Whenever any of my family or friends come to visit me in Vancouver, the first order of business is almost always sushi, which we regulars fondly refer to as “sush.” My appreciation for truly good sushi has grown over the years and taken me to different parts of the city to taste various maki, nigiri and sashimi at many Vancouver sushi restaurants. I am happy to say that Kits also has some fantastic sushi restaurants of which we should all be proud!
Here are my top three sushi spots in Kitsilano:
My Favourite 3 Sushi Restaurants in Kitsilano
1. Temaki Sushi, 2156 West Broadway, 604-738-4321, temakisushi.ca
I love this centrally-located and family-owned and run place. The sashimi is always fresh and perfectly prepared. My top menu picks are their Sunshine Roll (yam tempura, avocado, cucumber and fresh mango) and Kamikaze Roll (smoked salmon, cream cheese and avocado, cucumber and crispy tempura bits inside) roll. My absolute favourite item on their menu, which I never share with anyone no matter how much I love them, is their spicy agedashi tofu. Arguably the best in town! Do yourself a favour and go visit this place. Closed Sundays and be prepared to wait briefly as it’s a popular place.
2. Sushi Bella, 2059 West 4th Avenue, 604-734-7990, sushibella.com
An interesting melange of Japanese cuisine mixed with French and Italian influences. Most of the time I am pleasantly surprised by their at times bold pairings, like the Lady Mango Roll (avocado, red beets & yam tempura roll with tropical mango salsa). And heads up bacon lovers, they even offer a roll with bacon in it. Service has ranged from spot-on to slow–leaving us hanging a little too long without drinks or our bill. Usually, a tasty and worthwhile experience.
3. SushiSushi, 2965 West Broadway, 604-730-8164, gosushisushi.com
No muss, no fuss. You can always find a seat and they always have a great combo on special. This is my go to place whenever I am looking for a quick and affordable sushi fix. I love their Mango Crunch Roll (prawn tempura, cucumber, avocado, yam tempura, mango on top)! They also offer black rice and only serve wild sockeye salmon. Both score definite bonus points in my book.
I have shared my top 3 sushi spots in Kits. I know diners are passionate about their sushi, whether they opt for an upscale sushi restaurant or a secret, family-run hole in the wall. Have you found any that you are willing to share? If so, please leave your suggestion in the comment box below. Enjoy the sush!
Photo credit: colourbox.com
Last modified: August 25, 2013
Hi-Nippon on W. 4th is our fav-so good!
Call me a sushi snob but I don’t think you’ve mentioned a restaurant with “truly good sushi” there…None are Japanese owned, none serve really high quality fish. Of the three, Temaki is the only one that could be regarded as “decent.”
If you want good sushi in Kits, here is a far better list:
1: Dan
2: Octopus Garden
3: Kibune
Sure, you aren’t going to get the cheap eats, but if we’re talking about quality…
I would actually add Zest to the list…
Hitoe on 4th another Japanese owned/operated place is a worthwhile option-agree the places mentioned in the article are marginal at best.
And what about the new Yuji’s on Alma?I suppose none of the crass newbies on this blog weren’t part of the hood when he had his stellar operation upstairs on 4th back in the day.
Agree on the odd choice of top 3. Hitoe Sushi and Dan top my list. Very friendly staff and fresh, authentic Japanese fare.
I love the sushi at the Green Leaf at Waterloo and Broadway. Your three favorites don’t make my list.
Kibune Sushi on Yew near Cornwall is the best in Kits. And it’s been there since the early 80s or longer!
The author was clear that these were personal favourites. There’s no need to be mean spirited while contributing additional suggestions.
Agree with Taraneh: it is her list of favorites and she simply invites you for your suggestions.
Please also remember that not everybody has the same walletcontent so please add more suggestions rather than critisizing one another as it is in the best interest of everybody.
My favourite in Kits is Sushi Bar on 4th and Burrard. Great prices, really fresh fish, fantastic special rolls. Plus they have a new waiter who has been working there since the new management took over and he is really friendly – always remembers us when we come in.
Green Leaf for the win!
Definitely Hitoe for us