Boku

Name: Boku
Address: 42 Gristmill Ln, Toronto, ON, Canada, M5A 3C4
Telephone: (416) 368-8686
Price range: CAN$30 and under
Rating: 4

4.0

96 Reviews

CAN$30 and under

Pan-Asian

Top tags:

Boku hopes to become the go-to spot for anyone looking for value and good food and drink in the East End. We are the Asian snack bar in the Distillery District providing share plates, rice bowls, noodles, cocktails and local beers in a chill, non-pretentious atmosphere.

We reserve the right to give away unused tables if your party has not arrived within 15mins of the reservation time. Just give us a call, let us know!

For reservations 6ppl or more, please call us or email us at info@bokudistillery.com.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

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Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Pan-Asian, Tapas / Small Plates, Asian
Hours of Operation
Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(416) 368-8686
Website
http://www.bokudistillery.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Catering
Please contact us at info@bokunoodlebar.com for more details.
Private party facilities
Please contact us at info@bokunoodlebar.com for more details.
Private party contact
Zuimei: (416) 368-8686

Location
42 Gristmill Ln, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Neighbourhood
Distillery District
Cross Street
Parliament St. & Mill St.
Parking Details
Green P city parking is available within the Distillery District
Public Transit
504 King St streetcar. King and Parliament.
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gyoza (4 pc)$5.00
pork and vegetable dumplings, sesame ponzu
Takoyaki (4 pc)$5.00
fried octopus fritters, tonkatsu sauce, kewpie mayo, shaved bonito, ao nori
Edamame$5.00
steamed, lightly salted
Chicken Karaage$9.75
japanese fried chicken, house tartar sauce
Wakame Salad$6.00
seaweed salad, tomato ponzu
Roasted Mushroom Salad$10.00
medley of mushrooms, winter greens, balsamic, shaved almond
Koji Salmon Brandade$8.00
koji salmon potato spread, crostini, daikon sprouts

Large Plates

Braised Beef Udon Stir Fry$18.00
braised beef short rib, broccoli, cherry tomato, naga negi, sesame, shaved egg yolk
Chicken Shio Ramen$16.00
chicken chashu, arugula, baby bok choy, baby turnip, menma, sesame
Miso Ramen$16.50
pork broth, pork belly chashu, sweetcorn, menma, king oyster mushroom, black garlic oil
Tan Tan Men Ramen$16.50
spicy pork broth, seasonal vegetables, sweetcorn, green onion
Miso Eggplant Donburi$15.00
miso marinated eggplant, spicy tofu ragout, green onion, garlic chips, sesame, rice
Mushroom Ramen$16.00
kombu dashi, garlic oil, enoki and shiitake mushroom, sake braised shimeji mushroom

Sweet Plates

Brioche Bread Pudding$7.50
vanilla ice cream, miso dulce de leche
Milk and Sweetcorn Panna Cotta$7.50
sweet milk panna cotta, milk snow, corn espuma, caramel popcorn

What 96 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.0

4 based on all time ratings

3.9Food
4.1Service
4.2Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Quiet

202 Reviews

s
steponme
Toronto
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on February 21, 2020
overall4food3service4ambience4
Great service, but I found the price to be high for what you get.
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CK
ColetteK
Toronto
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 16, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience4
Reserved table for 8 adults. Ready on arrival. Great ambiance. Drinks were very good and all our dishes were truly delicious. A couple of the portion sizes for the mains were not substantial enough for adult male appetites. Server was friendly and eager to serve but was not particularly on the ball. I think because of our party size we ended up at the raised table which meant we were sitting on bar stools all evening. I will request a grouping of regular tables next time I go. EVERYONE IN OUR PARTY SAID THEY WILL DEFINITELY BE RETURNING.
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AS
AnkushS
Toronto
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great experience overall. Divulged in a prefix menu for valentine's day with the girlfriend. Very wholesome selections, with genuine asian cuisine. Service was great as well.
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JM
JenniferM
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 9, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience3
Everything we ate was delishus. Great experience with Asian foods.
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P
Patchwork
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on January 31, 2020
overall4food4service5ambience3
The Winterlicious menu offered good value for lunch. The ramen broth wasn't too salty and the noodles were nicely cooked al dente (if you like really soft noodles you won't be happy). Nice selection of takoyaki (which tasted like takoyaki Osaka style!) and gyoza. Loved the matcha cheese cake too!
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DL
DavidL
Toronto
14 reviews
vip
1.0
14 reviews
Dined on January 23, 2020
overall1food2service1ambience2
The waiter couldn’t tell us what vegetables were in the vegetable stir-fry. When he asked the kitchen we could hear the response from the kitchen which was vegetables what more do they need to know, the muscles were dirty and the overall experience was lackluster at best. Someone felt like a bit of a tourist trap.
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AH
AndreaH
Toronto
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on January 15, 2020
overall4food3service5ambience5
Pre theatre
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RM
ReganM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 5, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Yummy Japanese food - from the appetizers to the main course!
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DM
DavidM
Toronto
2 reviews
2.0
2 reviews
Dined on December 10, 2019
overall2food2service2ambience2
Poor selection of food...poor quality Poor service.....not enough staff
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KA
KATHRYNG
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on December 5, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Had a lovely dinner. Food was great and so was the service. Nice, casual atmosphere. Would definitely recommend. Thank you.
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I
Isabel
Toronto
60 reviews
vip
4.0
60 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2019
overall4food5service2ambience5
This was my first time here. Food exclusions were still included, but what was worrisome was the waitress who took away my food, walked around and served another table then handled payment with my food just put down on a table and in the midst of all of this. Not quite sanitary... The food taste was excellent; however, the detour with my food will prevent me from returning and I'm likely to share this experience with others, when asked.
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o
ooooooo
Toronto
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 3, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
One dish arrived with food just warm. When it was sent back it came back hot and delicious!
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b
babs
Toronto
11 reviews
4.0
11 reviews
Dined on October 10, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Great tuna poke and pretty good tofu noodle ( a few more vegetables would have made it great). Was also disappointed that there was no desert available. They did say there were new choices coming next month Will definitely return
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DS
DavidS
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience5
Pleasant authentic
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SC
ShariC
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Wonderful...as always!
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WT
WendyT
Toronto
5 reviews
1.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 21, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience3
We had an outside table on a beautiful night - noise level and ambiance were fine. The Poke bowl had tuna and edamame over rice. That was it. No mango, no other vegetable, no imagination. The stir fried beef and broccoli was in a too salty, too sweet sauce and the vegetables were soggy. Service was poor. The cost of the wine was only double that of LCBO, not triple as in most restaurants - that was a plus.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 29, 2019
overall1food1service1ambience4
The waitress was either drunk or high on drugs. We ended up leaving and going to another restaurant
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PS
PaulS
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on August 24, 2019
overall2food3service2ambience3
It's an ok place to eat if you want someplace close in the Distillery District before or after a play but the serving staff need to be more attentive to their patrons.
1 person found this helpful
LC
LynnC
Toronto
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 10, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent value! Food was very good, still not sure about the Spam 'sushi' but everything else was very good. Our Server was patient and entertaining. We would return!
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LW
LukeWicc
Toronto
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on August 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great feel to Boku... The flights of Japanese and American whiskey were recommended and were a great pairing. The flavours were robust and very savoury. We’ll be heading back very soon!
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KT
KasiaT
Toronto
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 4, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience4
great atmosphere and the service was great! outdoor patio allowed for a nice night outdoors
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
3 reviews
vip
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 26, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience4
Beef udon was very sweet. It was almost like eating molasses. Ramen was okay but have had much better elsewhere. Portions are a bit small for the price.
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S
Song
Toronto
10 reviews
1.0
10 reviews
Dined on July 21, 2019
overall1food2service1ambience4
Consistently poor service by wait staff. The last three times I have been here, it took a long time to get noticed, we were not given a bottle of water on our table like other tables had and we had to go up to the bar to ask for water, not once asked how the food was, and again had to go up to the hostess to ask for our bill. Food is adequate but overpriced.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 15, 2019
overall3food4service1ambience3
Service was extremely slow. Ants all over the tables outside on the patio. Food was average.
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MF
MichelleF
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 12, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience4
I'd try eating here again if it wasn't the summerlicious menu. Also, they need more staff on the line to execute those kinds of menus. Not 3 line cooks...as my first time here with my table of 6, our main course took what felt like half an hour.
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AD
AmandaD
Toronto
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on July 11, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience3
An easy going place to enjoy good food and surroundings. Good service and great recommendations for beers and cocktails. Started with Takoyaki, then Miso Ramen and Brioche Bread Pudding. Everything was flavourful, satisfying and really good. I would definitely go back. My guest was equally impressed and said they would recommend to family and friends.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Toronto
2 reviews
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 7, 2019
overall1food3service1ambience3
We went there for Summerlicious event. We had Takoyaki (i like it!) and gyoza, Miso Ramen & Tan Tan ramen for main dish (not the real Japanese ramen, but taste okay), and some dessert that I don’t remember. The reason I don’t remember the dessert name because it took forever to be served, and when we asked for it they said we finished our noodle late than the others so we have to wait more?!? That make no sense at all. I saw next table who came after us and still had their noodle bowl, but they already got their dessert. Service was poor, have to wait a long time for the next dish to be served. Good place in distilery district.
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C
Curnonsky
San Francisco
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 5, 2019
overall2food1service3ambience2
Truly poor food. We were there during a citywide restaurant promotion event, which meant a prix fixe three course and no a la carte options. My ersatz Japanese salad was sloppily overdressed, but not worth the effort to return and replace. The garnish-free pork ramen broth was close to tasteless, with a decent appearance but thin savor and no mouthfeel. Dessert was paltry and rote. The meal was a cruel parody of genuine cooking, even by Distillery mass-feeding standards.
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ML
MikeL
Toronto
38 reviews
vip
5.0
38 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food Great service Highly Recommend!
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o
ooooooo
Toronto
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 22, 2019
overall3food5service5ambience3
The first two courses were amazing, the taste and textures of the food superb. We waited close to 40 minutes for desert, bread pudding, and when it finally arrived it was classic Swiss Chalet, a real disappointment after the first two dished. The Kitchen needs to be staffed to meet the demand from the clients. The kitchen was the bottleneck in this operation. Our waitress was great.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Edmonton
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
Everything was awesome! I would go there again and again. I had the vegan Ramen and was disappointed that it was made with rice noodles instead of vegan ramen noodles. That would definitely not stop me from going back!
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CB
ChristinaB
Toronto
8 reviews
4.0
8 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2019
overall4food5service4ambience4
Good food. Substantial servings. Lovely to sit outside in Distillery District too.
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0
0987batton
Exclusive
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2019
overall5food5service3ambience5
Great food, great atmosphere
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TR
TimR
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 31, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good place with affordable and tasty dishes. Nice selection of craft beer and a friendly waitress. All good!
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J
Jess
Toronto
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on May 20, 2019
overall2food3service1ambience3
My husband and I recently moved to the area and wanted to try Boku. I made a reservation ahead of time knowing that the restaurants in the area are usually busy. When we arrived there were only 3 other tables with diners in the restaurant which we were happy about given the crowds walking around. Despite the fairly empty restaurant, our server seemed very overwhelmed serving everyone. We were told that 4 dishes were unavailable to order, 3 of which were our top choices to try. The menu is fairly small so this was unfortunate. My husband wanted to add an egg to his bowl of ramen but they were also out of eggs. Although neither my husband and I are vegetarians, all of the vegetarian dishes we’re unavailable to order, including their one vegan dish. I understand it was a long weekend but perhaps better preparation is needed in the future. The food was flavourful but service was lacking. I would order take-out in the future but would be hesitate to dine-in.
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i
ilovefoodaroundtheworld
Toronto
17 reviews
vip
4.0
17 reviews
Dined on May 20, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience4
Very delicious
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TA
TimA
Toronto
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on May 17, 2019
overall4food4service4ambience5
Food was very good. Ramen portion was on the small side. Prices are too high. $17.50 for ramen is too much.
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K
K3v1n
Toronto
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Very happy with service and my meal. A couple of people in our party would have preferred the chicken dishes but they ran out of chicken earlier in the week as they had been busier than planned. Disappointed in this only.
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SC
ShariC
Toronto
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on April 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I haven’t felt compelled to write a review for a while up until now. Everything about this overly under rated restaurant was excellent. We sat at the bar and our server Shun was attentive and so knowledgeable about Japanese whiskey. My husband enjoyed the whiskey as much as the lesson on how this whiskey is served in Japan. The mushroom salad was so fresh with the perfect dressing adding to the rich mushroom fragrance. The gyoza was delicious, light and crispy with a savoury dipping sauce. The short rib udon was perfection, rich and tender. The mushroom ramen was the best vegetarian ramen that I’ve tasted. Boku is a hidden gem!
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G
Gary
New York Area
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on April 19, 2019
overall5food3service4ambience4
The atmosphere and service here in great, and they have a lot of interesting beers available. The gyozas are delicious, though small. The ramen itself was tasty but the noodles were very thick and stiff and seemed somewhat undercooked compared to previous visits to Boku and visits to many other ramen places. The broth was delicious but not very hot. This place is on the expensive side for noodles and we would visit more often if they paid a bit more attention to these details.
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FAQs

Boku offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (416) 368-8686.

Boku is rated 4 stars by 96 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

42 Gristmill Ln, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4

Additional information

Cross Street
Parliament St. & Mill St.
Neighbourhood
Distillery District
Hours of Operation
Daily 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Cuisines
Pan-Asian, Tapas / Small Plates, Asian
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Green P city parking is available within the Distillery District
Public Transit
504 King St streetcar. King and Parliament.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.bokudistillery.com/
Phone number
(416) 368-8686
Catering
Please contact us at info@bokunoodlebar.com for more details.
Private party facilities
Please contact us at info@bokunoodlebar.com for more details.
Private party contact
Zuimei: (416) 368-8686

Boku

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Menu

Small Plates

Gyoza (4 pc)$5.00

Takoyaki (4 pc)$5.00

Edamame$5.00

Chicken Karaage$9.75

Wakame Salad$6.00

Roasted Mushroom Salad$10.00

Koji Salmon Brandade$8.00

Large Plates

Braised Beef Udon Stir Fry$18.00

Chicken Shio Ramen$16.00

Miso Ramen$16.50

Tan Tan Men Ramen$16.50

Miso Eggplant Donburi$15.00

Mushroom Ramen$16.00

Sweet Plates

Brioche Bread Pudding$7.50

Milk and Sweetcorn Panna Cotta$7.50

What 96 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Boku offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Boku restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information