10 Best Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver

Owned by world-renowned celebrity chef Hidekazu Tojo, Tojo's is arguably the most famous Vancouver sushi restaurant: It's a favorite among celebrities and locals alike. Joe Perry of Aerosmith is just one of the many stars who love this Vancouver landmark, declaring to the Georgia Straight that "It wouldn't be a stop in Vancouver if I didn't go there at least once." Although Tojo's does offer a la carte options, it's famous for its omakase ("leave it up to us") dinners: After asking about your likes and dislikes, Chef Tojo et al create a customized dinner just for you. The only downside to this sushi haven is the price: Omakase dinners run $80 - $100 per person.

Price: High-end/upscale

If you are looking for edomae sushi so authentic that Japanese sushi chefs eat here, then this is the place for you! Part of the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant on Granville Island, this tiny sushi bar has just a few seats, a non-flashy entrance, and the best fish in the city. 

Insider tip: If you google "Hoshi Sushi Vancouver," you won't find this famed sushi bar, you'll get a whole other "Hoshi Sushi" entirely. Use the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant link above, then click on "menus" for the Hoshi Sushi menu.

Price: Mid-range

One the best "bargain" Vancouver sushi restaurants and one of South Main Street's best restaurants period, Toshi's serves fresh, melt-in-your-mouth sushi along with hard-to-find Japanese specialties. The only downside to this neighborhood favorite is that there's almost always a long line to get in. Worth the wait? Absolutely.

Price: Budget-friendly/mid-range

Sharing the same owners, both The Eatery and The General Public serve unique fusion rolls as well as a traditional sushi menu.

Along with serving super-delicious sushi (at affordable prices),  The Eatery in Kitsilano is also well known for being one of the zaniest Vancouver sushi restaurants: its walls are covered in Astro Boy and pop-culture decor. Often packed with UBC students, it's the creative rolls--like the "Japanese Fortress Roll" of spicy tuna topped with yam fries--that make this worth a visit.

Meanwhile, The General Public on Main Street has its own off-beat vibe and energy (industrial decor meets bones-and-antlers) and equally delicious sushi. This one's also within walking distance of several Main Street breweries! 

Price: Budget-friendly/mid-range

Serving a wide range of sustainable seafood, Sushi Itoga on Robson Street is a member of Vancouver Aquarium's Oceanwise program, which focuses on eco-friendly fish and seafood alternatives. The clean and modern space closes early when they are sold out of fresh fish, so head there early to try the wild sockeye salmon, west coast albacore tuna, and Alaska rolls with wild salmon and sticky sesame sauce.

Price: Mid-range

Head here for the kind of sushi that you'll end up daydreaming about. The sister restaurants Miku (Canada Place) and Minami (Yaletown) both serve the signature Aburi style flame-grilled sushi - the salmon aburi are to-die-for and the zesty lime ebi (shrimp) aburi is also the stuff of dreams.

Price: High-end/upscale

What it lacks in aesthetics and atmosphere, Yummy to Go makes up for in budget-friendly tasty sushi. The 'daily special' has been the same since they opened but it's a bargain for a big tray of yam sushi, tuna and avocado, and California rolls. Family-run and friendly, this hole-in-the-wall spot on Davie Street is close to English Bay for beach picnics.

Price: Budget-friendly

Step inside this small sushi joint, which is close to the Commercial-Broadway Skytrain station. Portions are generous and you'll find variations on California rolls from real crab versions to deep-fried ones. Cheap and cheerful, Naruto also offers a healthier brown rice version of sushi rolls.

Price: Budget-friendly

Kingsway's Sushi by Yuji is a small space so get here early to get a seat and be sure to order the Japanese gunkan style sushi (topped with fish roe), chopped scallop rolls and the delicate quails egg dishes. Affordable and generous in portion size (think thick-cut hamachi sashimi), this hole-in-the-wall joint is an East Vancouver gem.

Price: Budget-friendly/mid-range

Showcasing fresh fish from Japan, Sushi Bar Maumi is known for its uni (sea urchin) and its daily specials, which are prepared in front of diners by talented chefs. Seating only 10 patrons around the bar, the intimate space hosts two dinner sittings at 6pm and 7.45pm, which must be booked in advanced. Maumi specializes in 'omakase' (chef's best choice) sushi, so simply take a seat and be prepared to be blown away.

Price: High-end/upscale