Omakase meaning ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese is growing in popularity in Vancouver. It is an excellent way for a chef to showcase the best and freshest ingredients as well as their skill. While there are many Omakase restaurants in Vancouver, the price points can be intimidating. Most omakase in Vancouver start at $100 and can go up to over $500. While it is something worth saving up for, there are also a handful of more affordable and accessible options for omakase. Check out my top 4 spots for affordable omakase in Vancouver below!
1. Yugafu Japanese Bistro
Yugafu Japanese Bistro is tiny little restaurant in Surrey offering a $70 dinner Omakase. It is a small restaurant run by the chef and one server.
The Yugafu Japanese Bistro $70 Omakase dinner includes:
- 5 small appetizers
- 9 pieces chef’s choice nigiri
- Miso soup
- Dessert
I have already written at length about how much I enjoyed this omakase. From using the freshest fish in Japan to the delicate craftsmanship of their cooked appetizers, the omakase at Yugufu is an absolute steal. However, do note that Yugafu Japanse Bistro is reservation only.
Yugafu Japanese Bistro
Address: 18818 68 Ave #103, Surrey, BC
Telephone: 778-575-5323
Website: https://www.yugafujapanesebistro.ca/
2. Itosugi Kappo Cuisine
Itosugi Kappo Cuisine is the newest Japanese restaurant on the scene. They just opened on Broadway and they are serving a lunch and dinner sushi omakase as well as a Kappo Tasting Menu. They have the most affordable omakase on the list with a $45 lunch omakase. The $45 lunch omakase comes with 2 small appetizers, 10 piece nigiri, maki roll and miso soup.
Itosugi Kappo Cuisine
Address: 3648 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Telephone: 604-779-8528
Website: https://itosugikappocuisine.ca/
3. Lobby Lounge RawBar
The Lobby Lounge & RawBar at Fairmont Pacific Rim is now under the direction of acclaimed Vancouver-based chef Masayoshi as consulting head sushi chef. This means the menu will be revamped in August with a new signature Omakase sushi and nigiri program.
You know I’ll definitely check it out soon, but for now, you can enjoy a $52 lunch Omakase at the sushi bar. The omakase includes 10 pieces chef’s choice nigiri, appetizer, miso soup and a temaki hand roll. It has always been a favourite go-to for me, and for $52 in a beautiful space, outstanding service and in Downtown Vancouver, it really can’t be beat!
Lobby Lounge RawBar
Address: 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
Telephone: 604-695-5557
Website: https://www.lobbyloungerawbar.com/
4. Matsuzushi
The number one most affordable spot for Omakase has got to go to Matsuzushi in Port Moody. They are offering a $35 Omakase Sushi that includes Chef’s choice of 11 piece nigiri and 1 temaki. Although it is fairly inexpensive, it wasn’t a favourite of mine. But it definitely has a cult following and it may be up your alley! This small operation has a staff of two, so at times it can be quite a bit of a wait time for your food. I recommend coming in pairs because you can book the sushi bar and watch chef at work!
Matsuzushi
Address: 4-3130 St Johns St, Port Moody, BC V3H 5E3
Telephone: 604-949-0678
Will you be trying out these spots for affordable omakase in Vancouver?