Memories of Japan, Toronto

Although Japanese diners are often intimate affairs, the chefs at Memories of Japan prefers to feed large crowds. The dining room—one of the largest for Japanese restaurants in Ontario—seats 300 guests, many of whom perch in front of their chef as he or she commands the hibachi. There, chefs set slices of beef, chicken, and seafood sizzling alongside fried rice and vegetables. Sushi specialists keep their servings of yellow tail and salmon away from fire in order to prepare cool rolls flavored with roe and delicate sauces for diners weary from chewing lava rocks in between meals.