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Sitting on North America’s Pacific Coast and facing west toward Asia, Vancouver has always been a destination for immigration. The first Japanese immigrants landed over 15 years before the city was founded, making their history longer than Vancouver's!
The city's culinary scene has always reflected this reality and Vancouver is acknowledged one of the world’s great Japanese food cities, where every style of fine and casual dining can be found. We’ve collected some must-visit Japanese restaurants across a range of culinary styles to enjoy the next time you visit Vancouver.
Tojo’s
If there’s a single chef who defines Japanese dining in Vancouver, it’s Hidekazu Tojo, whose restaurant set the standard for high-end sushi in the city when it opened in 1988. He moved from Osaka to Vancouver in 1971 and developed an approach to sushi for North American diners while working at a number of restaurants in the city. He’s credited with inventing both the BC Roll and California Roll.
To this day, Tojo’s on Broadway is an essential destination for sushi lovers, winning local and international acclaim for its exquisite sushi, sashimi, and other creations, all inspired by the bounty of ingredients to be found in the Pacific Northwest. For the ultimate experience, Tojo’s omakase (meaning “I leave it up to you”) is a chef-guided multi-course menu created using whatever is fresh, seasonal, and delicious.
Ramen Danbo
Vancouver’s West Coast winters are perfect for the warming ramen noodle soups which have kept the Japanese happy through their long winters. Unlike the instant ramen noodles which are familiar quick eats, traditional ramen shops simmer their broth for 24 hours while making pulled noodles from scratch.
There are many regional styles of ramen and Ramen Danbo specializes in Fukuoka-style tonkotsu (pork broth) which they perfected at their chain of restaurants in Japan. Since opening in Vancouver in 2015, the award-winning Danbo has been a local favourite with food lovers lining up for a satisfying bowl of broth, noodles, and braised pork. Unlike many ramen restaurants, Danbo also offers a vegan option for those who choose a plant-based diet.
Oku Izakaya
Izakaya is one of the styles of Japanese dining which Vancouverites have come to love the most. Small plates designed for sharing and enjoying with groups and perhaps a beer or glass of sake make it the equivalent of a Gastropub experience, served with chopsticks.
Of the many worthy Izakayas in Vancouver, Gastown’s Oku has established itself as a firm favourite with foodies and hospitality professionals alike. It’s run by a charming husband and wife couple, with a menu which spans impeccable sashimi and hand rolls to Nagoya-style spiced chicken karaage and mashed potatoes with Nori (seaweed), all executed with care and flair.
Every guest is welcomed enthusiastically, and Oku offers superb late-night dining when a post-game or post-concert snack is needed.
Kobe Japanese Steakhouse
Teppanyaki is one of the more theatrical styles of Japanese dining and Kobe Japanese Steakhouse has been doing it with love and care for over 50 years in Vancouver. Diners sit around an iron grill while the chefs flame-cook meats and vegetables while juggling utensils and knives, interacting with guests, putting on a memorable show.
The food is delivered piping hot straight from the grill to the diners’ plates and signature teppanyaki items like the flaming onion volcano are sure to create an experience which won’t be forgotten.
As a bonus, Kobe Steakhouse’s downstairs cocktail lounge is a retro hideaway tucked behind its famous Japanese country house façade.
Miku
Set on the waterfront and offering fantastic views of Vancouver Harbour, Miku is famous for its signature interpretation of “Aburi” sushi. This style of preparation sees the chefs press the rice then lightly flame sear the seafood to unlock mouthwatering flavours and textures.
Its kitchen blends elements of French and Italian cuisine into the well-known Japanese menus, specifically with their emphasis on elevated sauces to pair with the sustainably harvested ingredients turned into dishes like ceviche, fritters, carpaccio, and more.
Their sleek and stylish room makes every occasion from a quick lunch to celebratory dinner feel special.
And a bonus choice.
COFU Chinatown
While there are lots of popular plant-based sushi rolls, restaurants offering a full menu of vegan nigiri, sashimi, and rolls remain very rare, and restaurants which offer vegan omakase can be counted on a single finger of one hand. COFU Chinatown is the country’s first vegan omakase, blending Japanese flavours with techniques like pickling and fermentation to create dishes which showcase seasonal produce in delicious and unique ways.
Their restaurant features bar seating for omakase guests and table seating for diners stopping in to enjoy their vegan sushi menu from the rotating a la carte options. COFU is a perfect stop for vegans and vegetarians to enjoy a traditional omakase experience.
