Kitsilano alone, has over twenty sushi-serving restaurants, but most are quite average in terms of freshness and flavour. We all have our favourites, which in turn wax and wane, but these three have been consistently excellent for a long time.
Raisu
Part of an excellent group of Japanese restaurants including Rajio and Suika, Raisu is well known for its superb sake list and Teishoku bento-style boxes. So, it’s no surprise that their sushi is fantastic also, with a choice of pressed sushi resembling works of edible art and the freshest possible sashimi plates. Their Deluxe Seafood Bowls are amazing too, and often include delicate, melt-in-your-mouth slices of tuna, salmon, sea urchin, snow crab, snapper, ikura, and prawn.
Raisu, 2340 West 4th Avenue, 604-620-1564, raisu.ca
Yagoto Sushi
A friendly, Japanese family-run and reasonably priced simple sushi spot that’s still going strong after more than three years in business. Everything is so fresh, and the tiny restaurant is always kept spotless, with jazz playing softly in the background. Lunch combos can be under $10 here, and for party platters their prices plus taste cannot be beaten in our neighbourhood.
Yagoto Sushi, 2180 West Broadway, 604-559-0022, no website
Yuji’s
A quiet and serious little authentic spot, but they offer take-out if you forgot to make reservations for this long-standing local favourite. Their menu doesn’t steer far from the classic options, and it doesn’t need to as everything is just outstanding. Try the Omakase (Chef’s Choice) menu for Chef Yuji’s daily best.
Yuji’s From Japan, 2083 Alma Street, 604-428-4688, yujis.ca
Last modified: June 7, 2018
