yuta watanabe toronto

Toronto Raptor surprises staff at local restaurant

A local restaurant got a big surprise on Oct. 27 when a Toronto Raptor dropped in for a bite to eat.

Yuta Watanabe stopped by Ramen Isshin on College the other night, and graciously took a photo with staff which was posted online.

The photo racked up hundreds of likes, with comments like "amazing" and "awesome."

He's got great taste: the spot for ramen is known as one of the best in Toronto.

Currently in his second year with the Raptors, Watanabe became something of a heartthrob last year with his inspired play and hustle on the court.

Apparently it wasn't the 6'7" player's first time at Ramen Isshin.

"He was gentle, kind and tall! He came to College last weekend, and it was his second time. Both times he ordered the spicy miso ramen," Mami Orihara, the manager of the College location, tells blogTO.

"Most of our staff are fans of him but one staff member, Yosuke, is the most. Actually, Yosuke was there on the same day in the afternoon to eat and left as a customer, then Yuta showed up. Yosuke came back with his Isshin uniform even though he isn't scheduled, just to say hi and get in the picture."

Raptors players have been spotted visiting other Toronto restaurants this year including Real Jerk and Scotty Bons.

Lead photo by

Ramen Isshin


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Eat & Drink

Thousands of people want to boycott Loblaws stores 'indefinitely'

One of the most anticipated Toronto restaurants of the year is now open

Toronto cafe is closing after 12 years

New food hall in Toronto with over 50 vendors opens this month

Loblaws finally agrees to sign Canada's Grocery Code of Conduct

Toronto restaurant that enforced a no-tipping policy is shutting down

15 restaurants in Toronto that make you feel like you're in Europe

Toronto co-op grocery store says people are flocking to join amid Loblaws boycott