Vancouver’s Japanese dining scene continues to flourish in 2025 — from high-end omakase counters to neighbourhood sushi bars, creative fusion kitchens, and soulful ramen joints. In this guide, we’ve curated 20 standout Japanese restaurants across the city, drawing on Michelin recommendations, local awards (e.g. Vancouver Magazine), chef-led omakase reviews, and crowd rankings (TripAdvisor, Yelp, Cozymeal, etc.). Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable chef’s tasting or a casual sushi dinner in your hood, here’s your 2025 map.
How This List Was Compiled
- Michelin & Guide Recognition: We included restaurants listed in Vancouver’s Best Japanese Restaurants by the Michelin Guide (2025 update). (MICHELIN Guide)
- Local Awards & Editor Picks: Vancouver Magazine’s 2025 Restaurant Awards named Gold, Silver, and Bronze in the Japanese category: Okeya Kyujiro (Gold), Tetsu (Silver), Sushi Hil (Bronze). (Vancouver Magazine)
- Specialist Sushi / Omakase Guides: Sites like The Best Vancouver for omakase picks (Masayoshi, Maumi, Tetsu, etc.) (The Best Vancouver); Cozymeal’s “Best Sushi in Vancouver” lists (Toshi Sushi, Ajisai, etc.) (Cozymeal)
- Traveler Rankings & Aggregators: TripAdvisor’s top Japanese list for Vancouver (Tripadvisor), OpenTable’s Japanese listings (OpenTable), and “50 Best Japanese Restaurants” lists such as on Wanderlog. (Wanderlog)
Because of evolving restaurant landscapes, some smaller or newer establishments may not yet appear in all guides. Use this as a strong foundation; consider updates or omission based on your publication’s timing.
Flagship Omakase & Fine Dining
These are destination restaurants where the experience, craft, and atmosphere are as important as the food.
| Restaurant | Address | Website / Contact | Highlights & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miku | #70 – 200 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4 (OpenTable) | mikurestaurant.com (Miku Restaurant) | One of Vancouver’s flagship Aburi (flame-seared) sushi restaurants. Waterfront location overlooking Coal Harbour, modern ambience, full bar & sushi counter. (GAYOT) |
| Tetsu Sushi Bar | 775 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6 (Yelp) | tetsusushibar.com (Tetsu Sushi Bar) | Intimate 12-seat counter. Focused on Edomae / omakase tradition, with a succinct but precise menu. Michelin Guide recommended. (Tetsu Sushi Bar) |
| Masayoshi | 4376 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC (Wikipedia) | (No official website listed) | A chef-driven omakase spot. Listed among Vancouver omakase highlights. (The Best Vancouver) |
| Sushi Bar Maumi | 1668 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C7 (Cozymeal) | — | Traditional omakase with minimal decor, focusing on fish quality and technique. (Cozymeal) |
| Yuwa Japanese Cuisine | Vancouver, BC (Yuwa Japanese Cuisine) | yuwa.ca (Yuwa Japanese Cuisine) | Seasonal menus, rotating sake programs, elegant ambience, relatively lesser-known but respected in “Best Japanese” lists. (Yuwa Japanese Cuisine) |
| Sumibiyaki Arashi | Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, BC (Wikipedia) | (No official website listed) | A smaller, high-ambience yakitori + grill spot with Michelin-style polish; also listed in Michelin’s guide. (Wikipedia) |
| Okeya Kyujiro | Yaletown / downtown Vancouver, BC (Wikipedia) | okeya.ca (Wikipedia) | Theatrical and immersive omakase experience; awarded Gold in Vancouver Magazine 2025. (Vancouver Magazine) |
Standout Sushi, Fusion & High-End Bars
These restaurants may not always operate full tasting menus but offer exceptional sushi, creative fusion, or elevated Japanese dining.
| Restaurant | Address | Website / Contact | What To Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sushi Hil | 3330 Main St, Vancouver, BC (Vancouver Magazine) | sushihil.com (Wikipedia) | Named Bronze in Vancouver Magazine 2025. Offers sushi & sashimi with creative seasonal touches. (Vancouver Magazine) |
| Kishimoto | Vancouver, BC | (No official site captured) | Highlighted in Cozymeal among top sushi in Vancouver. (Cozymeal) |
| Tojo’s Restaurant | Vancouver, BC | — | An iconic figure in Vancouver’s sushi history; always cited in Vancouver Japanese guides. (Wanderlog) |
| Toshi Sushi | 181 E 16th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 4R2 (Cozymeal) | — | A reliable mid-range sushi bar beloved by locals; casual, no frills. (Cozymeal) |
| Sushi Bar Ajisai | 2081 W 42nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6M 2B4 (Cozymeal) | — | Hidden gem quality, good portions and lunch specials. (Cozymeal) |
| Sushi by Yuji | 2252 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T7 (Cozymeal) | — | Quaint, compact, strong sushi & roll offerings in a modest space. (Cozymeal) |
| The General Public | Locations across Vancouver | — | Artistic / modern twist on sushi; good for varied taste preferences. (Cozymeal) |
| Bistro Sakana | Yaletown, Vancouver, BC | — | Fusion, contemporary Japanese fare; known also for a deep premium sake list. (OpenTable) |
Casual, Neighbourhood & Hidden Spots
These are locally beloved, approachable, and often under the radar — great for daily sushi fixes or smaller meals.
| Restaurant | Address | Website / Contact | Local Appeal / Signature Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miko Sushi | 1335 Robson St, Vancouver, BC | — | Strong fusion / approachable sushi, often ranked in visitor guides. (Tripadvisor) |
| Ramen Danbo | Robson & other locations, Vancouver, BC | — | While not sushi, ramen is essential in Japanese dining; often ranked among top Japanese options in Vancouver. (Tripadvisor) |
| Kamei Royale Downtown | Vancouver, BC | — | Longstanding restaurant combining sushi + robata / grill + tatami rooms. (OpenTable) |
| Ogenki Sushi Fusion | 4346 Main St #4342, Vancouver, BC (Waterview Vancouver) | — | Casual, fusion-forward sushi and rolls; local favourite. (Waterview Vancouver) |
| Shizenya (Hornby / downtown branch) | Vancouver, BC | — | Reliable mid-tier sushi bar, well reviewed in traveler lists. (Tripadvisor) |
| Oku Izakaya | 2 Water St (Coal Harbour / waterfront) (honourable mention) (Vancouver Magazine) | okuizakayabar.com (Vancouver Magazine) | Izakaya environment with small plates, sushi & drink offerings. (Vancouver Magazine) |