If you’re thinking about holiday dinner plans in Yaletown, Minami is an easy one to add to the list. It works if you’re craving elevated Japanese dining, and it also makes sense if you just want something festive that isn’t heavy or overdone. Overall, it’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a seasonal meal that still feels refined. Their new Holiday Shokai, a six-course tasting menu available December 1 to 31, 2025 is a festive dinner you don’t want to miss out on. It’s polished, seasonal, and very Minami in all the ways people love: thoughtful flavours, clean execution, and that signature Aburi touch throughout. Chef Alan Ferrer and his team built the Holiday Shokai around winter ingredients without letting it get heavy. The Holiday Shokai is $125 per person, with an optional all-BC wine pairing for $45. Check out my full review of Minami Yaletown’s Holiday Shokai below!
Minami Yaletown’s Holiday Shokai Menu Overview
The menu features 6 courses:
- Amuse Bouche
- Brome Lake Confit Duck Salad
- paired with 2023 Lock and Worth Rosé Cabernet Franc
- Hirame Crudo
- paired with 2023 Joie “A Noble Blend” Gewürztraminer Blend
- Palate Cleanser – Aburi ginjo granita
- Aka Miso Marinated Lamb Chop
- paired with 2022 Le Vieux Pin “Cuvée Violette” Syrah
- Sushi – Aburi Oshi Sushi trio, nigiri chef selection
- paired with 2019 Scorched Earth Pinot Noir Dessert
- Cassis Orange Mousse
- paired with 2022 Clos du Soleil “Saturn” Sauvignon Blanc
The Brome Lake Confit Duck Salad comes with dinner greens, pickled green beans, pickled cauliflower, pickled tomato, and parsnip crisps. The confit has richness, however, all the pickled vegetables cut through it so it never feels heavy. The parsnip crisps add the right amount of crunch, and the dressing is punchy and bright, which really pulls everything together.
he Hirame Crudo is clean and delicate, served with citrus supreme, Aburi ginjo–compressed cranberries, pickled taro stem, shiso, and shiro ponzu. It feels seasonal without leaning too “holiday,” which I appreciated. Moreover, the pickled taro stem and shiso keep the dish crisp and fresh, and the oranges add an unexpected touch that works surprisingly well with the clean flavour of the hirame.
The Aka Miso Marinated Lamb Chop ended up being the highlight of the menu for me. The lamb is tender with a deep miso flavour, giving it that warm, cozy feel without being heavy. Additionally, the shio koji purée brings a smooth, savoury sweetness, while the spiced ume chutney adds just enough lift to keep everything balanced.
Following that, the sushi course delivers exactly what Minami is known for. The Aburi oshi is warm, buttery, and full of flavour, and the nigiri brings that clean, classic sushi moment. In particular, the torched Spanish mackerel nigiri was the standout.
Finally, the Cassis Orange Mousse brings the meal to a festive finish. It features spiced cream, champagne gelée, cinnamon shortbread, and a pear champagne sorbet, all beautifully presented like a holiday wreath on the plate. Overall, the sorbet was the highlight for me. Refreshing, bright, and a nice way to end the meal.
Worth a Try?
If you’re trying to figure out where to go for a holiday dinner in Yaletown, Minami’s Holiday Shokai is honestly worth considering. It’s one of those menus that feels festive without being heavy, and the pacing makes the whole night feel pretty smooth. The dishes are thoughtful, not predictable, and everything actually tastes like something you’d want to eat in December. If you love Japanese dining or just want a break from the usual holiday foods, this is a nice option. The lamb is a standout and the sushi course is exactly what you hope for at Minami. It’s a good pick for anyone looking for holiday meals in Vancouver that feel special but not over the top but still feels special.
Minami
Address: 1118 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1
Website: https://minamirestaurant.com
