Toronto has multiple restaurants with different cuisines, especially stand-out, Michelin guide options. But nothing holds a candle to Chotto Matte, the East Asian and South American mixed restaurant nestled at the corner of one of the city’s busiest intersections.
The bustling restaurant elevates dishes that are already fan-favourites, transforming plates like spicy tuna sushi with miso and scallop tiradito with sweet potato, peanuts, and corn. This mesh of ingredients blends cuisines from both Japan and Peru, also known as Nikkei.
The menu focuses on shareable dishes, showcasing Nikkei cuisine through colourful and interesting dishes, from fresh ceviches and sushi to robata-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.
Additionally, signature cocktails inspired by both countries are also on the table for customers, with both the bar and robata girl taking centre stage in the lively atmosphere.
When in conversation with founder Kurt Zdesar, he told Now Toronto that though he didn’t create the combination of cultures, he did improve it in his own way.
“It’s not a fusion, it’s an evolution,” Zdesar explained. “The harmony and perfection of Japanese skill with the flavours and colours of Peru.”
Zdesar added that he decided to bring his highly acclaimed restaurant chain to Toronto after being asked to by the building space’s landlord, who was passionate about his restaurant.
The restaurateur agreed after visiting Toronto, finding that the city is consistently buzzing.
“What happens on a Monday night in Toronto? What happens on a Tuesday night? Restaurants are full,” he said. “[People] go out, they eat out, and I’m like ‘that’s the city for me.’”
Chotto Matte sits at a prime location at 161 Bay St, across the street from Union Station, which sees more than 300,000 people pass through it daily.
Despite the hustle and bustle, Zdesar says there is still a close feel to Toronto.
“It has a community village feel, more than any other city I go to,” he said.
And despite having its home base in the United Kingdom, each Chotto Matte location is uniquely decorated in its own way.
To increase the atmosphere of the restaurant, Zdesar said it was important for him to incorporate local artists into the space, transforming the dining area into another world using vibrant murals in the dark space, wrapping the Toronto spot in particular with a massive ribbon shaped into a roller coaster-inspired track above guests.
Chotto Matte has become a popular choice downtown for anyone looking for an elevated meal before a concert, sporting event, or night out.
With distinct flavours that can’t be found anywhere else, Zdesar reassures that the menu is extensive enough to have something for everyone, even picky eaters.
“If you’re a vegetarian or you’re a fish-eater or meat-eater… we got you covered.”
