I love sushi...what Vancouverite doesn't. Though I cannot say I have eaten at every sushi joint, there is seriously endless options here, I definitely have tried my fair share. This is a list of my personal favourite places in the city, in no particular order. I definitely recommend giving them a try.
1. Honjin, Yaletown
This place has been around for several years, and served many celebrities including the Terminator himself; during lunch you are more than likely to run into one of the Vancouver Canucks dining there. Aside from the popularity, the food is awesome. During lunch I stick to one of the many lunch combos, and definitely recommend the nabeyaki udon (egg is always cooked perfectly and compliments the delicious prawn tempura and noodles). If you are hoping to try off the regular menu, my personal favourites include the marinated tuna, red snapper roll, kiwi roll, sunshine roll. This is also the first place I tried hamachi and toro (way back when); the sashimi is always fresh and chilled and well...yummy. If you don't mind spending a bit more than the place next door, it is worth it.
2. Dream Sushi, Main Street
This is my favourite "place next door" if you will. A small, humble, quaint place on the corner of Main and 29th, never disappoints...never. I am always trying their specialty rolls, the food is well made and staff is quick and friendly. This is my go-to for take out as well. I recommend the dinner special where you can mix and match a number of choice items for a steal of a price. For specialty rolls I enjoy the Spicy Girl Roll (spicy tuna and spicy salmon with a crunch), Vancouver Roll (a california roll topped with sockeye salmon sashimi) and Papparazzi Roll (spicy tuna roll topped with tuna tataki). The sushi is definitely delicious as is, but I recommend getting it all on brown rice, it actually adds flavour; it is always cooked just right. Dream sushi is always a winner, price and quality.
3. Kiisu, Yaletown
I call this place the little hidden gem in a busy area. On the corner of Pacific Blvd., an area saturated with sushi places, this place has no problem holding its own. The food fricking rocks! My favourite combo is the spicy roll combo, where you get a trio of spicy salmon, tuna and dynamite...I don't know what it is but as simple as it sounds, it just is amazingly good! You get some taro chips along with your side salad, and the salad is much more than just your typical chunk of iceberg lettuce with a drizzle of sesame...these salads are mixed greens and taste awesome. Aside from the tasty sushi and sashimi there are definitely some unique dishes that I feel give this place that extra mmmmph (I emphasize the mmm). There are always seasonal specials that change from time to time...none are less than great. I recommend their donburis, there are a number of them to suit all preferences...my favourite is the healthy spicy mixed rice (a delicious combination of chicken, greens, brown rice, egg and housemade sauce). Kiisu hits the spot each and every time, and once you try it I think you will agree.
4. The General Public, Main Street
This place, though rather new to the Main Street lineup, is already a definite hit. It is a sequel, if you will, to the long-running, always popular, equally delicious and unique place called The Eatery on Broadway. The food is the bomb (do people still say that?), the menu is unique and intriguing, the atmosphere is trendy and has a fun vibe. You can continue to visit here often and still keep trying new things...as I do. They have a number of marinated tuna dishes (an entire section for tuna lovers) and funky yummy rolls on rolls on rolls (a lot of great rolls to choose from). All these great choices allow you to have a somewhat different experience each time, leaving their patrons no chance of getting bored.
5. Kadoya, Davie Street
If you drive too fast down Davie street, you may miss it...yes it is that small. But what it lacks in square footage it makes up in taste and originality. It is actually quite renowned and has won its fair share of excellence awards in Vancouver. I think if you love sushi, you likely have been here...but let me mention some of its awesome rolls here anyways. There are a list of chef recommendations, these rolls are so unique in creation and taste...it is without a doubt an attraction. I love the Volcano roll (spicy salmon and scallop with black sesame sauce), Canuck roll (a spicy tuna roll with salmon tempura, topped with fish flakes), and the signature Kadoya roll (tuna tempura and fried salmon skin); but you can't go wrong with any choice. Delicious sushi exists here but I must say it all looks very "pretty" as well (sushi pretty).
