NOME PATIO LAUNCH

North York has a lot of restaurants and new spots continue to pop up everyday. Even with the influx of new players though, Nome Izakaya has remained one of my favourite neighbourhood spots. I can’t resist their $1 oyster specials and their Sake Sangria. I know I’m not the only one who feels this way, as they’re always full and I’ve been turned away many nights looking for a walk-in table. Just in time for summer, Nome’s long-awaited roof-top patio was opened in May. I was invited to check out the new space and throw back a few oysters with other Toronto bloggers and Instagramers. With the bar mixing up cocktails, a sake tasting station, and a nonstop flow of samples from the kitchen, Nome showed off their patio by throwing an amazing party.

Disclaimer: All food and drinks reviewed below were provided complimentary. All opinions expressed below are wholly mine.

Walking into the restaurants, guests were directed upstairs to the new second floor and welcomed with a slushy margarita. The space was half covered and half open. The covered area was near the front of the restaurant and where the bar was located. Padded leather benches lined the walls and a standing table occupied the centre of the room, perfect for mingling. On the wooden patio itself, one corner housed an oyster bar and there were plenty of tables and seating.

I had the chance to try a ton of cocktails that night and each glass was colourful and most importantly, boozy. Garnished with fresh mint and fruit, every cocktail was also as photogenic as they were tasty. My favourite included the Soho Singapore Sling, Sumo Sour and Lychee Ice Tea.

Throughout the night, there was steady stream of freshly shucked oysters that were slurped up as soon as phones stopped snapping. The piece de resistance of the evening though was a giant, gorgeous platter of sashimi that included multiple fish flown in straight from Japan and artfully plated. I managed to snag a optimal seat in front of the feast that spread across 3 tables. Each piece was fresh, sweet, and melt in your mouth soft. Spectacular.

Other menu items I really enjoyed was the Beef Sashimi with a balsamic sauce, the Bulgogi Tacos and Wara Yaki (lightly seared, smoked salmon). Classic menu favourites sampled included grilled Tiger Shrimp, Tuna and Avocado Tartar and Japaburgers. Nome’s new patio is a perfect spot for the summer to unwind after work or celebrate a special occasion.