Business Details
14 Years
experience
Authentic Japanese Fusion Dining Experience in Waterloo
Founded in 2012 by an artist and a passionate chef in Kitchener, our restaurant relocated to Waterloo in 2016, bringing with us a commitment to creating exceptional culinary experiences. We specialize in Japanese-inspired fusion cuisine, blending traditional techniques with contemporary creativity to deliver dishes like our homemade ramen noodles and signature creamy soup base. Our menu features diverse options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections, with portion sizes tailored to individual appetites. Beyond food, we curate immersive cultural experiences through curated art exhibitions, a library of novels, and a dedicated children's play area. Our beverage program highlights handcrafted Japanese sake and herbal teas served in artisanal glassware, complementing the dining experience.The restaurant's ambiance merges modern art with interactive elements like an upright piano available for guest performances. We maintain rigorous quality standards in ingredient sourcing and preparation, ensuring consistency across our small plates, mains, and desserts. Our team combines culinary expertise with hospitality training to deliver attentive service in a relaxed setting. With over a decade of experience in the foodservice industry, we continue evolving our offerings while staying true to our founding vision of accessible gourmet dining.
Services
Japanese Ramen
Bento Boxes
Soba Noodles
Art Exhibitions
Sake Selection
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options for diverse dietary needs
- Our homemade ramen noodles are crafted daily using traditional techniques
- We feature rotating contemporary art exhibitions from Canadian artists
- Kids enjoy dedicated play areas while parents relax with specialty teas
- We provide portion-controlled meals to accommodate different appetites
What people say
Creative fusion dishes
Beautiful ambiance
Great vegetarian options
Unique sake selection
Family-friendly environment
Services
Japanese Ramen
Our signature ramen features 150g of homemade noodles in a choice of broths including our chef's special creation and traditional tori paitan. Each bowl combines protein-rich broth with carefully selected toppings. Available in pork, chicken, beef, and seafood varieties to satisfy diverse palates.
Bento Boxes
Nutrient-dense bento meals feature balanced combinations of proteins, vegetables, and rice. Options include chicken, beef, pork, and seafood with house-made accompaniments. Perfect for quick meals that maintain gourmet quality and presentation standards.
Art Exhibitions
Rotating contemporary art showcases feature works from Canadian artists like Judy Major-Girardin. The space combines visual art with dining through curated installations and interactive elements. Regular exhibitions maintain fresh ambiance while supporting local creative communities.
Sake Selection
Premium sake offerings include traditional varieties served in handcrafted sets. Our curated list features both junmai and flavored options. Knowledgeable staff provide pairing recommendations to enhance specific dishes and flavor profiles.
Kids Amenities
Dedicated children's corner with educational toys allows families to dine comfortably. The space includes age-appropriate activities while maintaining visibility for parents. Complements our diverse menu options for younger diners.
Questions
Does Exclamation offer vegetarian and vegan options?
Yes, we provide multiple vegetarian and vegan dishes across our menu, including specifically labeled options for easy identification.
Can I play the piano during my visit?
Guests are welcome to play our upright piano - simply ask your server for access during your dining experience.
Are children welcome at the restaurant?
Yes, we have a dedicated children's play area called Mrs. Charles Children's Corner with educational toys and activities.
Do you serve traditional Japanese beverages?
We offer premium Japanese sake, handcrafted herbal teas, and specialty cocktails featuring Japanese ingredients in authentic serving sets.
Is there parking available?
Street parking is available on Hickory Street West with additional public lots within a 5-minute walk of our Waterloo location.
Can I make a reservation?
Yes, reservations can be requested through our website, though we recommend confirming availability by contacting us directly for special requests.
