Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery, Toronto

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  • Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery

    Review by Don Ellis
    Last Updated: July 11,2008 10:32:55 am
    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.
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    13 Reader Reviews

    1. Gail Greene's Review :: August 28, 2008
    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.

    Gail Greene's Rating: 3 Stars
    2. John Chang's Review :: August 26, 2008
    No need to cross the pond to get some authentic Chinese street food. Hands down the best Ramon ever!!!

    John Chang's Rating: 4 Stars
    3. Leslie Chung's Review :: August 21, 2008
    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.


    Leslie Chung's Rating: 3 Stars
    4. Stan Selley's Review :: August 5, 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!

    Stan Selley's Rating: 4 Stars
    5. Raycine Bryer's Review :: August 4, 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.


    Raycine Bryer's Rating: 2 Stars
    6. Trey Ferguson's Review :: August 3, 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?

    Trey Ferguson's Rating: 3 Stars
    7. Marlene Bouley'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. :)

    Marlene Bouley's Rating: 4 Stars
    8. Dan Schellman'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.

    Dan Schellman's Rating: 3 Stars
    9. Andre Yeu's Review :: July 14, 2008
    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.

    Andre Yeu's Rating: 4 Stars
    10. Caroline Chang'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

    Caroline Chang's Rating: 3 Stars
    Click here to view all 13 reviews
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    Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery

    Address

    105 McCaul Street, Toronto, ON

    Phone

    416-979-6763

    Area

    Downtown

    Cuisine

    Japanese

    Venue

    Restaurant

    Hours

    Mon - Wed 10-8 pm
    Thurs - Fri 10 - 11
    Sat 11 - 11

    Price

    $ (budget)

    Payment

    Debit
    Visa
    Cash
    Restaurant

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