I am a big fan of pan-Asian cuisine, so I have been wanting to try Dasha Restaurant in the King West neighbourhood for a while. I was recently invited by the restaurant to sample Dasha’s menu, which features items that combine Chinese and Japanese cuisine. It was a fairly warm Wednesday evening when we arrived at the restaurant at King and Portland Streets and although it was tempting to dine on their trellis-framed patio, we opted for a sleek corner booth inside.
I had a quick walk upstairs to look at their beautiful karaoke bar, which includes five private rooms. From the stairs, I was also able to get a better view of their stunning two-level restaurant featuring exposed brick walls, turquoise leather banquette seating, wall art, Japanese flower arrangements and designs based on Chinese architecture. The overall effect of the decor is to recreate a traditional tea house and it succeeds!
Chef Hans Vogel has created an exceptional menu, which is particularly appealing to seafood and beef lovers like me! It was difficult to decide what to order, buy my dining partner and I opted for the following items to share:
My dining partner ordered a glass of Botter Bianco ‘Bottero’, which is known for being a great pairing with seafood. She found the delicious white wine to be dry, full-bodied with fruity notes.
To start, we ordered the Hokkaido Scallop Crudo. The serving consists of one large scallop that we sliced into several pieces. I have never had a more tender tasting scallop. What a sweet, delicate mouthful that bursts with flavour!
For an appetizer, we ordered Wasabi Prawns which are topped with Tobiko (flying fish roe) and paired with Wasabi mayo. The crispy batter of these deep-fried shrimps complemented the fragrant Wasabi mayo, which added a hint of heat. Crunchy tobiko added a salty flavour profile. Perfection!
I could not resist ordering the Wagyu striploin, which is a good portion for sharing (10 oz.). The premium beef is prepared with Mishima reserve (shredded nori, sesame seeds, soy sauce) and accompanied by a delectable aioli and a black garlic infusion for dipping. The exquisite beef was so tender it melted in my mouth. A five star dish!
For a side dish, we ordered the Brussels sprouts with caramelized peanut and fish sauce. If you are not a typical fan of this Sunday dinner side veggie, you must order this. You won’t regret it. These tender morsels are prepared in the most palatable fashion and their flavour can’t be beat when immersed in a taste bud tantalizing peanut and fish sauce.
The detail paid by the chef to the combination of ingredients and to the artistic presentation is first class at Dasha.
Have a look at my Instagram reel here:
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I have never had a better meal!
Dasha offers weeknight Premium Dim Sum and cocktail specials from Mondays to Fridays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at special prices. The specials include: Magic chili $5; Har Gow $10; Spring Roll $10; BBQ Pork Bun $10; and Sour Dumpling $10.
Dasha Restaurant, 620 King Street West (just west of Portland Street), 647-931-0283
You may be interested in reading “Dia Restaurant Opens at Canopy Toronto Yorkville Hotel“.
Wow, this looks amazing, actually your photos also add to the delicousness of the photos!
What a colorful and exciting place! Those photos look divine! I’d love to try the shrimp!
This looks like a delicious place to eat. I just love Asian food.
Asian food is so delicious! I would love to try this place out!
Hi Monica, I completely agree! I love Asian food! Cheers, Lori
What a beautiful place to eat and a great menu. The food sounds delicious!
Hi Marysa, The food was so good and I love the ambiance! Cheers, Lori
This place has lots of delicious food. I need to put it on my list.
Hi Tara, I highly recommend Dasha! Cheers, Lori
I’ve never heard of the Dasha Restaurant, but this place looks lovely and fun! I would love to visit!
Hi Lisa, It was a very enjoyable experience and they have a karaoke bar, which I’m sure is a blast! Cheers, Lori
The food looks so good. I wish this was close bc I’d love to visit for myself.
Hi Christy, If you get a chance to come to Toronto, I do recommend Dasha! Cheers, Lori
Wow, reading about Dasha Restaurant and their mouthwatering pan-Asian cuisine has me salivating! As a wife, mom, and food lover, this post has me eager to plan a special night out with my loved ones.
Hi Lavanda, I hope you are able to plan a night out with loved ones soon! Cheers, Lori
This place looks like a really nice palce to eat! I’m sure the food here taste really good! Love it!
Pan Asian food is one of my favourites. It sounds like you tried some really lovely dishes there.
Hi Melanie, I love Pan Asian cuisine too! Yes, we tried some wonderful dishes! Cheers, Lori
I love the place! It looks to be a very pleasant place where to enjoy a delicious dinner with a fiend or family!
Hi Catalina, Dasha is perfect for family get-togethers! Cheers, Lori
I would love to visit this restaurant in Toronto.
This sounds like an amazing place to have dinner in. The food sounds delicious too.
Hi Laura, The food and ambiance was gorgeous! Cheers, Lori
The food looks delicious. I am a fan of Dim Sum. I’d enjoy that restaurant, for sure.