Top 5 Vancouver Sushi Restaurants

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

Looking for something much cheaper than Tojo's? This little, Japanese-ran eatery is one of the best Vancouver sushi restaurants in town! Small and cozy--there are only about eight tables in the entire place--this is the place I go for sushi. As good as the famous Toshi Sushi (see below)--but without the staggering wait times--Aoki serves up melt-in-your-mouth fresh fish in big pieces beautifully presented for very reasonable prices.

Price: Budget-friendly/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