila Stuffenberg. I too wish them well.
Love TL
Been to Sansotei twice. It’s not bad, unassuming decor, limited seating. All Japanese staff from what I experienced. First time had the Tonkatsu pork belly ramen and enjoyed it. Second time tried the Miso, not as good as the first time but still okay, close to the real deal. Both times were for dins and waited 30-40 minutes. Staff was okay but not outstanding service. I’d give it 6.5/10.
Been to Kinton twice too. Had the Shoyu and Miso ramen on with pork shoulder on separate occasions. Enjoyed it very much. All Japanese staff and closer to the real thing. Staff was great, friendly and attentive. I’d give it an 8/10.
Went to Hapa Izakaya on College. Very mediocre experience. Not nearly authentic Japanese, far from it. Sexily clad Asian girls of all nationalities, some native Japanese speakers. Most staff seemed new to serving and were more there for eye candy, which is a shame. A lot of the menu was not Japanese, more fusion with kimchi making an appearance. More of a trendy nightclubbish style eatery than an Izakaya. Shouldn’t be called an Izakaya.
Food was so-so. I give it a 5/10.
For much better, closer to the real thing try Fin Izakaya or even Guu.
Itadakimasu!