Touhenboku brings a whole new look (and menu) to the Distillery District

When Touhenboku Ramen announced that it was setting up shop along the cobblestones in the Distillery District, we assumed that the neighbourhood could look forward to a new destination for, well, ramen. As it turns out, there are very few noodles on the menu at the Japanese chain’s third location, which recently opened for business at 42 Gristmill Lane, in the former Café Uno space. The new restaurant has a more sedate, upscale vibe than Touhenboku’s first two outlets, and it’s got an entirely different focus when it comes to food: sushi. Instead of steaming broths, the menu lists a variety of traditional nigiri and sashimi options, plus some fairly elaborate maki, like a unagi roll with shiso, ube and Japanese mountain potatoes. (There’s also an omakase tasting menu for $45.) It’s an intriguing twist, for sure, and a welcome addition to the neighbourhood—though Touhenboku may want to consider redesigning its mascot, which appears to be wearing a bowl of soup as a hat.