Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery, Toronto

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  • Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery, Toronto

    Don Ellis | Last Updated: July 11,2008 10:32:55 am
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    With its adrenaline-fueled bustle and sophistication on a shoestring, Manpuku is the embodiment of a hip little eatery for people who love to eat on the cheap. Indeed, rampaging Japanese cuteness, quality fare and a glut of good taste have invaded Village by the Grange, and I hate it.

    No disrespect to the restaurant – Manpuku is a damn fine little spot. I hate that I am now forced back to the hideous Village by the Grange, a Geritol-ish little clump of budget stores without a whit of style. For over a decade, I managed to navigate my life without having to enter the land of beige. But here I am, once again enjoying a big gulp of vulgarity.

    Manpuku is worth the trip. Besides being ridiculously cute, this is not your typical Japanese restaurant. You won't find sushi, saki or tempura on the menu. But you will be treated to bubbly service and a cheap Japanese-style meal that departs from the common sushi and tempura roster.

    The key to the success of this “modern Japanese eatery” seems to be the warm ambiance and plenty of cheap plates. The crowd on a recent Friday night was manageable. But in general, it’s loud, it’s crowded, and unless you score a seat at the U-shaped bar, you’ll be shoveled into a back-breakingly hard chair.

    The restaurant is modestly sized. Walls are hung with simple Japanese prints. A U-shaped bar faces the open kitchen, adding an air of liveliness. Pop by for lunch or dinner, and the place is alive with the chatter of a loyal clientele, most of the crowd young and Japanese, and the scent and sight of steaming platters of "home-cooked" food. Amid the hustle, a pair of young Queen Street types whispered to each other about how glad they were that they walked in.

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    AT A GLANCE
    Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery
    105 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON
    416-979-6763
    Japanese
    Downtown
    Venue:
    Restaurant
    Hours:
    Mon - Wed 10-8 pm
    Thurs - Fri 10 - 11
    Sat 11 - 11

    Price Range:
    $ (budget)
    Payment:
    Debit, Visa, Cash
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA
    Go

    26 Reader Reviews

    The next time you've spent too much time ogling travel magazines, come to Manpuku to soothe your wanderlust. It's the next best thing to a flight to Tokyo.

    1. Gregg Ng's Review :: February 21, 2009
    Gregg Ng's Rating: 4 Stars
    I really, really love this place. In a neighborhood where family businesses are fading this place is much needed. Down the street from the AGO, L's has a warm and inviting atmosphere. This place is great for reading a book or doing a little studying, the staff is always warm and the Udon is always great.

    2. Linda Colavita's Review :: October 23, 2008
    Linda Colavita's Rating: 4 Stars
    This place is a great lunch spot for something slightly (quite) a bit formal/upscale without breaking the bank or waiting forever for a table.

    3. Tarri Howard's Review :: October 21, 2008
    Tarri Howard's Rating: 4 Stars
    Tonight was my first time at Manpuku. I've had pho a few times, and the whole giant bowl of noodles, fatty meat, and broth doesn't really satisfy my dinner needs. Just isn't doing it for me. But I could definitely see wanting some more Ramen from here on a cold winter's night.

    4. Jane C's Review :: October 16, 2008
    Jane C's Rating: 2 Stars
    Good, quick lunch spot. The noodle dishes are really great, actually. Service was quick, but not necessarily personal. Parking can be a bit of a trick, as this place is quite busy during weekday lunches.

    5. Gail Greene's Review :: August 28, 2008
    Gail Greene's Rating: 3 Stars
    No need to cross the pond to get some authentic Chinese street food. Hands down the best Ramon ever!!!

    6. John Chang's Review :: August 26, 2008
    John Chang's Rating: 4 Stars
    This place is fun and I'd say, a less formal dinner.

    I went here when I was in high school with a bunch of friends and they kind of gave us a cold shoulder because we were young. The hostess was a biatch, get a new attitude or get fired! The food didn't disappoint though.


    7. Leslie Chung's Review :: August 21, 2008
    Leslie Chung's Rating: 3 Stars
    Nice little feel-good joint. You want flair trucked in from Walmart, go to Starbucks...and please, leave our 'hood. Why is this place rated so highly? Fun, hospitality and originality evidently go a long way, unfortunately it seems like values like these are sadly lost to some of our 905 refugees.

    We love you Manpuko and everything your super-cuteness stands for!

    8. Anonymous's Review :: August 05, 2008
    Nice little feel-good joint. You want flair trucked in from Walmart, go to Starbucks...and please, leave our 'hood. Why is this place rated so highly? Fun, hospitality and originality evidently go a long way, unfortunately it seems like values like these are sadly lost to some of our 905 refugees.

    We love you Manpuko and everything your super-cuteness stands for!

    9. Stan Selley's Review :: August 05, 2008
    Stan Selley's Rating: 4 Stars
    I don't know why everybody loves this place so much. pot dishes are mediocre taste, and I can barely even remember the sides. Wait in line for hours and dress up for this? Not to mention the price. If I had spent $20 on dinner I would probably think it is great, but when I dressing up to eat, bribing the host, and blowing a wad on the food I expect it to be great.


    10. Anonymous's Review :: August 04, 2008
    I don't know why everybody loves this place so much. pot dishes are mediocre taste, and I can barely even remember the sides. Wait in line for hours and dress up for this? Not to mention the price. If I had spent $20 on dinner I would probably think it is great, but when I dressing up to eat, bribing the host, and blowing a wad on the food I expect it to be great.


    11. Raycine Bryer's Review :: August 04, 2008
    Raycine Bryer's Rating: 2 Stars
    Yeah, the service here can be maddening, but it's one of the few places in the neighbourhood where you can eat and drink decently in a noisy/friendly environment with fun music without feeling like you're helping put the finishing touches on the gentrification of Queen & Ma McCaul. I guess that's an endorsement?

    12. Anonymous's Review :: August 03, 2008
    Yeah, the service here can be maddening, but it's one of the few places in the neighbourhood where you can eat and drink decently in a noisy/friendly environment with fun music without feeling like you're helping put the finishing touches on the gentrification of Queen & Ma McCaul. I guess that's an endorsement?

    13. Trey Ferguson's Review :: August 03, 2008
    Trey Ferguson's Rating: 3 Stars
    I saw all these raving reviews on this place in MBO, so thought I had to try at least once.

    I LOVE this place! The restaurant has great atmosphere, staff are very fun and upbeat, AND the udon!!! I'll definitely go back there to try more different things. :)

    14. Anonymous's Review :: July 19, 2008
    I saw all these raving reviews on this place in MBO, so thought I had to try at least once.

    I LOVE this place! The restaurant has great atmosphere, staff are very fun and upbeat, AND the udon!!! I'll definitely go back there to try more different things. :)

    15. Marlene Bouley's Review :: July 19, 2008
    Marlene Bouley's Rating: 4 Stars
    Visited a few times now, and each time the food has been consistently average and satisfying. Kitchen in full view and a rowdy crowd provides a pleasant setting for the typical menu selections. Service is a little spotty sometimes. Street parking.

    16. Anonymous's Review :: July 15, 2008
    Visited a few times now, and each time the food has been consistently average and satisfying. Kitchen in full view and a rowdy crowd provides a pleasant setting for the typical menu selections. Service is a little spotty sometimes. Street parking.

    17. Dan Schellman's Review :: July 15, 2008
    Dan Schellman's Rating: 3 Stars
    Dinner for 2 without alcoholic beverages came to $35 after tip (appetizers, mains, and desserts). What a steal! This Japanese eatery is the real deal. We went on Saturday at around 5:30pm and it was fairly quiet so service was quick.

    18. Andre Yeu's Review :: July 14, 2008
    Andre Yeu's Rating: 4 Stars
    The take out is the best! Takoyaki and beef udon are my favourite! It's really good, really cheap and it can feed my husband and I. They Really hook it up over there! Also if that's not your thing, there's other rice bowls

    19. Anonymous's Review :: July 13, 2008
    The take out is the best! Takoyaki and beef udon are my favourite! It's really good, really cheap and it can feed my husband and I. They Really hook it up over there! Also if that's not your thing, there's other rice bowls

    20. Caroline Chang's Review :: July 13, 2008
    Caroline Chang's Rating: 3 Stars
    OK, This restaurant is in a weird location (McCaul mall)! but it still has a fun atmosphere and the bowls there is to die for. We drive an hour out of the way to eat at this restaurant. They have some crazy delicious special udons that are out of this world!

    21. Anonymous's Review :: July 11, 2008
    Any recent brunch visits?
    Am having lunch there soon and was curious about dislikes or likes on this menu.
    Thanks

    22. Anonymous's Review :: July 11, 2008
    The noodle bowls at Manpuku are great, but you should warn your guests off of the brown rice from here because it's not good. Wierd, since everything else is great.

    23. Anonymous's Review :: July 11, 2008
    OK, This restaurant is in a weird location (McCaul mall)! but it still has a fun atmosphere and the bowls there is to die for. We drive an hour out of the way to eat at this restaurant. They have some crazy delicious special udons that are out of this world!

    24. Rachel Howe's Review :: July 11, 2008
    Rachel Howe's Rating: 4 Stars
    Any recent brunch visits?
    Am having lunch there soon and was curious about dislikes or likes on this menu.
    Thanks

    25. Brenday Lowe's Review :: July 11, 2008
    Brenday Lowe's Rating: 4 Stars
    The noodle bowls at Manpuku are great, but you should warn your guests off of the brown rice from here because it's not good. Wierd, since everything else is great.

    26. Stan Ng's Review :: July 11, 2008
    Stan Ng's Rating: 2 Stars
    Click here to view all 17 reviews

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