Looking for authentic Japanese food in Vancouver? The city is a dream for Japanese cuisine lovers. You’ll find sizzling teppanyaki grills, fresh-off-the-boat sashimi, steaming bowls of ramen, and perfectly crisp tempura. Some restaurants preserve recipes and techniques exactly as they’ve been for generations. Others bring creative, modern spins with seasonal ingredients and innovative plating. This guide covers my top 10 Japanese restaurants in Vancouver you need to try. A few are just outside the city, but they’re worth the short trip for unforgettable meals.
1. Sashimiya – Downtown Vancouver
Part Japanese deli, part takeout sushi counter, Sashimiya is one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets for high-quality sashimi and sushi to-go. Open by Chef Takayuki Omi, this tiny spot focuses on premium fish at very fair prices, with options ranging from simple nigiri sets to lavish sashimi platters loaded with toro, uni, and seasonal specialties. There’s no dine-in, everything is beautifully packaged for takeout but the freshness and knife work rival the city’s top sushi bars. Perfect for a picnic, at-home date night, or when you want omakase-level quality without the formal setting.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: Chef’s Choice Sashimi Platter, Deluxe Nigiri Set, Chirashi Don, fresh sashimi from the fridge
Sashimiya
Address: 1348 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W5
Website: www.sashimiya.ca
2. Tetsu Sushi Bar – Downtown
A tiny, chef-driven sushi spot that focuses on Edomae-style omakase. Tetsu is an intimate experience where Chef Satoshi Makise prepares each piece in front of you using premium, often seasonal, ingredients flown in from Japan. Reservations are essential. While I highly recommend trying their Omakase, they do offer an a la carte menu which features a variety of appetizers, cooked dishes and nigiri.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: Chef’s omakase
Tetsu Sushi Bar
Address: 775 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6
Website: www.tetsusushi.com
3. Sushi Hil – Mount Pleasant
In a sleek, minimalist space on Main Street, Sushi Hil delivers some of the most refined sushi in Vancouver. Helmed by chef Hilary Nguy, the focus here is on premium ingredients, precise technique, and balanced flavour. The nigiri is perfectly seasoned and the rolls combine classic Japanese sensibilities with just enough creativity to keep things interesting. With friendly, attentive service and a menu that lets the fish shine, Sushi Hil is equally suited for a special night out or an indulgent midweek treat.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: Omakase Nigiri, Bluefin Tuna Set, Aburi Salmon Roll, Chirashi Don
Sushi Hil
Address: 3330 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7
Website: www.sushihil.com
4. Minami – Yaletown
From the same team as Miku, Minami offers refined aburi sushi and inventive Japanese-West Coast fusion in a sleek Yaletown space. The plating here is an art form, and the cocktails are as thoughtfully crafted as the food. A solid go to spot for delicious aburi sushi in an elevated setting.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: Aburi Salmon Oshi, Minami Roll, Miso Sablefish, Japanese Short Rib, Green Tea Opera Cake
Minami
Address: 1118 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9
Website: www.minamirestaurant.com
5. Hello Nori – Multiple Locations
Hello Nori brings a fresh twist to Vancouver’s sushi scene with its sleek, bar-style dining focused entirely on made-to-order Japanese hand rolls. It’s a unique dining experience where you sit at a long counter where chefs craft each roll in front of you — crisp nori, warm seasoned rice, and premium fillings like bluefin tuna, Hokkaido scallop, or unagi. The rolls are served one at a time, meant to be eaten immediately while the nori is still at peak crunch. The minimalist, modern space keeps the focus on the food and the craftsmanship, making it a uniquely immersive sushi experience in the city.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: Chef’s Set 6 Hand Rolls (includes Negitoro, Yellowtail, Ora King Salmon, Hokkaido Scallop, Snow Crab, Truffle Lobster),
Hello Nori
Address: 1165 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5 (plus locations in Park Royal & Brentwood)
Website: hellonori.com
6. Oku Izakaya – Gastown
Tucked into the cobblestone charm of Gastown, Oku Izakaya blends Japanese izakaya traditions with sleek, modern dining. The menu is built for sharing, featuring a mix of hot and cold plates, fresh sashimi, and creative takes on traditional Japanese dishes. You’ll find familiar izakaya staples like chicken karaage and agedashi tofu alongside more inventive dishes, all beautifully plated. The cocktail list leans Japanese-inspired, with sake and shochu options that pair perfectly with the food. With its moody lighting and warm service, Oku feels equally right for a casual dinner with friends or a date night that lingers.
Check out my full review here.
What to Order: IKURA Potato, Yellowtail Hamachi with Wa-Chimichurri Sauce, Nagoya Style Spiced Chicken Karaage, Poached Black Cod with Ponzu Grated Daikon, OKU Temaki Sushi
Oku Izakaya
Address: 157 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B8
Website: www.okuizakaya.com
7. Kingyo Izakaya – West End
A lively Japanese izakaya on Denman Street, Kingyo is all about small plates, seasonal specials, and a fun, bustling atmosphere. The menu changes regularly, but you can always count on beautifully plated sashimi, creative hot dishes, and inventive takes on Japanese comfort food. They just celebrated their 19th anniversary, so you know they have got to be doing something right!
What to Order: Stone-Grilled Kobe Beef, Assorted Sashimi Platter, Ebi Mayo, Chicken Karaage, Tuna Tataki.
Kingyo Izakaya
Address: 871 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9
Website: www.kingyo-izakaya.ca
8. Sushi by Yuji – Mount Pleasant
A true neighbourhood gem, Sushi by Yuji is where sushi lovers go for unfussy, high-quality fish and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. This spot serves traditional Edo-style sushi with perfectly seasoned rice and clean, balanced flavours. The menu leans classic — think buttery toro, sweet ebi, and delicate ika — but the freshness and knife work make every piece memorable. Seating is limited, and the vibe is quiet and intimate, making it the perfect spot when you want to focus entirely on the food in front of you.
What to Order: Shiro Roll, Chu-toro nigiri, Wild Sockeye Salmon Toro, Ikura With Egg, Negitoro With Egg, Tobiko With Egg
Sushi by Yuji
Address: 2252 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T7
Website: https://www.sushibyyuji.com/
9. Takenaka Uni Bar – Gastown
In the heart of Gastown, Takenaka Uni Bar is a love letter to sea urchin and premium Japanese seafood. The menu is built around the rich, briny sweetness of uni, with options that range from pure and simple sashimi to decadent donburi bowls layered with ikura, toro, and fresh uni. There’s also a thoughtful selection of sushi, small plates, and seasonal specials featuring seafood flown in from Japan. The space is intimate and stylish, making it feel like a hidden gem where every dish is plated with the precision of fine art. If you’re an uni fan, this is one of Vancouver’s must-visit destinations.
What to Order: Hokkaido Uni Don, Uni & Ikura Donburi, Uni Nigiri, Seasonal Sashimi Platter
Takenaka Uni Bar
Address: 52 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
Website: takenakaunibar.com
10. Tozen Sushi – Broadway
On West Broadway, Tozen Sushi does contemporary Japanese with an emphasis on premium seafood and clean flavours. Sister restaurant to Tom Sushi on Davie Street this location is the sexier, moodier older sister. The room is sleek, the plating is precise, and the menu swings from classic sashimi to creative rolls without losing focus on quality. It’s an easy pick for a weeknight sushi fix that still feels special.
What to Order: Tozen Special Sashimi, Bluefin Nigiri Set, Tuna Bomb (aka Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice), Negi Kanpa Hama
Tozen Sushi
Address: 967 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K3
Website: www.tozensushibar.ca
