Gyubee is located in Toronto's downtown core at 171 Dundas Street West between University Ave. and Bay, closest to St. Patrick subway station. It is (I think) the second-newest addition to the Gyubee chain and is usually quite busy. Large interior is partitioned into individual booth areas around each grill, upbeat atmosphere, sparsely modern decor with mostly right angles and muted tones. AYCD pop is available for $3. Soy sauce on table was very wine-like, flavoured, sweet and delicious. Still disposable chopsticks are used; at least these days they are now made from bamboo rather than wood.
Unlike other Gyubee locations, this one does not have the excellent, rich miso soup found at all the other locations, but instead has a seaweed soup, not nearly as good, with a watery broth and fishy sea aroma; needs a little soy sauce to be palatable. We went to this location twice with a gap over a year and it was the same. I asked about this but couldn't get a good answer, just deflection. At least the second time around it was better, and I attribute this only to the fact that they now put white and black pepper in.
Umami bean sprouts were a little short on the umami flavor one our first visit, but had more umami later so this offering was also improved. Cold tofu's sauce was better than I remembered. Pork sausage was also better than I remembered, as well it seemed to be a different formulation with more traditional five-spice seasoning. So, several (possible!) improvements, depending on how good my memory is...
The meats were similar to all other Gyubee locations, ie excellent, such as marinated short rib, soy brisket, two varieties of pork belly aka bacon, chicken thigh. These are what we are really going for, so are the most important criteria. With this volume of clientele, the staff have also perfected other details such as the heat of the grill, when the mesh needs cleaning, portion size, etc. Other pre-cooked sides such as bibimbap were consistent wither other Gyubee locations.
As well dessert is consistent consisting of Melona bar ie mango, taro, strawberry or coconut. I'm not big on the very mildly flavoured taro but enjoy the rest; coconut is probably my favourite.
Weekend lunch is $29.99, also with the AYCD pop consistent with other Gyubees. That one glaring inconsistency though is the scarce-replacement seaweed soup. Little things like this do get noticed, probably much more than those deciding care to admit.
Rating: 8 / 10
