Assortment of Alcoholic Beverages Displayed on the Bar
(L-R) Red Sake Sangria ($7.45), Takara Plum Wine ($9.30 for 4oz), Virgin Sangria ($5.50)
Another restaurant to add to my mental list of restaurants that carry Takara Plum Wine! Additionally the Red Sake Sangria and the Virgin Sangria taste pretty much the same except the Red Sake Sangria has a small taste of sake, though not quite apparent. This makes the sangria for those who dislike the taste of alcohol but enjoy a couple drinks (but quite dangerous for those who are drinking quite a few as they may not realize!).
Japa-Burger ジャパバーガー ($8.80)
Nomé’s original homemade sliders made with sliced rib eye meat and topped with tomato, spring mix, onion, smokey bbq sauce and garlic seasoning
The Japa-Burger was pretty good, though I feel the buns took a little away from the dish as it was cold and the proportion of bread overpowered the patty. The sliders would be greatly benefited if a different bun was used and/or if the buns were placed on the grill. Otherwise, a pretty homemade-like slider.
The Tuna Tango (Maguro Tataki) マグロのタタキ ($9.80)
lightly seared tuna with ground daikon, shallot chips and Nomé’s original ponzu sauce
Great for seared tuna lovers! The toppings provided a tasty change in texture and the ponzu sauce enhances the flavour of the seared tuna.
Marinated Black Cod (Gindara No Yuan Yaki) 銀鱈の幽庵焼き ($9.80)
black cod marinated with citrus soy sauce
Your standard black cod served at any izakaya joint. The black cod was buttery, though arrived slightly on the colder side. Good dish, but nothing out of the ordinary.
Baked Oysters (Kakimayo) かきのクリームソースやき ($9.30)
oven baked oyster with spinach cream sauce (4pcs)
Buttery, buttery, buttery creamy goodness. Your traditional cheesy baked oyster - no extra bells or whistles. Although spinach cream sauce, the spinach taste was not extremely apparent. Personally, I would have preferred if they added more cheese. The oysters arrived warm, though not really hot (since they are baked). For those who have been to Guu, the 4 individual oysters here are approximately the same amount or less than the 2 baked oysters that Guu provides.
Buttered Scallop & Shrimpホタテとえびのバター焼き ($8.80)
baked scallop and shrimp, simmered in garlic butter
Similar to the last few dishes, nothing extremely out of the ordinary. The Buttered Scallop & Shrimp provide exactly what the menu describes. Butter-simmered scallops and shrimp with crunchy chips on top.
Korean Style Beef Sashimi - TarTar (Yuké) ユッケ($8.70)
thinly sliced beef sashimi and fresh egg yolk with a Korean style soy sauce dressing.
My favourite dish of the night and the most unique of the dishes ordered. The tartare was fresh and with onions/garlic mixed in. Loved the fact they provided lots of tartare but did not provide enough crackers for the amount they provided. Luckily I used the Creamy Mentai Crispy Potato Chips (next) to eat with the rest of the tartare or ate the tartare alone.
Creamy Mentai (Crispy) Potato クリーミー明太じゃが ($5.80)
pan fried thinly sliced potatoes with reduced creamy cod roe.
The Creamy Mentai Crispy Potatoes took quite some time to arrive. Since the word "Creamy" was in the name I was expecting it to be a lot creamier than it actually was. Would have liked a little more cream and a less oil to be the perfect dish for me.
Marinated Short Rib カルビ ($9.30)
"arguably Toronto’s BEST marinated beef short ribs immersed in our secret blend of spices"
Menu claims that the Marinated Short Rib is 'arguably Toronto's BEST marinated beef short ribs' and I would argue otherwise. Although tender and juicy the short ribs came cold and for those who prefer their beef medium rare, the short ribs came out more on the rare side. Although they were good, I would say I've had the same quality elsewhere.
Overall, Nome Izakaya is a great izakaya joint for those who live in North York/Markham who do not wish to travel downtown to satisfy their Japanese Tapa cravings. The food is the typical Japanese tapa standard - but nothing extremely unique. I found a lot of the food arrived on the colder side though. The staff are super friendly and the environment is great. I would definitely return with friends or go for a birthday (though the location isn't super large) and perhaps try some of their sushi items (I saw a few pass by that looked interesting). Food is on the pricier side for tapas (by a few bucks) and the portions are great for sharing though the typical tapa portions. Great for weekends out with your friends due to their extensive drinks menu.
Nomé Izakaya
4848 Yonge Street
Toronto, M2N5N2
647.347.7937
