Joso’s is a family-run seafood restaurant at 202 Davenport Road on the northern edge of Toronto‘s Yorkville neighbourhood, founded in 1967 by Croatian-born musician and artist Joso Spralja and now owned and operated by Leo and Shirley Spralja. For more than five decades it has drawn diners for whole fresh fish prepared in the style of the Dalmatian coast, served in rooms filled with the founder’s own artwork.
What to Expect at Joso’s
The kitchen follows an Adriatic approach. Fish is often presented raw at the table for guests to choose, then grilled simply with olive oil, lemon and herbs. Expect grilled octopus, calamari, shellfish and Mediterranean whole fish such as branzino, with prices that reflect daily market availability. The full current menu is posted on the restaurant’s official menu page. Vegetarian choices are limited to salads and sides, so diners with dietary needs should mention them when booking.
The interior is as much of a draw as the food. The walls and shelves display Joso’s lifelong artistic work, including sculptures and paintings of voluptuous female forms, Adriatic sea motifs and nautical objects. The dining rooms are intimate and close together, with a lively, old-world atmosphere. Dress is smart casual, and an average spend of well over $100 per person with wine places it firmly in the $$$$ tier.
- Tableside fish selection: Servers present the day’s catch, and you choose the fish that will be grilled for you.
- Grilled octopus and calamari: These are long-standing house favourites, prepared simply over the grill.
- Founder’s art collection: Joso Spralja’s sculptures and paintings fill every room.
- Heritage since 1967: Joso’s is one of Yorkville’s longest continuously operating restaurants.
- Mediterranean wine list: The list leans toward bottles suited to seafood, including Old World whites.
Joso’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 202 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 1J2 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Yorkville / The Annex border |
| Operating Hours | Tue–Sat 5–10:30 PM (reservations 5–8:30 PM); closed Sun–Mon |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$; market-priced whole fish |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 2.5 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Dupont or Bay stations (Line 1/Line 2); Green P lots on Yorkville area streets |
| Official Website & Phone | josos.com · +1 416-925-1903 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead through the official website or by phone, especially for Friday and Saturday nights. Reservations are taken Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 8:30 PM. A 6 PM table is the best choice if you want an unhurried meal. Dupont station on TTC Line 1 is about a 10-minute walk away, and the 6 Bay bus stops nearby. Street parking on Davenport is metered.
The restaurant occupies an older converted building, and seating is tight. Guests using wheelchairs should call ahead to confirm entry and table placement; the restaurant publishes an accessibility page. Before dinner, you can stroll the Yorkville Village shops, visit the granite-rock park on Cumberland Street, or walk 15 minutes to the Royal Ontario Museum on Bloor Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Joso’s open?
Joso’s serves dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 10:30 PM and is closed Sunday and Monday. Early-evening weeknight tables are the quietest.
Do I need a reservation, and how expensive is it?
Reservations are strongly recommended. Whole fish is market-priced, and a full dinner with wine typically exceeds $100 per person.
How long should I plan for dinner?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours, since whole fish is cooked to order.
Is Joso’s suitable for children or wheelchair users?
The adult-oriented artwork and intimate rooms best suit couples and older diners. Wheelchair users should call ahead to discuss access.
When planning your Toronto travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Toronto, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Hazelton Hotel Toronto, Toronto Railway Museum, Royal Ontario Museum, and Four Seasons Hotel Toronto (0.6 km away).
