Some cities have pizza joints or coffee shops on every corner. Vancouver has sushi restaurants.
With over 600 sushi restaurants and counting, Vancouver may very well be the sushi capital of North America. The combination of a solid Asian population and easy access to the Pacific Ocean, it’s no wonder that this cuisine dominates the Vancouver food scene. From traditional to fusion, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by all of the possibilities.
With a focus on the freshness and authentic Japanese food, here are the ten best sushi in Vancouver to put on your local food bucket list.
Check out 45+ Burnaby restaurants offering special multi-course menus all March long!
10. Tojo’s Restaurant
If you want to treat yourself to a nice meal, the omakase menu at Tojo’s is hard to beat. It is one of Vancouver’s oldest sushi restaurants and has aged well. Elegant yet friendly, this is a great spot to celebrate a special occasion. Chef Hidekazu Tojo, who still works at the restaurant even though he’s in his 60s, has a legacy of combining techniques from his native Japan with the North American palette. He began his culinary journey by working in a Ryotei, a high-class traditional Japanese restaurant in Osaka during his early 20s.
After honing his skills, he moved Canada in 1971 to branch away from the restrictions traditional Japanese culinary culture possessed. At the time, North Americans were not receptive of seaweed or eating raw fish. Chef Tojo had an idea of hiding them by making the roll inside out, creating the Inside Out Tojo Roll (now called California Roll). Although this was against sushi purists, people loved the roll.
A true culinary innovator, Chef Tojo is credited with creating the now ubiquitous California, BC rolls, and the first to use smoked salmon with sushi.
It is thanks to his pioneering efforts that sushi’s North American popularity is where it is now. To this day, Chef Tojo continues to use his creativity to produce new dishes from local ingredients. His newer creations include specialty rolls like the Golden Roll and Great Pacific Roll. Get your reservation today for a taste of Vancouver’s sushi history.
What to order: Omakase, California Roll, BC Roll
Address: 1133 West Broadway, Vancouver BC Canada, V6H 1G1
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9. Ajisai Sushi Bar
A spot like this deserves that overused qualification of “hidden gem.” With only seven tables and a sushi bar, this authentic Japanese restaurant fills up quickly. When other Japanese chefs recommend it, you know it’s going to be good. The fresh, high-quality and reasonably priced sushi is worth the wait.
The saba nigiri, unagi battera, futomaki and ume sisho roll are some of the best sushi Vancouver has to offer. Their special assorted sushi set and lunch specials are always a good bet for fresh fish that won’t break the bank. Also, unlike some other restaurants, this locale serves decent sized portions that won’t leave you wanting to stop for a second lunch or dinner on the way home.
Address: 2081 W 42nd Ave, Vancouver, BC Canada, V6M 3V3
8. Toshi Sushi
Don’t let Toshi Sushi’s small and unassuming location put you off. The sushi here has the same fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality that you’ll find at higher-end Japanese restaurants in Vancouver. The delicious food and reasonable prices mean there is often a line to get in. The wait is manageable, or you can order take away if you prefer.
Loyal customers highly recommend their box roll, sakura scallop or spicy agedashi tofu. For something a bit different, order the nasu dengaku (baked eggplant) or gin tara saikyo yaki (miso-marinated grilled cod). Be sure to check out the specials menu as it changes frequently and often features standouts such as saba sushi.
Address: 181 E 16th Ave, Vancouver, BC Canada V5T 4R2
7. Minami Restaurant
If you’re looking to get your aburi fix, Miku’s sister restaurant has also got you covered. Minami combines Japanese and West Coast cuisine in a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. At Minami, its Aburi sushi is made to be paired with their seafood dishes and your choice of sake, wine, or specialty cocktail.
A restaurant that manages to be upscale and friendly, this is an ideal spot for a Downtown business lunch, gathering of friends or even a date night.
This Yaletown spot features a full bar and lounge area, two private dining rooms, and a hidden secluded garden patio. They are known for unique items like the aburi chirashi tart, red wave roll and “new style gyoza”. Aburi salmon oshi and ebi fritters are also top orders.
With friendly service, this Downtown Vancouver sushi restaurant truly lives up to the company philosophy of ningenmi, or “finding happiness in bringing joy to others.”
Fun fact: Miku and Minami are named after the President & Owner Seigo Nakamura’s daughters.
Address: 1118 Mainland Street Vancouver, BC Canada, V6B 2T9
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6. Kaide Sushi
Kaide boasts the bold claim of “Best Sushi in Vancouver” on its website, so it’s worth visiting and deciding for yourself. But those who have already been there know that Kaide is considered one of Yaletown’s hidden gems. With a simple interior, the focus is all on the fresh and finely-prepared Japanese food.
The intimate eatery and sushi bar emphasizes local ingredients and uses only wild sockeye salmon and wild albacore tuna. Its butterfish, when available, is otherworldly, but you can’t go wrong with the assorted sushi set, hamachi, toro nigiri, unagi nigiri, uni or the tofino roll either. With rolls, sashimi, nigiri, hasomaki, donburi and even a vegetarian menu, there’s something for everyone.
Pro-tip: Make sure you order something off their special board as well.
Address: 1375 Richards Street, Vancouver BC Canada, V6Z 2X6
5. Sushi Jin
Tucked neatly beside the loud signage next door of gyro wraps and blinking corner store signage, Sushi Jin is a small, intimate restaurant that no omakase lovers in Vancouver do not know. As they only have 6 seats around the bar, you must make a reservation and get ready to have a conversation with Chef Jin about your course!
People love coming here for their Premium Omakase Course, which includes 18 dishes of Otzumami, Nigiri Zushi, Temaki, Tamago, and dessert. Every piece of fish is so fresh, prepared with great care, and plated nicely. An indulgent dinner that you would love to have again and again! You can ask the chef for the toro neck that offers the best mix of texture and fat for a next-level taste!
They also have Premium Omakase Course with Snow Crab for all the crab addicts. While feasting your palate with the chef’s choice, you will also experience your favorite crab in a totally new way!
What to order: Premium Omakase Course, Sashimi Platter, Premium Omakase Course with Snow Crab
Address: 750 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1A8
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4. Sushi by Yuji
For a more casual scene, dine with Chef Yuji Nagaya at this small restaurant that seats around 20 people. The hole-in-the-wall place eschews fancy décor but still celebrates high-quality ingredients you’d expect from an authentic Japanese restaurant in Vancouver.
It is known for sashimi, nigiri and traditional gunkan (rice and nori seaweed with salmon, fish roe or sea urchin) types of sushi, but, as with many sushi restaurants in Vancouver, check out the specials board for the freshest options.
The toro nigiri and Yuji roll are crowd pleasers, as are the negitoro, tobiko and ikura with quail egg (you can also order without quail egg).
*Note: Make sure you make a reservation as tables are super limited.
What to order: Quail egg gunkan, Negitoro roll
Address: 2252 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC Canada, V5N2T7
3. Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar
No list of best sushi in Vancouver would be complete without Kishimoto. This authentic, welcoming and lively restaurant focuses on fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, when available. Imported fish comes directly from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo, and the chef often uses fresh flowers and garnishes from the restaurant’s garden.
Chef Akira Kishimoto trained in his hometown of Osaka at the age of 18 and later in Kyoto before moving to Vancouver to follow his dream of opening his own restaurant.
The restaurant is a bit hidden, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from lining up for his salmon oshi, OMG rolls, tamari-dipped sushi and seasonal tempura topped with edible flowers. Their house-made, special tamari sauce may make you want to give up traditional soy sauce forever.
*Note that they are closed Monday and Tuesdays and are only available for dinner
Address: 2054 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC Canada, V5N 4A9
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2. Miku Japanese Restaurant
If you’re ever talking about where to get the best sushi in Vancouver, you bet Miku will always be mentioned. And it’s for a good reason.
With a beautiful location right on the Downtown Vancouver waterfront, you get a jaw-dropping picturesque view of the snow-capped mountains whether you sit inside or on the patio. Upscale and modern with a buzzing bar and lounge, this is a great spot for business lunches and special occasions.
Executive Corporate Chef Kazuya Matsuoka and Executive Chef Kazuhiro Hayashi combines traditional Japanese flavours with fresh west coast ingredients to create a dining experience that showcases the best of Vancouver.
Miku is known for introducing Aburi (flame-seared) sushi in Canada. The unique preparation enhances the natural flavours of the sushi and features a signature Miku sauce created from a secret recipe. Try the salmon oshi sushi, premium nigiri sampler or any of the aburi. Tuna with foie gras, wagyu beef with uni, albacore with miso sauce are all popular options.
Fun fact: When Queen Beyonce and Jay Z were in town for their concert, they dined at Miku.
Address: 70-200 Granville Street, Granville Square (Canada Place Way and Howe Street), Vancouver, BC Canada V6C 1S4
Order Online: Uber Eats
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1. Tom Sushi
Since Vancouver has so many great established sushi spots, most people have their go-to spots. This tends to make it difficult for newcomers to sway or impress locals. Not the case for Tom Sushi.
Within just a few months of opening, Tom Sushi won the hearts of Vancouverites. Hop on Google or Yelp and you’ll find over 250 positive reviews about this fairly new spot – something incredibly rare considering how picky we are with sushi.
Tom Sushi has quickly carved a name for itself for the quality fresh nigiri and maki options, that are always meticulously prepared to the tiniest detail.
And best of all you…can feast on them for a reasonable price.
Chef Tom Jeon, which runs the spot, is a renowned face in the business. Although he looks incredibly young compared to sushi masters you tend to see, he has over a decade of experience in traditional Japanese cuisine.
Because of how packed it gets here at night, it is hard to still consider it a gem. But if you make a visit, their selection of nigiri and maki will satisfy you 100%. We recommend for nirigi: tokiko w/quail egg, shima-aji, hotate, and toro.
The best part about Tom Sushi’s maki is that you can ask to change them into a hand-roll for no extra cost. If you’re lucky, they’ll still have some negitoro left. If not – the negihama and bluefin are just as divine. Enjoy generous slices that are extremely fresh and delicious. If you’re looking to get filled, their udons have been recommended by others to us as well.
If you’re looking to impress a certain someone or celebrate an occasion, their otoro (the fattiest and most expensive part of tuna) is topped with some gold flakes to make you feel like true royalty.
If you’re a fan of sushi, this is a spot you need to visit if you’re in Downtown Vancouver.
Pro-tip: Ask to have your maki roll changed to a hand roll.
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2
Order Online: Website | Uber Eats
Honourable mentions: Masayoshi, Yui Japanese Bistro, and Restaurant Yugo
It’s a near-impossible task to select just ten in the thriving and evolving Vancouver sushi landscape. You could easily create separate lists for best nigiri, best omakase or best aburi, and there are sure to be newcomers that will emerge and disrupt the Vancouver food scene.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, grab a fellow sushi lover and enjoy eating some of the freshest fish Japan and the Pacific Ocean have to offer.
Is Vancouver Known For Sushi?
Vancouver has vibrant and diverse options when it comes to cuisines. If you are a sushi lover, you will undoubtedly love Vancouver’s restaurants that serve this dish. Not only does Vancouver have a whopping line-up of 600 sushi restaurants, but it is known for its brilliant sushi.
You should also note that Vancouver’s sushi serving restaurants focus on authenticity and freshness. People also claim that you can enjoy consuming some of the freshest fish the Pacific Ocean and Japan can offer in Vancouver.
What Are the Best Sushi Restaurants in Downtown Vancouver?
When it comes to fresh and top-quality sushi, Downtown Vancouver is great. You will find some of the best and exciting sushi bars in Downtown Vancouver. Also, many sushi bars can amaze you even on a low budget. So, whenever you are in Downtown Vancouver and feel like picking some sushi, consider these restaurants:
1. Tom Sushi
2. Miku Vancouver
3. Sushi Jin
4. Momo Sushi
5. Yui Japanese Bistro
6. Minami Restaurant
7. Blue Water Cafe
8. Kaide Sushi
9. Hello Nori
10. Black Rice Izakaya
What Are the Best Cheap Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver?
If you are running on a tight budget, it does not mean you’ll need to suppress your cravings for sushi. Being one of the best places for sushi globally, Vancouver has both budget-friendly and expensive options. And yes, do not mistake underestimating the taste and preparation style of these medium-budget sushi restaurants. The budget-friendly sushi restaurants will end up surprising you with their culinary expertise and flavor profile.
Here are our picks for budget sushi restaurants, and bars in Vancouver:
1. Tom Sushi
2. Samurai Japanese Restaurant
3. Toshi Sushi
4. Ajisai Sushi Bar
5. Sushi California
6. Yamato Sushi
7. Kadoya Japanese Restaurant
8. Sushi Hachi
9. Fujiya Japanese Foods
10. Kisokama Japanese Restaurant
How Good Is Tom Sushi Restaurant in Vancouver?
Unlike the traditional sushi bars in Vancouver, Tom Sushi does not have a long history. But, within just a few months of arrival in the city, this place has won many hearts. The fresh maki and nigiri options are worth queuing up for. Another reason why Tom Sushi is so popular is because of its modest pricing.
You are in for some amazing sushi if you head to this restaurant.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.