Looking for the best sushi restaurants in Vancouver?
With over 600 (!) Vancouver sushi restaurants, the decision can be downright confusing.
Luckily, with so much quality sushi in Vancouver – it’s almost hard to mess up!
Let’s take a deeper look.
Where to Eat Sushi in Vancouver: The Best Sushi Restaurants
Vancouver’s sushi scene hits like a rogue wave of umami – raw, relentless, and unapologetically Pacific Northwest.
It’s where Japanese precision collides with local salmon hauls and Dungeness crab in ways that’d make Tokyo chefs nod in quiet approval.
In fact, good sushi in Vancouver is so common I’ve even listed it as one of the top things to do in Vancouver.
I’ll go into depth later, but here’s a quick preview of my Vancouver sushi restaurant honour roll:
- 🥇 Tojo’s: Inventor of the California roll – enough said.
- 🥈 Miku: Best sushi in downtown Vancouver.
- 🥉 Sushi Bar Maumi: Authentic omakase experience.
- 🍴 Kitchen Dada: Best sushi with kitchen item bonuses for fish phobics.
- 🍴 Minami: Modern Japanese cuisine in Yaletown.
- 🍴 Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen: Creative rolls and cozy atmosphere.
- 🍴 Toshi Sushi: Affordable and fresh sushi.
- 🍴 Hello Nori: Best sushi place for hand rolls with a twist.
- 🍴 Tom Sushi: High-quality sushi at reasonable prices.
- 🍴 Raisu: Innovative dishes in a stylish setting.
- 🍴 Sushi Jin: Best omakase in Vancouver.
- 🍴 Masayoshi: Top Michelin-starred sushi in Vancouver.
- 🍴 O Sushi: Best vegetarian sushi.
- 🍴 Domo Sushi: Best takeout sushi in Vancouver.
- 🍴 Saiko Sushi: Top value combo sushi spot.
- 🍴 Green Leaf Sushi: Best value aburi sushi.
- 🍴 Ajisai Sushi Bar: Value chef’s choice menu.
- 🍴 Shiro Japanese Restaurant: Nigiri combo paradise.
- 🍴 Sashimiya: Best grab and go + Japanese grocery.
- 🍴 Tetsu: Top high end sushi + unagi.
I’ve prowled Vancouver’s best restaurants as a sushi vet who knows fresh nigiri from tourist traps – so dive in with me, and I’ll spill the soy-stained secrets on where to drop anchor for the best bites in town.
Tojo’s
📋 Story: One of the best sushi restaurants is Tojo’s, led by Chef Hidekazu Tojo, credited with creating the California roll and B.C. roll. His innovative approach has made this restaurant a landmark in Vancouver’s sushi scene.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Tojo’s offers a unique omakase experience, blending traditional techniques with local ingredients to create memorable dishes.
✨ Vibes I got: The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming. I appreciated the attentive service and the chef’s passion for his craft. It’s a place where sushi is elevated to an art form.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Tojo’s omakase.
Miku
📋 Story: Miku introduced Aburi (flame-seared) sushi to Canada, offering a modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: The signature Aburi sushi features perfectly seared fish with unique sauces, creating a delightful fusion of flavours.
✨ Vibes I got: The waterfront location provides stunning views, and the sleek interior adds to the upscale dining experience. I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and the innovative menu.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Salmon oshi sushi.
Sushi Bar Maumi
📋 Story: Sushi Bar Maumi offers an authentic omakase experience with fish flown in directly from Japan.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: The chef prepares each piece of sushi with precision, highlighting the natural flavours of the fresh ingredients.
✨ Vibes I got: The intimate setting allows for a personal dining experience. I appreciated the focus on quality and the chef’s dedication to his craft.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Omakase nigiri selection.
Kitchen Dada
📋 Story: Kitsilano’s bold fusion outpost, Kitchen Dada blends sushi bar precision with grill smoke. Think inventive rolls amid a sleek, modern vibe. This might be the best sushi on the west side of Vancouver.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Flame-kissed aburi meets local seafood in creative rolls and grilled specials; fresh, fiery, and flawlessly executed Vancouver innovation.
✨ Vibes I got: Trendy, Instagram-ready space buzzing with foodies – playful yet polished dining den.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Signature sushi-grill fusion roll or torched sablefish
Minami
📋 Story: Minami is the sister restaurant to Miku, offering a contemporary Japanese dining experience in Yaletown.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: The menu features a variety of Aburi sushi and innovative dishes that blend Japanese flavours with local ingredients.
✨ Vibes I got: The modern decor and lively atmosphere make it a great spot for a night out. I enjoyed the creative cocktails and the beautifully presented dishes.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Premium nigiri trio (chutoro, ama-ebi, shima aji).
Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen
📋 Story: Kishimoto is known for its artistic presentation and creative sushi rolls.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: The menu offers a mix of traditional and inventive dishes, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
✨ Vibes I got: The cozy interior and friendly staff create a welcoming environment. I appreciated the attention to detail in both the food and the service.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Spicy salmon wild sockeye sashimi or kama toro (bluefin tuna jaw) roll.
Toshi Sushi
📋 Story: Hidden on East 16th near Main, Toshi Sushi is helmed by Chef Toshi Saito, Tokyo-raised master from Whistler’s Sushi Village days – and it packs lines that prove the hype.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: This Vancouver sushi menu features a variety of classic sushi options, all prepared with care and attention to flavour.
✨ Vibes I got: A neighbourhood gem. The place is always buzzing, and for good reason. The staff works fast, but the quality never slips. I had to wait a bit, but once I sat down, it was well worth it.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Bluefin negitoro cones or mullet fish flown in directly from Japan.
Hello Nori
📋 Story: If you’ve ever wanted sushi as a casual, sit-down experience where the chef makes each roll right in front of you, Hello Nori is your dream spot. It’s all about temaki (hand rolls) and minimalist flair.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: The hand rolls come out one at a time, so the seaweed stays crisp. It’s warm rice. There’s no soy sauce – just quality ingredients, simple and bold.
✨ Vibes I got: It’s sleek, social, and fast. You sit at a bar counter, chat with the chefs, and dive into sushi like it’s Tokyo street food – only you’re in downtown Vancouver.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Hokkaido scallop 6 hand roll.
Tom Sushi
📋 Story: Tucked away on Davie, Tom Sushi might be easy to miss – but this place is run by a former chef from Miku and Minami, and it shows.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Everything is fresh, clean, and made with care. The aburi sushi has just the right char, and the balance of flavours never misses. No wonder it’s one of the best sushi restaurants in Vancouver.
✨ Vibes I got: Minimalist, cozy, and welcoming. Feels like a West End neighbourhood gem you want to keep to yourself – but can’t help recommending.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Aburi salmon oshi or blue fin chu-toro nigiri.
Raisu
📋 Story: From the same team behind Kingyo and Raijo, Raisu brings elevated Japanese comfort food to Kitsilano. It’s equal parts tradition and creativity.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: From pressed sushi to chirashi bowls, every dish is photogenic – and delicious. Even the rice is on point.
✨ Vibes I got: Trendy, vibrant, and a little hidden. It feels like you stumbled onto a Tokyo alleyway spot that locals whisper about.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Sockeye salmon sashimi.
Sushi Jin
📋 Story: Sushi Jin is where premium ingredients meet quiet elegance. It’s newer, but already making headlines for its beautifully curated omakase experience.
This is one of the best restaurants in downtown Vancouver, period.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Caviar, uni, wagyu – done tastefully. Each piece of nigiri is like a little luxury gift.
✨ Vibes I got: A hushed, high-end vibe with personalized attention. Think Tokyo fine dining with West Coast flair.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Seasonal omakase.
O Sushi
📋 Story: Downtown dynamo steps from City Centre Station, ‘O’ Sushi commits to Ocean Wise sustainable seafood with a massive gluten-free menu – eco-conscious without skimping on taste.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: High-grade fresh rolls and nigiri using grass-fed beef accents and quinoa rice options; bold, healthy twists on classics.
✨ Vibes I got: Some of the best cheap sushi in Vancouver, a bustling urban vibe near the Art Gallery – lively spot for quick, guilt-free downtown fuel.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Mighty Mushroom roll – or for fish lovers, the organic king salmon roll or chilli crunch roll
Masayoshi
📋 Story: Masayoshi is where Chef Masayoshi Baba, a 20-year veteran trained in Japan and under Tojo’s Hidekazu in Vancouver, pioneers hyper-seasonal omakase at his Michelin-starred restaurant.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: No à la carte here – just omakase. Expect delicate cuts of fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and subtle flavors that build throughout the meal. Every piece is a lesson in balance.
✨ Vibes I got: This place forces you to slow down. It’s quiet, minimalist, and completely focused on the food. Expect Shoku harmony and innovative umami techniques.
💥 Obligatory menu item: The toro nigiri is buttery perfection.
Domo Sushi
📋 Story: Coal Harbour’s Melville Street hideaway, Domo Sushi delivers consistent quality, and for me it’s the best takeout sushi in downtown Vancouver.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Impeccable nigiri, inventive rolls with local flair, and veggie-friendly options that hit fresh and balanced every visit.
✨ Vibes I got: Modern, welcoming with great service – one of the best budget sushi restaurants in Vancouver.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Crunchy avo roll or the red dragon roll (dynamite topped with tuna).
Saiko Sushi
📋 Story: Point Grey staple on West Broadway, Saiko Sushi draws crowds with its combo mastery and fresh hauls – one of the best sushi places in Vancouver for reliable, crowd-pleasing bites.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Flawless combos of tuna-salmon rolls and sashimi, spicy dynamite that pops, all balanced and fresh. Nails casual sushi every time.
✨ Vibes I got: Bright, family-friendly with quick service – perfect neighbourhood haunt for everyday cravings.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Miso pacific blackcod set.
Green Leaf Sushi
📋 Story: Kitsilano’s understated hero on West Broadway, Green Leaf Sushi flies under radar but serves pristine plates that locals swear by for everyday excellence.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Super fresh nigiri, creative salads, and rolls with perfect rice harmony – no fillers, just clean Vancouver sushi flavours shining through.
✨ Vibes I got: Chill, green-themed cozy nook – feels like your Kitsilano secret spot amid the beachy bustle.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Sockeye aburi with jalapeño or green salad roll.
Ajisai Sushi Bar
📋 Story: Ajisai Sushi Bar is a small but always packed sushi joint in Kerrisdale. Locals swear by it, and for good reason – it’s one of the best spots for fresh, authentic sushi without the high-end omakase price.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Simple, no-fuss sushi done right. The sashimi is fresh, the rice is well-seasoned, and they don’t drown anything in sauce. Their nigiri and maki rolls are classic and consistently good.
✨ Vibes I got: It’s a tight space, so expect to wait if you go during peak hours. The atmosphere is casual but warm, and you can tell they care about quality. I love that it feels like a neighbourhood spot rather than a flashy sushi restaurant.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Kampachi (amberjack) tuna sashimi or triple salmon roll.
Shiro Japanese Restaurant
📋 Story: Shiro Japanese Restaurant has been around for years, serving up classic sushi without any gimmicks. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t need to chase trends because the quality speaks for itself.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Traditional sushi, sashimi, and donburi made with care. The fish is fresh, the rice is on point, and they don’t mess around with unnecessary toppings.
✨ Vibes I got: It’s small, welcoming, and feels like a neighborhood spot. The chefs know what they’re doing, and it’s obvious that regulars keep coming back for a reason. I like that it’s a reliable go-to for solid, no-nonsense sushi.
💥 Obligatory menu item: 8 piece chef’s choice sushi for $44.99.
Sashimiya
📋 Story: Sashimiya is a small takeout-only sushi spot run by a former Tojo’s chef. The focus here is on premium-quality fish, and it’s easily one of the best places for grab-and-go sushi.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: High-quality sashimi, nigiri, and sushi platters. The fish is cut perfectly, and the freshness is on another level. They also sell Japanese grocery items and house-made sauces.
✨ Vibes I got: Since it’s takeout-only, there’s no dine-in experience, but I love how easy it is to pick up top-tier sushi without having to book a reservation. If you ever need sushi for a picnic or a quiet night at home, this is the place to go.
💥 Obligatory menu item: Chef’s nigiri plate + one roll
Tetsu Sushi Bar
📋 Story: Tetsu Sushi Bar is Michelin-guide recommended. It’s small, cozy, and run by people who genuinely care about quality.
🍲 Why your taste buds will thank you: Classic Tokyo-style sushi with top-tier fish. The rice is slightly warm, which makes every bite better. They also have great sashimi options.
✨ Vibes I got: A quiet, welcoming space where the focus is on the sushi. I felt like I was in a secret spot that only true sushi lovers know about. Definitely a place I’d bring a fellow food nerd.
💥 Obligatory menu item: The whole japanese eel (unagi) with fresh wasabi.
All You Can Eat Sushi in Vancouver (What’s Left)
Vancouver’s all you can eat sushi spots used to be the salvation for cash-strapped students clutching a $20 bill, fattening up for winter on late-night specials!
That said, the cheap rolls and green tea ice cream has really dried up – food poisoning whispers and crushing rents thinned the herd like overfished tuna.
Here’s what’s left of Vancouver’s best all you can eat sushi restaurants:
- Nordel Sushi (Surrey): AYCE staple at Nordel Crossing with endless rolls, nigiri, and tempura – fresh enough for repeat orders.
- Happy Sushi (East Van): Cozy Victoria Drive spot slinging AYCE classics like salmon towers and hand rolls post-relocation glow-up.
- Kingyo (Downtown): Vibrant izakaya offering AYCE small plates and sushi specials like sashimi omakase – lively shareable vibes.
- Sushi Taku (Joyce-Collingwood): Neighborhood Vancouver AYCE sushi gem near SkyTrain with fresh nigiri, rolls, and party trays for value hunters.
- Ninkazu (Richmond): OG AYCE vet with tiered menus (A/B/C) packing deluxe seafood, thick sashimi cuts, and hot dishes that satisfy.
- Shabusen (Downtown): Fusion yakiniku-AYCE beast blending sushi platters with grill-your-own meats for all-day gluttony.
I’ve bellied up to these AYCE sushi survivors as a sushi vet who’s chased value from Vancouver to Tokyo – these are the last holds worth your twenty – or thirty, hey, inflation is rampant!
Go hungry my friend… order reckless!
What Sushi to Eat in Vancouver
Sushi restaurants in Vancouver are a feral mash-up of Tokyo’s blade-sharp tradition and the wild Pacific’s bounty.
Heck, Raincouver is a sort of global chopstick capital that even Kyoto whispers about – just look at these amazing dishes!
- Sockeye Salmon Nigiri (Anywhere): Flame-seared wild BC sockeye atop shari rice – Vancouver’s aburi innovation shines because sockeye’s deep red hue, firm texture, and rich, nutty flavor make it the undisputed king of Pacific salmons, far superior to fattier chinook or milder pinks.
- Dungeness Dynamite Roll at Minami: Local Dungeness crab, avocado, cucumber, topped with seared salmon and yuzu aioli – a Yaletown signature.
- California Roll at Tojo’s: The OG invented here – crab, avocado, cucumber in vinegared rice, birthplace of the iconic roll.
- BC Roll at Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen: Wild sockeye salmon, crab, avocado, and flying fish roe for a fresh PNW twist.
- Spicy Tuna Crunch Roll at Toshi Sushi: Vancouver-style spicy tuna, tempura bits, Dungeness crab, and sriracha mayo kick.
- Vancouver Roll at Tom Sushi: Smoked salmon, Dungeness crab, cream cheese, cucumber – hearty local comfort roll.
- Aburi Oshi Salmon at Anywhere: Pressed sockeye block, flame-torched, with soy and jalapeño – modern BC masterpiece, leveraging sockeye’s intense taste that holds up to heat without falling apart.
- Crab Tower at Hello Nori: Layered Dungeness crab, avocado, mango, and masago in a hand-rolled deconstructed delight.
- Pacific Tempest Roll at Sushi Bar Maumi: Tempura prawn, Dungeness crab, spicy tuna, topped with sockeye sashimi.
- West Coast Dream Roll at Raisu: Local spot prawn, Dungeness crab, uni, and truffle oil for an inventive coastal fusion.
I’ve haunted these counters as a sushi vet with scars from too many bad bites – this is the real deal, straight no chaser.
This is the best sushi in Vancouver – don’t agree? Would love to hear your favourites in the comments below.
Tips For Eating Sushi in Vancouver
- Chase aburi specialists: Seek flame-seared nigiri at spots like Miku or Anywhere – Vancouver’s signature torch technique elevates sockeye’s nutty richness without overpowering the fish.
- Prioritize sockeye salmon: BC’s wild sockeye rules with deep red flesh and firm bite; skip farmed Atlantic – order it raw or aburi for peak Pacific flavor.
- Hunt Dungeness crab rolls: Local crab’s sweet, tender meat shines in Vancouver inventions like Dynamite or Vancouver Rolls – fresher than anywhere else.
- Book ahead for omakase: True vets like Tojo’s or Maumi fill fast; surrender to the chef’s seasonal picks for the purest, no-menu experience.
- Balance with local beer: Pair pristine bites with Phillips or Driftwood IPA – crisp hops cut soy without drowning the delicate seafood essence.
- Don’t fear budget sushi in Vancouver: You’ll barely find a bad bite! For this reason, budget sushi restaurants like Okami Sushi (Bute St.) and Momo Sushi (Robson Street) are perfectly legit places.
Vancouver Sushi Restaurants FAQ
What’s the Best Budget Sushi in Vancouver?
Toshi Sushi delivers pristine nigiri and inventive rolls under $30/person; California Sushi though is the best price-quality ratio for casual sushi meals. Both crush value without skimping on quality or local sockeye punch.
What’s the Best Sushi Downtown Vancouver?
Miku leads with innovative aburi flame-seared nigiri and sockeye specials, but Sushi Jin offers elegant omakase; both deliver premium quality amid Yaletown buzz – expect $80-150/person for the full experience.
What’s the Best All You Can Eat Sushi in Vancouver?
Ninkazu in Richmond tops AYCE with tiered menus boasting thick sashimi and hot dishes ($30-50 tiers); Nordel Crossing’s endless rolls and Happy Sushi’s fresh stacks make strong value plays for students.
How Much Does Sushi Cost in Vancouver?
Casual rolls run $15-25; omakase or aburi spots like Tojo’s/Miku hit $60-150/person; All you can eat sushi in Vancouver starts at $25-50. Fresh local sockeye keeps quality high without Tokyo prices.
How Many Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver?
Vancouver boasts over 450 sushi spots across the city, with Metro Vancouver pushing past 600 – making it North America’s sushi capital per capita, fueled by Japanese heritage and fresh Pacific seafood obsession.
Where to Eat Sushi in Vancouver?
Hit Tojo’s for California roll history, Miku for flame-seared aburi masterpieces, or Maumi for intimate omakase; Yaletown’s Minami and Commercial Drive’s Kishimoto deliver creative rolls with local sockeye and Dungeness crab vibes.
Where to Buy Sushi Grade Fish in Vancouver?
Score sashimi-grade sockeye, hamachi, and tuna at 7 Seas Fish Market on West 4th, F.I.S.H. on Broadway, or Blackjack Foods for frozen premiums – fresh from local fleets, perfect for home nigiri.
Final Bite: Does Vancouver Have the Best Sushi Restaurants in North America?
Honestly? It does. With its access to top-tier seafood, multicultural roots, and chefs trained in both Japan and fusion-forward kitchens, Vancouver punches way above its weight class.
From hole-in-the-wall hand rolls to $200 omakase masterpieces, there’s something here for every kind of sushi lover.
So, where are you heading first? 🍣
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