Holiday Tasting Menu in Toronto - My 12-Course, 9-Sake Menu Experience at Flame Sushi
If there is one thing I look for in a Toronto restaurant, it is consistency.
Last Sunday, marked my fourth time visiting Flame Sushi on Queen Street West, a spot that has quietly become my go-to spot for luxury Japanese dining in the city.
Usually, I am a creature of habit. I’ll start with a glass of Prosecco or one of their signature cocktails (or select the "prettiest" cocktail) and stick to the Aburi I know and LOVE. But the holiday season calls for new rituals. So, this time, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and experience their limited-time Holiday 12-Course Tasting Menu with the 9-Sake Pairing.
The Menu: A Culinary Journey
Designed as a full flavor journey, the menu moves from delicate appetizers to rich, savory mains. It is perfect if you are looking for a Japanese tasting menu that feels indulgent but not overwhelming.
It started with a clean, refreshing Madai Tataki and the show-stopping Oyster x Uni x Ikura Shot - a literal burst of ocean umami that sets the tone for the night.
As the courses progressed, the textures became more decadent. The Foie Gras Mousse was airy and smooth, while the Hamachi Kama (grilled yellowtail collar) brought a warm, smoky depth - perfect for a cold winter day!
Must-Try Dish: My personal highlight was the "Luxury Comfort Bite" - a Bluefin, Salmon Ikura, and Uni Cone that was playful yet sophisticated. It was followed immediately by the AAA Beef Tartare.
Sake 101: The Art of the Pairing
I have always been curious about sake, but I rarely order full bottles because - fun fact - sake oxidizes similarly to wine. Once a bottle is opened, it begins to lose its delicate aromatic profile within a few days. That is why a sake pairing flight is the ultimate luxury: you are tasting every bottle at its absolute peak freshness ✨️!
According to WeSake.co, sake only lasts 1-2 weeks after opening. Some premium ones last a few days to a week. An unopened bottle of Sake, only lasts 1-2 years for best quality.
This is exactly why I prefer a curated pairing over ordering a full bottle. Because sake is SO delicate, its floral top notes begin to fade shortly after the bottle is opened.
By ordering the pairing, you are essentially getting 'access' to 9 different ultra-premium bottles - including the renowned Dassai 23 - served at their absolute peak freshness!
It allows you to experience the luxury of variety without the commitment of a bottle that might not stay fresh in your fridge.
Flame’s pairing was split into three distinct flights, with the glassware actually changing to highlight the notes of each pour:
Flight 1 (Aromatics): Served in flutes to capture the nose, featuring the ultra-premium Dassai 23. This was a smaller, precious pour due to its high grade, and exceptionally smooth.
Flight 2 (Premium Aromatics): Transitioning from flute to sake glass, featuring notes from Dassai 45 and Nanbu Bijin.
Flight 3 (Rich/Umami): Served in traditional glass to pair with the warmer, heavier dishes like the Duck Breast.
The following is Flame Sushi's Holiday 12 Course, 9 Sake Pairing menu , from their booking link on Tock:
"Holiday 12-Course Tasting Menu + 9 Sake Pairing.
12-Course Menu (served in tasting sequence):
1. Madai Tataki – clean, delicate start.
2. Oyster × Uni × Ikura Shot – ocean umami burst.
3. Caviar with Cracker – refined salinity, elegant texture.
4. Foie Gras Mousse – smooth, airy richness.
5. Prosciutto Scallop – sweet–salty harmony.
6. Hamachi Kama – warm, smoky, deeply umami.
7. AAA Beef Tartare – rich yet refreshing.
8. Seasonal Sashimi Set – palate reset.
9. Duck Breast – final savoury crescendo.
10. Bluefin/Salmon Ikura/Uni Cone – luxury comfort bite.
11. A5 Beef × Foie Gras × Eel Mini Don – warm, decadent.
12. Sake Ice Cream – aromatic finish."
Is it Worth It?
At $165 per guest (a special price for this menu, regularly valued at $350), this is arguably one of the best value luxury Japanese fusion dinner in Toronto for the holiday season. It is available only through December and January.
If you usually stick to your wine or cocktails like I do, let this be your sign to try something different. The harmony between the sake and the Sake Ice Cream finish was the perfect end to the evening.
Book your table here before January 31st!
Located at: 204 Queen St. West, Toronto
#Hosted
Editorial Note: To explore the story behind the craftsmanship and the full Holiday 12-Course, 9-Sake Journey, visit Flame Sushi Toronto's Blog here
My Outfit Details
1) Cropped Faux Fur Jacket | Melanie Lyne / Silver Mist / S
2) Sequin Velvet Midi Dress | Zara / S