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September 12, 2025

Best Sushi in Vancouver: Top Restaurants and Must-Try Spots

Vancouver is famous for its sushi. Thanks to the city’s location on the Pacific coast, fresh seafood is always close at hand. Combined with a strong Japanese community, the result is a city that offers some of the best sushi in North America. Whether you love classic nigiri, creative rolls, or high-end omakase, you will find it in Vancouver.

This guide explores the best sushi in Vancouver. It covers traditional Japanese spots, modern fusion restaurants, and casual neighbourhood gems.

Why Vancouver is Known for Sushi

Vancouver’s sushi scene has grown for decades. The city’s large Japanese population helped introduce authentic flavours and techniques. At the same time, local chefs created new rolls and dishes that reflect West Coast tastes.

Access to fresh salmon, tuna, crab, and other seafood sets Vancouver apart. Quality fish is the heart of sushi, and here it is always in supply. The variety of restaurants, from budget-friendly to luxury dining, makes sushi accessible to everyone.

Top Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver

Miku

📍 200 Granville Street #70 | Waterfront

Miku is one of Vancouver’s most famous sushi restaurants. Located near Canada Place, it is known for aburi sushi, which means flame-seared. This style adds a smoky flavour and melts the fish slightly, creating a unique taste.

The restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with beautiful waterfront views. Signature dishes include the Aburi Salmon Oshi, pressed salmon sushi with jalapeño and Miku sauce. The premium sashimi platter is also a highlight.

Miku is a great choice for special occasions or for visitors who want to try a style of sushi that was popularized in Vancouver.

Minami

📍 1118 Mainland Street | Yaletown

Minami, located in Yaletown, is the sister restaurant of Miku. It continues the aburi tradition but with a different setting. The modern design and lively atmosphere make it ideal for a night out.

The menu features innovative rolls, aburi sushi, and Japanese-inspired cocktails. The Aburi Ebi Oshi (prawn pressed sushi with lime and ume sauce) is a must-try. For groups, the Chef’s Tasting Menu provides a full introduction to their style.

Tojo’s

📍 1133 West Broadway | Fairview

Tojo’s is legendary in Vancouver. Chef Hidekazu Tojo is often credited with creating the California Roll and the BC Roll. His restaurant has been a hub for sushi lovers since the 1980s.

The focus here is on quality, tradition, and creativity. The Omakase Menu, meaning “chef’s choice,” offers an unforgettable dining experience. Dishes often feature seasonal and local ingredients.

Tojo’s is pricier than many other options, but it represents one of the city’s most iconic sushi experiences.

Sushi Bar Maumi

📍 1668 Robson Street | West End

Sushi Bar Maumi is a hidden gem on Robson Street in the West End. It is a small, intimate restaurant that specializes in omakase. The chef serves traditional Edomae-style sushi, focusing on the highest quality fish imported from Japan.

The restaurant only seats around ten people, and reservations are required. Diners sit at the sushi bar and watch the chef prepare each piece. The experience is authentic and simple, allowing the freshness of the ingredients to shine.

Kishimoto Japanese Kitchen

📍 2054 Commercial Drive | Commercial Drive

Located on Commercial Drive, Kishimoto is a favourite among locals. The menu includes creative rolls, sashimi, and Japanese small plates. The attention to detail is clear in the presentation and flavours.

Their oshizushi (pressed sushi) and home-made pickles are popular choices. The restaurant also offers seasonal specials that highlight local ingredients. Many vegan options are available too, making it an excellent choice for plant-based diners.

Kishimoto combines authenticity with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, making it a perfect spot for both casual dinners and date nights.

Toshi Sushi

📍 181 East 16th Avenue | Mount Pleasant

Toshi Sushi, on Main Street, is known for long line-ups. This small and humble restaurant is beloved for its quality and value. The menu includes fresh sashimi, rolls, and nigiri at reasonable prices.

Special rolls, such as the Box Sushi, are crowd favourites. Toshi is not fancy, but it consistently delivers some of the best sushi in Vancouver at an affordable cost.

Ajisai Sushi Bar

📍 2081 West 42nd Avenue | Kerrisdale

Ajisai, located in Kerrisdale, is often recommended by sushi enthusiasts. It is a small, family-run restaurant with a reputation for fresh fish and authentic flavours.

The menu features classic sushi and sashimi, along with specialty rolls. The simplicity of the dishes reflects traditional Japanese style. Ajisai does not take reservations, so expect a wait during busy times.

Octopus’ Garden

📍 1995 Cornwall Avenue | Kitsilano

Octopus’ Garden, in Kitsilano, offers sushi with a creative twist. The restaurant is decorated with quirky ocean themes, and the atmosphere is fun and welcoming.

The menu includes both traditional sushi and imaginative creations. The Omakase option is popular, giving diners a chance to try the chef’s latest ideas. The presentation is often playful, making it a memorable experience.

Tom Sushi

📍 1175 Davie Street | West End

Tom Sushi, located in Davie Village, has quickly become a local favourite. It combines quality, reasonable prices, and a relaxed setting.

The restaurant focuses on traditional nigiri and sashimi, with some creative rolls. Their attention to detail and consistency keep regulars coming back. It is a great choice for those seeking authentic sushi without the higher price tag of luxury spots.

Neighbourhood Sushi Gems

Beyond the well-known names, Vancouver is filled with smaller sushi restaurants worth exploring. Many neighbourhoods have their own hidden gems.

Sushi California: A budget-friendly chain with several locations. Known for large portions and creative rolls.

Hitoe Sushi: Located on West 4th Avenue, offering fresh sushi in a cosy atmosphere.

Sushi Town: Located in North Vancouver, popular for big rolls at reasonable prices.

These spots prove that sushi in Vancouver is not limited to high-end restaurants. Even casual neighbourhood places often serve excellent fish.

Tips for Enjoying Sushi in Vancouver

Try Aburi Sushi: Flame-seared sushi is a Vancouver specialty. Do not miss it.

Consider Omakase: Letting the chef choose often gives you the best experience.

Go Early: Many smaller restaurants do not take reservations. Line-ups form quickly.

Look for Seasonal Specials: Local seafood, like spot prawns or Pacific salmon, is often featured.

Respect Etiquette: Eat nigiri in one bite, and avoid drowning sushi in soy sauce.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver offers one of the most exciting sushi scenes outside Japan. From iconic restaurants like Tojo’s and Miku to neighbourhood gems like Toshi and Ajisai, the city has something for every taste and budget.

The combination of fresh Pacific seafood, Japanese tradition, and West Coast creativity has shaped a unique sushi culture. Whether you want high-end omakase, flame-seared aburi, or affordable rolls, Vancouver delivers.

Staying in Vancouver and craving world-class sushi? The Bradford Furnished Rentals places you in the heart of the city, close to top restaurants like Miku, Minami, and Tojo’s. Our fully furnished suites in the West End make the perfect home base for exploring Vancouver’s food scene. Enjoy comfort, convenience, and a true taste of the city. Contact us today to book your furnished accommodation in Downtown Vancouver.

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