What’s the Best Sushi in Vancouver? Top 13 Picks for 2024
It’s safe to say that Vancouver is the sushi capital of Canada. The city is home to some of the best sushi bars and Asian restaurants in the country, and its residents are lucky enough to have access to some of the freshest seafood in the world. If you’re wondering where you should go to get your fix, look no further than this list of the best sushi spots in Vancouver.
Best Sushi in Vancouver: Where to Eat?
Craving seafood and not knowing where to go is perhaps one of the most frustrating things a sushi lover can experience. Thankfully, Vancouver is chock-full of amazing dining options, with lots of tasty recipes and specialties to choose from.
1. Tojo’s Restaurant – Best Expertise (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸💸
- Location: 1133 W Broadway, Vancouver BC
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With over 30 years of experience, Tojo’s is one of Vancouver’s most beloved sushi restaurants. The Japanese culinary roots are evident in every dish, from the traditional nigiri and sashimi to the more creative rolls and maki. You can also find an impressive selection of sake, beer, and wine, resulting in a diverse and well-rounded menu that can satisfy everyone’s cravings.
The main chef Hidekazu Tojo is at the heart of Tojo’s restaurant. He is known for his innovative and unique sushi creations, constantly experimenting with flavours and ingredients to create unforgettable dishes that diners can’t get enough of.
He’s one of the first chefs in Vancouver to start using locally smoked salmon and BC spot prawns in his sushi, and his efforts to source the freshest seafood possible have catapulted him into seafood stardom.
2. Ronde One – Best Menu (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 6343 R. Sherbrooke, Vancouver BC
As a popular spot for both Vancouver locals and tourists, Ronde One is always busy – but it’s definitely worth the wait. This Japanese restaurant offers a number of traditional sushi, sashimi, maki rolls, and a few specialties that you won’t find anywhere else.
The Spicy Salmon Roll is a worthy contender, as it’s packed with fresh salmon and topped with zesty sriracha mayo. The Hotate Roll is another great choice, as it features succulent scallops that have been grilled to perfection.
But the real star of the show is the Ronde One Special. This dish comes with a few different kinds of nigiri, as well as a tuna roll and a salmon roll. It’s the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything this restaurant offers.
It’s the perfect way to sample a little bit of everything this restaurant offers.
3. Aburi Sushi – Best Technique (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸💸
- Location: 70-200 Granville St, Vancouver BC
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The Aburi brand has become synonymous with quality sushi, and its Vancouver location is no exception. Seigo Nakamura, the owner and chef of Aburi Sushi, has introduced Ningenmi and Omotenashi – two of Japan’s culinary Tenku (heavenly cuisine) – to Vancouver, and his efforts have earned him international acclaim.
One thing that sets Aburi Sushi apart from other Vancouver sushi places is its use of aburi technique, which involves lightly searing the fish with a blowtorch to bring out its natural flavours. Coupled with some classic French creamy sauces and cooking techniques, the result is a truly unique and memorable dining experience.
Aburi’s cuisine is known as some of the best sushi in Vancouver, beloved by locals and visitors alike. The use of the aburi technique has also inspired other sushi chefs to experiment with similar methods, further solidifying its reputation as a sushi powerhouse.
4. Ajisai Sushi – Best for Budget
- Price: 💸
- Location: 2087 W.42nd Ave, Vancouver BC
- Order online: call (604)-266-1428 to order
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Commonly known as the hidden gem among sushi restaurants, Ajisai Sushi is a neighbourhood favourite that serves up fresh and flavourful dishes at reasonable prices. The restaurant has a no-frills atmosphere, but the food more than makes up for it with its quality and taste.
This family-owned business is known for its simple yet delicious authentic sushi recipes. Having been in the business for over 20 years, the team at Ajisai Sushi has perfected their craft, and it shows in every dish they serve.
One of the most popular items on the menu is the unagi roll, which is made with grilled eel and cucumber, and served with a sweet eel sauce on top. Other must-tries include the salmon aba nigiri, which is made with marinated salmon, and the ume shiso rolls, which consist of pickled plum and shiso leaves wrapped in rice and nori.
5. Masayoshi – Best Consistency (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 4376 Fraser Street, Vancouver BC
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Masayoshi Baba, the chef and owner of Masayoshi, harnessed his love and skills for Japanese cuisine over the course of 20 years of cooking experience His leading cooking techniques and visions have allowed him to open up one of the best sushi places in Vancouver. Slowly but surely, Masayoshi has become a staple in the Canadian seafood scene.
The restaurant follows the omakase sushi style, which means that the chef handpicks a selection of the freshest and best-quality seafood available to create a customized dining experience for each customer. This allows Masayoshi to get creative with his dishes and showcase his true culinary talents.
Despite the limited seating arrangement and rarified prices, people continue to flock to Masayoshi for a taste of his exquisite local sushi. With every bite, it’s easy to see why this establishment has become one of the most celebrated sushi bars in Vancouver.
6. Tom Sushi – Best Creativity (Order Online)
- Price: 💸
- Location: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver BC
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Chef Tom Jeon’s lifelong passion for fancy sushi recipes finally became reality in 2019 with the opening of Tom Sushi. With over 10 years of experience in the Japanese culinary field, he’s perfected his craft and cultivated his unique take on the cuisine.
At Tom Sushi, you’ll find all of your Japanese favourites done right. The salmon sashimi is cut fresh daily and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, while the tuna tataki is seared to perfection. But it’s the restaurant’s original creations that really stand out, such as fresh nigiri and maki rolls served with a delectable sweet chilli sauce.
Most of the menu options are made with signature west coast ingredients, resulting in some truly impressive and flavourful dishes. Pair that with their reasonable prices, and it’s no wonder this restaurant has quickly become one of the go-to places for sushi in downtown Vancouver.
7. Toshi Sushi – Best for Variety (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 181 E 16th Ave, Vancouver BC
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The cozy and inviting Toshi Sushi is a neighbourhood favourite that’s been serving up good sushi with even better vibes for years. Chef Toshi Matsuoka is the mastermind behind this establishment, and his passion for both sushi and people is evident in every aspect of the restaurant.
From the freshness of the seafood to the friendliness of the staff, everything at Toshi Sushi comes together to create an equally memorable and delectable dining experience. The menu features all of the Japanese food classics, as well as some original Toshi creations that are not to be missed.
The nasu dengaku, for example, is a roasted eggplant dish served with a sweet miso sauce, while the mochi ice cream is a delicious dessert that’s perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note. The gin tara saikyo yaki is also a must-try, as it’s a seared tuna dish that’s marinated in a sweet and savoury sauce.
8. Minami Restaurant – Best Presentation (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸💸💸
- Location: 1118 Mainland Street, Vancouver BC
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As part of the bubbly Yaletown neighbourhood, Minami Restaurant is constantly buzzing with excitement. Along with its sister restaurant Miku, they serve as the pioneers of Aburi-style sushi in Vancouver. The grilled and slightly torched toppings on their nigiri and maki dishes are what sets them apart from the competition.
The menu features all of your Japanese favourites, as well as some inventive original dishes. The seared albacore tuna is an honourable mention, as it’s served with a tantalizing ponzu sauce. Another option is the new style gyoza, which are pan-fried pork dumplings that come with a special sweet chilli sauce.
The lounge area is accompanied by two private dining rooms and a garden patio, giving you plenty of options for where to enjoy your meal. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a night out with friends, Minami Restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in some of the best sushi rolls Vancouver has to offer.
9. Kaide – Best Quality (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 1375 Richards Street, Vancouver BC
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Kaide is an underrated sushi spot in Vancouver that’s definitely worth checking out. The restaurant is small and unassuming, but don’t let that fool you – the seafood is prepared with precision and with an undeniable level of care.
The menu is straightforward, but that’s not a bad thing. With wild sockeye salmon and albacore tuna as the main stars, you can’t go wrong with any of the nigiri or sashimi options. The raw fish is so fresh that it practically melts in your mouth, and the rice is perfectly cooked to provide a scrumptious base for each bite.
As such, the restaurant rightfully deserves a place among the best sushi Vancouver has to offer. Each dish is affordably priced, and the quality of the food is more than evident. If you’re ever in the area, be sure to swing by and give Kaide a try – you won’t be disappointed.
10. Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar – Best Service (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 2054 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
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Having a lively and inviting atmosphere, Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar definitely knows how to make their guests feel at home. This neighbourhood eatery is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its tasty seafood and hospitable service. Their 10-year anniversary is marked by numerous culinary awards and recognitions for top sushi in Vancouver.
The menu features an extensive list of nigiri, sashimi, maki options, and some hearty entrees like chicken katsu curry. The salmon sashimi is definitely a standout dish, as it’s incredibly well-marbled and flavourful. The unagi don is also a great choice, as it comes with generous portions of grilled eel over rice.
Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a casual meal with family or friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, they have something for everyone.
11. Stem Japanese Eatery – Best Wine and Dine (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸💸
- Location: 5205 Rumble Street, Vancouver BC
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Way back in 2017, Chef Tatsuya and Chef Yoshi decided to open up a restaurant where traditional kappo-style local sushi could be enjoyed in a casual and relaxed setting. Their seasonal dishes are based on locally sourced ingredients, and the menu changes frequently to reflect what’s new and fresh.
Their assortment of nigiri and sashimi is definitely worth trying, as the fish is fresh and flavourful. The star of the show, however, is their crispy rice with tuna. This dish comes with a generous portion of seared albacore tuna on top of crispy sushi rice, and it’s absolutely to die for.
Plus, the extensive collection of wine and sake is the perfect way to round out your meal. It doesn’t matter if you’re a sushi aficionado or a novice – Stem Japanese Eatery is worth a visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable culinary experience.
12. Tetsu Sushi Bar – Best Authentic Sushi (Order Online)
- Price: 💸💸
- Location: 775 Denman St, Vancouver BC
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This west-end sushi spot is beloved by Vancouverites for its attention to detail and excellent service. The restaurant has a small and intimate setting, but it’s definitely not short on flavour or personality.
The most popular dishes on the menu include the Shari sushi platter, which comes with a variety of nigiri and sashimi, and the Sakana dish, which features grilled salmon and vegetables. The sushi is definitely the star of the show, but the miso soup and green salad are also worth ordering.
The texture and flavour of the fish are impeccable, and the rice is perfectly cooked. Each bite is a delight as all of the nuanced spices come together perfectly. If you’re looking for an authentic sushi experience, Tetsu Sushi Bar is the place to go.
13. Sushi by Yuji – Best for Value (Order Online)
- Price: 💸
- Location: 2252 Kingsway, Vancouver BC
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Built to accommodate around 20 guests, Sushi by Yuji is a quaint little spot that delivers in both quality and quantity. With no extravagant decor or over-the-top menu items, this unpretentious eatery focuses on delivering a tantalizing treat to your taste buds.
The classic Gunkan sushi is made with fresh salmon roe, using a traditional method that results in a slightly soft and chewy texture. The Yuji roll is another house favourite, as it’s packed with eel, salmon, and avocado. All of these menu items are affordably priced, so you can indulge in as much sushi as your heart desires.
But if you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, the toro nigiri is definitely worth trying. It’s made with a fatty tuna belly, which feels absolutely divine in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
Why Is Vancouver Known For Sushi?
In short, the abundance of fresh seafood is what makes Vancouver’s sushi so special. Since it’s located on the coast near the Pacific Ocean, it has constant access to a variety of fish and seafood that is used in sushi.
The greater Vancouver area is also home to many Japanese Canadians, which means that there’s a strong sushi culture. As such, the chefs have inherently mastered the art of sushi-making, and they’re always coming up with new and innovative ways to enjoy this classic dish.
All of these factors come together to create a sushi scene that is unlike any other. The city is bustling with restaurants of all shapes and sizes, each with its own additions and twists on this beloved dish. So no matter what your sushi preference is, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your cravings in Vancouver.
Best Cheap Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver
As much as we all love sushi, it can be quite pricey. Sometimes, you just want to enjoy these traditional Japanese dishes without breaking the bank. If that’s the case, then check out the top cheap sushi restaurants in Vancouver below:
- Ajisai Sushi
- Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen & Sushi Bar
- Toshi Sushi
- Sushi by Yuji
Best Sushi Restaurants in Downtown Vancouver
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, downtown Vancouver is the place to be. This lively neighbourhood is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. If you’re looking for some sushi in downtown Vancouver, then check out the list of restaurants:
- Minami Restaurant
- Kaide Sushi
- Tom Sushi
- Tetsu Sushi Bar
Wrapping It All Up
As the modern Japanese cuisine connoisseur searches for new and exciting ways to enjoy their favourite dishes, Vancouver will continue to be a hot spot for such endeavours. With a surplus of fresh seafood and a strong sushi culture, some of the best sushi in Vancouver has become a festering ground for creativity and innovation.
FAQ
Given how Vancouver is home to over 600 sushi places, we can safely call it the Sushi Capital of North America.
According to Google Trends data, Vancouver BC rated 100 out of 100 regarding sushi-related searches.
You can find good Omakase in Vancouver for about $75.
ABOUT AUTHOR
Mila is an English literature student and a devoted animal's rights advocate. Despite her love for the written word, she's a keen observer of the everyday world and an excellent researcher with a bright and fresh perspective. When she's not doing research, you're most likely to find her out for a walk with her dog or binge-watching a TV show.
