Uma Sushi is an absolute hidden gem in Vancouver for authentic and fresh sushi. This little restaurant is tucked away on 8th Ave and is a blink and you miss kind of spot. There are only a few tables inside and a sushi bar counter. They can get quite busy so I highly recommend you make reservations. I have been coming to this spot for years, and their food never disappoints. The fish, sushi rice and service is always on point. They have some of the best pricing in town and their value for freshness is the best in all of Vancouver. One of the must order items is their Uma Special Sushi. It is essentially an omakase selection on one plate.
Uma Sushi – $28 Uma Special Sushi Combo
The Uma Special Sushi ($28.00) includes 8 piece chef’s daily selection, 1 piece tamago nigiri and bluefin oshinko roll. Each piece has a lovely sheen from the fresh fish and the rice is the perfect consistency.
Uma Sushi – Sushi Donburi and Aburi Sushi
The pricing at Uma Sushi is incredibly affordable. However, they do not compromise on quality! The fish is so fresh and the preparation is spot on. Their donburi ranges from $16-23! Their aburi oshi sushi is only $13 and they have three options:
- Salmon Oshi – pressed salmon sushi with jalapeno and uma sauce
- Saba Oshi – pressed mackerel sushi with black garlic puree
- Scallop Oshi – pressed chopped scallop with herb mayo
The Sanshouku Donburi ($20.00) features sockeye salmon, king salmon, hamachi, tamago and ikura on sushi rice. Although the slices are on the thinner side, the rice to fish ratio is spot on. I will note that the photos on their pictures are much more generous in portion that what is actually served. However, the donburi is still solid, and I would recommend you try this one! The fish was so buttery and fatty and it went so well with the sushi rice.
Uma Sushi also has a fantastic nigiri selection. Each nigiri ranges from $2-5 a piece – which is the most affordable I’ve seen in Vancouver for this quality. The uni nigiri was market price and is only available when it is in season.
Worth a Try?
Yes! Uma Sushi is the best spot for affordable and authentic Japanese sushi in Vancouver. You really cannot beat the pricing and freshness here. In fact, I think the sushi here is priced on par with Sushi California et al. but this is so much fresher and tastier. Are you going to get super thick slices of sashimi here? No. But you will get expertely prepared fresh sushi at an incredible price. Uma Sushi joins the ranks of some of my favourite sushi spots like Tetsu Sushi Bar, Sashimiya, Kun’s Omakase Bar, Moltan Roll Bar + Sake and ORIZUMÉ.