Regional Roundup · Markham
Discover Markham's best Asian restaurants, sushi, dim sum and more. Full guide to dining in Markham, Ontario.
Markham's restaurant scene moves fast and thinks globally. Walk through the city and you'll find Japanese hotpot restaurants where the broth matters as much as the protein, Chinese kitchens pulling noodles by hand, Thai cooks balancing four flavours at once, and Turkish grills turning out kebabs with real char and spice. These aren't side cuisines here. They're the backbone.
This list starts with the places doing the work right. Daimaru Shabu Shabu opens with interactive hotpot because it sets the tone for what Markham does well: high-ingredient quality, technique that shows, and dining that feels like an event. From there you move through sushi restaurants with precision, yakitori spots with restraint, dim sum made by hand, and grilled meats that taste like they were meant to. The prices stay grounded. The flavours don't compromise.
Whether you're looking for a proper night out, a casual meal with friends, or something you can visit regularly without planning a budget meeting, the restaurants here share one thing: they take their craft seriously and don't make you feel like you're paying for the story instead of the food.
An interactive hotpot experience where you control the heat and timing of your thinly sliced proteins and vegetables. The broth is clean and refined, the ingredient quality is noticeably high, and the whole thing feels like a celebration rather than just dinner.
A full-service restaurant that does sushi, steaks and cocktails with polish and precision. The sushi rolls show technical skill without gimmicks, the steaks come properly seared, and the cocktails are balanced. The room has energy and style, making it ideal for a proper night out.
A scaled hotpot chain that still delivers on flavour and theatre. The broths span from mild to fiery, the ingredient selection is extensive, and the service has genuine warmth to it. The environment is loud and social, built for lingering and sharing.
Yakitori and grilled meats done with restraint and respect for the protein. Each skewer is charred on the outside, juicy within, and the dipping sauces cut through the richness. At around $9 per plate, the value is exceptional for this level of execution.
An izakaya that captures the casual, flavorful side of Japanese drinking culture. Small plates, grilled items, and raw fish prepared with care. The vibe is relaxed and the drinks programme is thoughtful. This is where you go to eat and linger without pretence.
Traditional sushi and Japanese cuisine with a focus on simple, quality ingredients. The fish is fresh, the rice is properly seasoned, and the omakase experience (if available) shows the chef's sourcing and instincts. A straightforward, no-frills dining room lets the food speak.
Thai cooking that balances heat, acid, sweetness and umami with real skill. The Pad Thai is vibrant and textured, curries are aromatic and complex, and the spice levels can be customized without losing depth. Around $13 per dish keeps it accessible for regular visits.
Dim sum and Cantonese cooking in a space designed for both intimacy and occasion. The cart service (if offered) is charming, the siu mai and har gow are handmade with visible care, and the seafood dishes show precision. This is elevated dim sum that doesn't sacrifice comfort.
A Chinese restaurant focused on noodles and hand-pulled specialties. The noodles have springy texture and absorb sauce beautifully, and the menu includes regional dishes that go beyond the usual takeout rotation. The room is unpretentious and the energy is genuine.
Turkish grilling and wood-fired cooking that brings warmth and smoke to the plate. Kebabs are properly spiced and charred, mezes are generous and fresh, and the bread comes hot from the oven. Around $25 per person provides a full, satisfying meal with real flavour depth.
Indian cuisine executed with attention to spice layering and ingredient quality. Curries have body and soul, tandoor items arrive smoky and tender, and the breads are warm and pliable. At $16 per person, it strikes a balance between ambition and value that keeps people coming back.
A hybrid dining and gaming space that takes food seriously alongside its entertainment angle. The menu covers Asian and Western comfort food with consistency, and the energy is social and relaxed. This works for casual groups or anyone who wants to eat well while playing.
Cho-Kwok-Lat sits at the top for dim sum. The siu mai and har gow are handmade with visible care, and the seafood dishes show precision work. The space is designed for both intimate meals and occasions, and cart service (when offered) adds to the experience without turning it into theatre. The cooking here is elevated, but the comfort level stays high.
You have solid options across different styles. Zen Japanese Restaurant keeps things straightforward with traditional sushi focused on fresh fish and properly seasoned rice. The omakase experience (if available) shows the chef's sourcing instincts. JOEY Markville approaches sushi with polish and technical skill, leaning into precision without gimmicks. Anji Izakaya works in the casual register, treating raw fish with care but pairing it with grilled items and small plates in a relaxed setting. Start with Zen if you want traditional execution, JOEY if you want a full dining experience, or Anji if you want sushi as part of a longer, more casual meal.
Daimaru Shabu Shabu leads the list. The experience is interactive, the broth is clean and refined, and the ingredient quality is noticeably high. It works well for groups and anyone who enjoys cooking at the table. Haidilao Hot Pot Markham delivers hotpot at scale without losing flavour or warmth in service. The broths range from mild to fiery, the ingredient selection is extensive, and the environment is built for lingering and sharing. Both excel, but Daimaru feels more intimate and ingredient-focused, while Haidilao brings energy and theatre to a shared meal.
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