Sushi Momo Arrives in Toronto

Sushi Momo, a beloved vegan sushi spot originally from Montreal, has officially opened its doors in Toronto.

Founded by Christian Ventura, the chef-owner who transitioned from traditional Japanese cuisine to vegan cooking, Sushi Momo has garnered widespread acclaim for its creative approach to plant-based sushi.

With its new location in Toronto’s vibrant Ossington area, the restaurant brings its unique flavours and ethos to a city that’s increasingly moving towards a leader in vegan restaurants. I sat down with Christian to find out more about the restaurant and this new location.

A Montreal Staple Comes to Toronto

Sushi Momo’s Toronto location marks a significant milestone for the restaurant, which started modestly in Montreal before becoming a go-to spot for both vegans and non-vegans alike with actually 80% of the patrons being from the later group.

“I never thought I’d open a location here, it all happened so fast,” Christian Ventura mentioned during our interview.

The decision to bring Sushi Momo to Toronto was somewhat serendipitous, sparked by a collaboration with the owners of the former vegan restaurant Hello 123. The closing of Hello 123 provided an opportunity for Sushi Momo to take over the prime location.

Toronto’s food scene, known for its diversity, has long been aware of Sushi Momo’s reputation. “I didn’t realize how many people from Toronto knew about Sushi Momo until I arrived,” Ventura noted.

I know from personal experience the the Montreal establishment was often recommended to Torontonians visiting the city, which highlights the anticipation for a local branch.

The Menu: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

One of the most exciting aspects of Sushi Momo’s Toronto opening is its menu, which I learned is almost identical to the one in Montreal.

Ventura explained that about 90% of the offerings remain the same, but there are a few new additions unique to Toronto.

Ventura mentioned that there were always items that he wanted to introduce in Montreal, but the timing wasn’t right. The Toronto location allowed him to experiment with these dishes and to bring something new at the same time for this area.

For those familiar with Sushi Momo’s iconic dishes, fan favorites like the Mr. Crunch sushi roll remain a cornerstone of the menu.

This dish, which Ventura fondly recalled creating to impress a date, has become one of the restaurant’s best-sellers. I tried it and can attest that it is great. Difficult to fit in one bite but it can be a fun first date experience because you need to get messy a little to really enjoy it.

Another exciting offering is their Omakase tasting menu, which Ventura implemented in both locations. He hopes to provide Torontonians with a curated, immersive dining experience.

Sushi Momo’s menu also heavily features Ventura’s favourite ingredients: pickled vegetables and avocado.

These elements give his dishes a refreshing contrast in texture and flavour, appealing to both the vegan and non-vegan palettes alike.

Another factor that makes Sushi Momo stand out is the quality of the ingredients. Ventura orders special items from Japan like the rice and a special type of Japanese Mayo that is made specially vegan.

“There have often been people that don’t realize it’s a vegan restaurant until they finish their meal,” Ventura said. This speaks to the quality of the food, which transcends the label of “vegan” to simply offer excellent cuisine.

Overcoming Challenges in the Vegan Dining Scene

Opening a new restaurant is never without its challenges, and Ventura is keenly aware of the unique hurdles facing vegan establishments. During our conversation, he pointed out how the pandemic had shifted the restaurant landscape. He explained that before covid, there were very few vegan options at traditional restaurants, but now almost every place offers something plant-based. While it’s great for consumers, it makes it harder for fully vegan restaurants to stand out.

However, he remains optimistic about Sushi Momo’s future in Toronto. One reason is his decision not to overtly label the restaurant as vegan, allowing it to appeal to a broader customer base. “About 80% of our customers in Montreal aren’t vegan” Ventura mentioned and that they come in for the food, and that’s what matters most. This approach helps break down barriers, allowing diners to focus on the quality and creativity of the dishes without preconceived notions about plant-based cuisine.

Another challenge has been staffing. Like many in the restaurant industry, Sushi Momo has faced difficulties with employee turnover, especially after the pandemic.

Despite this, he has remained hands-on in the kitchen, ensuring that the quality of each dish meets his high standards.

The Location: Ossington’s Vegan Hub

Sushi Momo’s new home near Ossington Avenue is a fitting choice. This neighborhood has become a hub for innovative dining experiences, and Ventura saw the area’s potential immediately. “It reminded me of the Plateau in Montreal” he said.

Though there hasn’t been an official grand opening yet, the restaurant has already seen a steady stream of customers. Ventura shared that business has been going exceptionally well, particularly with Uber. He explained that although they only introduced Uber for a week since their opening in August, they’ve already seen some customers order three or four times.

The buzz in Toronto’s vegan community has been palpable, and word-of-mouth has quickly spread. Sushi Momo now joins other great vegan places in the near vicinity like Fresh, Tsuchi Cafe, Bad Attitude Bread and Honey’s Ice Cream.

Looking Forward

For Ventura, the future of Sushi Momo in Toronto is bright. Ventura shared that, for now, his attention is on settling into the new space, but hinted that something fresh might be on the horizon. Although he often tells himself each project will be his last, he admitted with a smile that there’s always a new idea or venture he’s eager to explore.

What makes Sushi Momo stand out is its commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative food that doesn’t compromise on flavour or creativity. Whether you’re a longtime fan from Montreal or a curious foodie in Toronto, Sushi Momo’s new location is well worth the visit.