Mhel

Mhel is an intimate, contemporary restaurant located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, near Bloor Street West. Opened in 2023 by young culinary talents Hoon Ji and Minseo Choi, the establishment functions as an izakaya-style snack bar, with its name deriving from the Korean word for 'anchovy.' It seamlessly blends Korean and Japanese culinary traditions, focusing on seasonal small plates, hand-rolled noodles, and a curated selection of sake. The frequently rotating menu highlights bold yet comfort-focused flavours, with signature items such as Hoon's Saikyoyaki trout rice, alongside house-made katsu and seasonal seafood dishes. Since its debut, Mhel has quickly risen to prominence in the national and international dining scenes, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand designation in 2025, topping Toronto Life's Best New Restaurants list in 2024, and being ranked among Canada's 100 Best Restaurants and North America's 50 Best Restaurants in 2026.