One of Canada’s most acclaimed culinary talents, Chef Masaki Saito is one of only two chefs in the country to hold two Michelin stars. At Sushi Masaki Saito — where $780 reservations book out months in advance — he serves Japanese cuisine at its most refined, from melt-in-your-mouth toro hand rolls and green tea blancmange to succulent monkfish liver.
As Toronto’s only double-starred chef, Saito is constantly elevating his craft. “I feel happy when I create a dish from an idea and the taste turns out exactly as I imagined,” he says. “Lately, I’ve been really into aging large fish like amberjack, wild yellowtail, Spanish mackerel, and bluefin tuna. I often enjoy ‘talking’ with fish while working with them.”
Now, sushi fans will get to hear a little more from the chef: he’s the subject of “Still Single,” a new documentary that will have its world premiere at TIFF on Sept. 5, followed by a cross-Canada theatrical release in November. The film details how he went from rural Hokkaido lad to Toronto culinary star. “The feeling of being the main character is quite a strange sensation. It’s also surreal to watch myself … in a film,” he says. “What meant the most to me was the importance of human connections and mutual support. I was able to reaffirm once again how much support I receive from so many people.”
Now, listen in as he shares his go-to spots for the tastiest treats in town.
Best date-night spot
C Suite, 126A Cumberland St.
Repeat reservation
Osteria Giulia, 134 Avenue Rd.
The last best thing you ate
Kappo Sato, 575 Mt Pleasant Rd.
Best dessert
Tsuchi Café, 688 College St.
Best late-night craving spot
New Retro Basement Bar, 193 Carlton St.
Favourite coffee shop
ZAZA Espresso Bar, various locations
Correction – Sept. 5, 2025
This article was updated from a previous version to note that he is Canada’s first and Toronto’s only two-Michelin-star chef. The previous version said he was Canada’s only two-Michelin-star chef. There is a Quebec chef who recently became a two-star chef as well.
