Vancouver.

Itosugi Kappo Cuisine is one of Vancouver's most intimate dining experiences: an 11-seat Alaskan cypress counter where chef Alfred presents kappo-style multi-course Japanese omakase menus inspired by kaiseki tradition.

Chef Joël Watanabe's Kissa Tanto has held a Michelin star since the guide's Vancouver debut, marrying Japanese and Italian culinary traditions in a space evocative of 1960s Tokyo jazz cafés.

STEM Japanese Eatery is a hidden gem in South Burnaby, owned and led by Japanese chefs Tatsuya Katagiri (kappo-trained in Tokyo) and Yoshiaki Maniwa (born Kyoto, family restaurant background). The kaiseki-influenced omakase menu at approximately C$143 per person showcases seasonal BC ingredients through a Japanese culinary lens.

Named after chef-owner Masahiro Omori's grandmother, Yuwa is Michelin-recommended for its classical Japanese cuisine, where daily-shifting seasonal menus and an expert sake program reflect two deeply Japanese culinary philosophies.

Masa Ishibashi brings Michelin-starred Edomae omakase sushi to Metro Vancouver, with Japanese chef Masakazu Ishibashi presenting seasonal fish airlifted directly from Japan in a private, reservation-only dining experience in Richmond.

Chef Masayoshi Baba's eponymous 24-seat Fraserhood counter has held a Michelin star since 2023, delivering hyper-seasonal Edomae-style omakase with over two decades of Japanese culinary mastery.

Chef-owner Takuya Matsuda, from Mie Prefecture, Japan, brings theatrical 25-course omakase to Yaletown, earning Okeya Kyujiro a Michelin star since 2023 and a reputation as one of Canada's most extraordinary dining experiences.

Chef Juhyun Lee's Sushi Hyun holds a Michelin star and the 2025 Young Chef Award, offering lavish Edomae omakase at a 200-year-old hinoki counter in Vancouver's West End.

Opened in January 2023 by Japanese owner Yuki Aida and master sushi chef Hiroshi Hoshiko, Sushi Mahana brings Kyushu-style 25-course omakase to North Vancouver, with fish sourced using the traditional Japanese Ike jime method.

Chef Yoji Masuda's tiny 5-seat omakase counter inside Coal Harbour's Oceanic Plaza earned a Michelin star in 2024, making it one of Vancouver's most intimate and critically acclaimed Japanese dining experiences.

Founded in 1988 by Kagoshima-born chef Hidekazu Tojo, internationally celebrated as the creator of the California Roll, Tojo's is Vancouver's defining Japanese fine-dining institution.

COFU Chinatown is Vancouver's pioneering vegan omakase sushi restaurant, founded in 2021 by Japanese chef-owner Akiko Gulkison, who arrived from Japan in 2018. The menu draws on kaiseki philosophy and Zen aesthetics to present entirely plant-based sushi with the craft and ceremony of traditional Japanese omakase.

Opened in 2008 by Miyazaki-born founder Seigo Nakamura, Miku Restaurant introduced Aburi flame-seared sushi to Canada from its landmark waterfront address at 200 Granville Street, with Executive Chef Kazuhiro Hayashi leading a fully Japanese kitchen.

The refined Yaletown sibling to Miku, Minami Restaurant shares the Japanese ownership of Seigo Nakamura's Aburi Restaurants Canada and delivers elegant Aburi flame-seared sushi alongside seasonal Japanese-West Coast cuisine in a contemporary Yaletown setting.

A Michelin-recommended Kitsilano institution, Octopus' Garden has long been cited by Vancouver's Japanese community as one of the city's most authentically Japanese-owned sushi restaurants, offering traditional nigiri and a $100 omakase option.

A Japan-born husband-and-wife operation on Robson Street, Sushi Bar Maumi offers traditional Edo-Mae omakase guided by chef Maumi Ozaki's 33 years of experience and fish imported directly from Japan five times a week.

Sushi Jin is a quiet, intimate omakase counter in downtown Vancouver recognised by Vancouver Magazine 2024 as an Honourable Mention for Best Upscale Japanese, offering focused Japanese sushi craft at 750 Nelson Street.

Japanese chef-owner Satoshi Makise opened Tetsu in 2017 with a mission to offer unapologetically authentic Edomae sushi from a 12-seat counter on Denman Street, earning Michelin recognition and a place on Canada's 100 Best list.

Toyo Sushi is a small, Japanese-owned omakase counter in North Burnaby, delivering meticulously crafted nigiri, aburi oshi, and seasonal sashimi in an intimate reservation-only setting.

Led by Japanese chef-owner Yuji, this intimate Alma Street restaurant delivers a quietly exceptional dining experience — small plates of seasonal Japanese cuisine that reviewers have compared to kaiseki dining in Kyoto.

A beloved Kerrisdale institution, Ajisai Sushi Bar is operated by Japanese chef-owner Hide, whose traditional nigiri and sashimi earn comparison to the best on Canada's West Coast from guests with roots in Tokyo's fish markets.

Bistro Sakana has been a Yaletown institution since 2005, led by Japanese chef-owner Etsuko Needham — Vancouver's only female executive sushi chef — and sake sommelier co-owner Iori Kataoka, BC Restaurant Hall of Fame inductee.

Japanese-owned by Taka Shimoshige, Hitoe Sushi in Kitsilano is a highly rated neighbourhood gem offering traditional Japanese sushi with a thoughtful gluten-free menu and Japanese-speaking staff.

Japanese chef-owner Akira Kishimoto has been serving creative and traditional Japanese cuisine at the heart of Commercial Drive for over 14 years, with a booth also at Time Out Market Vancouver.

Sashimiya is a downtown Vancouver counter run by Shizuoka-born chef Takayuki Omi and his wife Kaori, offering omakase-quality sashimi and nigiri at accessible prices—one of the city's most genuine Japanese-owned hidden gems.

A Cambie Street institution for over 20 years, Shiro Japanese Restaurant is staffed by Japanese-speaking personnel and recognised by Tripadvisor reviewers as an authentic expression of traditional Japanese cuisine and service culture.

Shizenya on Hornby brings a health-conscious, Japanese-run twist to downtown Vancouver dining, with brown rice rolls, vegetarian-friendly sushi, and wholesome Japanese plates near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Operated by Japanese chef-owner Yuji, Sushi by Yuji on Kingsway delivers traditional Edo-style sushi in an intimate setting at prices that make excellent Japanese cooking accessible to the neighbourhood.

SYU Kitsilano carries forward a 40-year tradition of Japanese cuisine in Kitsilano, with head chef Koichi leading an authentic sushi program that blends classical ryori philosophy with thoughtful modern touches.

Takara Sushi is a long-running Japanese-owned neighbourhood restaurant on Canada Way in Burnaby, beloved for its fresh nigiri, classic sashimi, and consistently high quality at accessible prices.

A Japanese-run neighbourhood gem in Point Grey, The Kitchen Dada serves meticulously crafted nigiri, signature oshi zushi, and creative izakaya dishes at remarkably affordable prices.

Toshi Sushi has been a Mount Pleasant institution since the 1990s, owned and operated by Japanese chef Toshi, whose training at a major Japanese hotel left its mark on every piece of nigiri served at this no-reservations neighbourhood gem.

Uma Sushi is a Japanese-run neighbourhood restaurant in Mount Pleasant known for its Shoukado bento box, premium chu-toro and o-toro nigiri, and an all-Japanese-speaking kitchen that signals genuine authenticity.

A Japanese family-owned restaurant in Kitsilano, Yagoto Sushi Dining is guided by chef Yama-san, who began his culinary career at the New Hankyu Hotel Osaka in 1980 and honed his craft in Kita Shinchi before bringing Osaka-style sushi to Vancouver.

Fujiya is Vancouver's pioneering Japanese specialty grocery and deli, founded in 1977 by Shigeru Hirai in the historic Japantown district. It offers fresh-made sushi, bento boxes, and a wide selection of imported Japanese ingredients.

Vancouver's first dedicated uni bar, Takenaka was opened by Japanese chef-owner Shogo Takenaka in Gastown. It offers a focused menu of sea urchin preparations, premium sashimi, and an intimate omakase experience for two priced at C$168.

A charming neighbourhood café-restaurant in Marpole, Cafe de L'Orangerie blends Japanese culinary sensibility with French and Italian influences under Japanese chef Yamato Takahashi, offering elegant small plates and house-made desserts.

Guu Davie, opened in February 2019, is Vancouver's first izakaya specialising in traditional Japanese hot pot — oden and shabu-shabu — alongside the full Guu izakaya menu, with a beloved patio in Davie Village.

Founded in August 2000 by Japanese owner Yoshinori Kitahara, Guu Izakaya with Garlic on Robson Street pioneered izakaya culture in Vancouver and remains the most authentic Japanese small-plate and drinking experience in the city.

The original Guu Izakaya on Thurlow Street has defined Vancouver's izakaya scene since 2003, owned by Tokyo-based Yoshinori Kitahara of Kitanoya Marketing Corp. It remains the city's most influential Japanese izakaya, famous for its extensive small-plate menu and authentic Japanese energy.

The Gastown expression of Yoshinori Kitahara's Japanese-owned Guu group, Guu Otokomae brings a contemporary twist to the classic izakaya format in one of Vancouver's most vibrant historic neighbourhoods.

Guu Toramasa, opened in 2023, is the newest addition to the Tokyo-owned Guu Izakaya group, introducing Osaka street food culture to Vancouver with a menu of takoyaki, kushikatsu, and Osaka-style small plates alongside daily lunch service.

Gyu-Kaku is an authentic Japanese yakiniku (table-grilled beef) restaurant operated by Reins International, headquartered in Minatomirai, Yokohama, Japan. At the Downtown Vancouver location, guests grill premium marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables over smokeless tabletop grills—faithful to Japan's beloved yakiniku culture.

Hapa Izakaya has defined Vancouver's izakaya scene since 2003, founded by Justin Ault after immersive training in Tokyo izakayas. The Japanese-led kitchen—most recently under chef Wataru Kakiuchi—delivers creative Tokyo-style small plates in Yaletown's stylish dining room, with the signature irasshaimase greeting on arrival.

Since 2006, Japanese owner Minoru Tamaru's Kingyo Izakaya on Denman Street has been a West End institution, offering stone-grilled Kobe beef, tan-tan noodles, and the full breadth of Japanese izakaya cuisine seven days a week.

New Fuji is the newest addition to the Tamaru Shoten Group's Vancouver portfolio, bringing retro-Japanese aesthetics and robata charcoal grilling to a lively Kitsilano izakaya. Opened in 2023, it channels nostalgic Showa-era Japan with an open robata counter and a fun, vibrant atmosphere.

Opened in December 2023 by Japanese owner Takeshi Hasegawa, Oku Izakaya earned Michelin Recommended status within its first year of operation. Located in Gastown at 2 Water Street, it serves artisanal Japanese small plates, premium sashimi, a hand-roll selection, and inventive Japanese cocktails until 1–2am.

Raisu is a polished Japanese izakaya on W 4th Ave in Kitsilano, part of the Tamaru Shoten Group helmed by owner Minoru Tamaru. It specialises in teishoku combo sets, artistic shoukado bento boxes, and an impressive sake selection of over 50 labels.

Formerly Rajio Public House, Rajio Shokudo is a beloved Point Grey izakaya from the Tamaru Shoten Group that won a loyal following with its Osaka-style kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers). It relaunched as Rajio Shokudo in December 2025 under the same Japanese ownership.

Hashigo is the sake-focused izakaya concept from Vancouver's Japanese-owned Zakkushi Group, offering an intimate dining experience centred on premium sake, yakitori skewers, and classic Japanese bar snacks on Granville Street.

Suika Snack Bar is a lively Japanese izakaya on West Broadway, owned by Minoru Tamaru of the acclaimed Tamaru Shoten Group. The menu celebrates summer in Japan with bluefin tuna carpaccio, small plates, and handcrafted cocktails.

Founded in 2005 by Japanese couple Noriki and Misa Tamura who immigrated from Tokyo, Japadog is Vancouver's most iconic Japanese street food concept, applying authentic Japanese flavours — teriyaki, katsuobushi, nori, and Kurobuta pork — to the classic North American hot dog.

Sumibiyaki Arashi is Vancouver's only serious yakitori omakase, where Michelin-starred chef Pete Ho grills premium ingredients over authentic Japanese binchotan charcoal at a 14-seat counter in Mount Pleasant.

Zakkushi on Denman is Vancouver's original yakitori izakaya, opened by Japanese owner Masami Wakabayashi. The kitchen uses authentic binchotan charcoal imported from Japan to grill its skewers, and head chef Hiroshi Tamanaha maintains the classical Japanese techniques at the heart of the West End location.

The second Vancouver location of the Zakkushi Group, Zakkushi on Main has been serving binchotan-grilled yakitori and izakaya small plates in Mount Pleasant since 2008. Japanese owner Masami Wakabayashi's commitment to charcoal craftsmanship and traditional Japanese hospitality drives the experience.

Founded by Japanese restaurateur Tomo Takahashi in Japan in 2010, JINYA Ramen Bar on Robson Street pairs its premium tonkotsu ramen with an energetic izakaya atmosphere—complete with irasshaimase greetings, a full cocktail bar, and a popular happy hour menu.

The second Vancouver location of the Japanese-founded JINYA Ramen Bar, the W Broadway outpost serves the full lineup of premium tonkotsu and chicken ramen with the same energetic atmosphere, full bar, and daily happy hour as the downtown flagship.

Tatchan Noodle is Vancouver's sole restaurant dedicated to Okinawa soba — a distinct Japanese noodle tradition from Japan's southernmost prefecture — operated by Okinawa-born owner Tatsuya Kuramori, who came to Vancouver in 2006.

ZUBU brings a Japanese-Canadian culinary fusion to Kerrisdale, co-founded by Japanese-born Kodai Umezawa. Its menu spans rich housemade ramen broths, temaki hand rolls, and hand-rolled gyoza crafted with local Pacific Northwest ingredients.

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka brings the flavours of Asahikawa, Hokkaido—the birthplace of Japanese miso ramen—to Vancouver's Robson Street. Its celebrated toroniku (pork cheek) ramen and corporate headquarters in Japan confirm the restaurant's deep Japanese roots.

Horin Ramen + Sake was founded in Fukuoka, Japan, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, and chose Vancouver's Robson Street as its first international location in 2018. The signature chili tare broth, house-made noodles, and curated sake list set it apart on the competitive 'ramen row.'

Kintaro Ramen has been the definitive Japanese-owned ramen shop on Denman Street since 1993, earning its status as the grandfather of Vancouver's ramen scene. Nightly lineups for its tonkotsu and miso broths have been a West End institution for over 30 years.

Founded by Japanese Chef Takuma Ishikawa in Tokyo in 2013, Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba is the world's largest mazesoba chain—a Tokyo-born style of brothless ramen with thick noodles tossed in a rich, umami-laden sauce. The Downtown Vancouver location at 551 Seymour Street offers the full mazesoba experience with house-made multi-grain noodles.

Maruhachi Ra-men, founded by Japanese entrepreneur Tetsuya Kudo in Kawaguchi, Japan in 2001, pioneered the tori-paitan creamy chicken broth ramen style in North America. The West End flagship at 780 Bidwell Street remains the most popular of the chain's multiple Vancouver outposts.

Maruhachi Ra-men is a Japanese-owned ramen brand from Japan, celebrated for its distinctive tori-paitan (chicken bone broth) ramen and house-made noodles. The Robson Street location is among Vancouver's most acclaimed ramen destinations.

The Main Street Gaiden location of Maruhachi Ra-men brings the brand's acclaimed Japanese tori-paitan ramen to Vancouver's creative Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, maintaining the same quality and house-made noodle standards as all other locations.

Menya Raizo is the Zakkushi Group's dedicated ramen concept, bringing house-made noodles and rich Japanese broths to Broadway under the same Japanese ownership as the acclaimed Zakkushi yakitori izakayas. The neo-retro aesthetic and affordable lunch-to-dinner hours make it a neighbourhood staple.

Ramen Danbo is a Japanese chain originating in Fukuoka in 2000, bringing classic Hakata tonkotsu ramen to Robson Street. Guests customise their broth richness, noodle firmness, and spice level in-queue—a system true to the Fukuoka tradition. The Robson Street location consistently attracts the city's longest ramen queue.

Ramen Danbo is a beloved Fukuoka-born ramen chain bringing rich, creamy tonkotsu broth to Vancouver. The Kerrisdale location, opened in January 2024, is the third city outpost of this Japanese-corporate ramen brand.

Ramen Gojiro is Vancouver's sole purveyor of Jiro-style ramen—Tokyo's legendary 'gatsuri' (feasting) ramen characterized by massive portions, extra-thick noodles, and heaps of pork, garlic, and vegetables. The restaurant is operated by the Japanese Menya Kouji Group.

Taishoken Ramen brings the distinctive Japanese tsukemen (dipping ramen) tradition to Vancouver's Gastown, where thick noodles are served separately from a concentrated, punchy dipping broth. The concept originates from Japan's iconic Taishoken brand.

Tsukiya Ramen is the 2022 rebranding of the beloved Motomachi Shokudo, itself opened by the same Japanese owner as the legendary Kintaro Ramen next door. The 9-hour pork bone broth and distinctive bamboo charcoal ramen continue the Denman Street Japanese ramen tradition.

Toyokan Bowl is the newest venture from Minoru Tamaru's Tamaru Shoten Group, occupying the upper floor of the Toyokan complex in Kitsilano. The menu focuses exclusively on kaisendon—premium seafood donburi bowls featuring Hokkaido uni, bluefin otoro, and house-marinated ikura.

Co-owned by Akiyo Lowey, born in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, Dosanko Restaurant sits in Vancouver's historic Japantown and serves Hokkaido-inspired yoshoku—Japanese-Western comfort cooking including omurice, zangi (Hokkaido karaage), beef belly katsu, and Japanese curry. It is a gathering place for Vancouver's Japanese community.

Hachibei is one of Vancouver's most authentically Japanese neighbourhood restaurants, consistently praised for its teishoku set meals, fresh sushi, and small-restaurant warmth staffed entirely by Japanese personnel.

Hachibei is a small, Japanese-staffed neighbourhood restaurant on W 16th Ave in South Cambie, beloved for its authentic teishoku combo sets and exceptional karaage. The Japanese kitchen team brings genuine homestyle Japanese cooking to a loyal local following.

Vancouver's first and only dedicated udon restaurant, Motonobu serves handmade cut-to-order udon noodles crafted from Japanese chef-owner Shin Iwamoto's family recipe, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in recognition of its exceptional quality and value.

Saku is Vancouver's original and most celebrated tonkatsu restaurant, established on Robson Street in 2018. Chef Yusuke Matsumoto, trained in Osaka, designed the menu around ultra-crispy panko-breaded pork cutlet sets served with miso soup, shredded cabbage, and all-you-can-eat rice—faithful to Japan's tonkatsu teishoku tradition.

Saku is Vancouver's dedicated Japanese tonkatsu restaurant, serving premium panko-crusted pork and chicken cutlets in traditional Japanese set meal format. The Broadway location extends the brand's commitment to proper katsu preparation.

Tendon Kohaku is a Japanese corporate chain, born from a collaboration between Nadai Fujisoba (Japan's largest soba chain) and Kings Know Group, specialising in premium tendon—golden tempura pieces served over seasoned rice in a lacquered bowl. The Downtown Vancouver location at 840 Howe Street brings this beloved Tokyo comfort meal to Canada.

Opened in June 2025 by the team behind SYU Japanese Cuisine, Bento Cafe brings authentic Japanese teishoku set meals — with rice, soup, chawanmushi, and sides — to the heart of Kitsilano at daytime hours.

A neighbourhood gem one block from Joyce SkyTrain, Bistro Kamome serves genuinely authentic Japanese comfort dishes — including bespoke onigiri, hearty donburi, and its beloved Hayashi beef on rice — rarely found outside Japan itself.

A downtown Vancouver institution beloved for its hearty Japanese donburi bowls, fresh sushi sets, and signature Aburi sushi combos, Kita No Donburi delivers genuine Japanese flavour at remarkably accessible prices.

Marulilu Cafe is Vancouver's most faithful rendition of the Japanese kissaten (classic coffee shop), run by a Japanese kitchen team on W Broadway. The menu covers omurice, Japanese curry, rice bowls, and a relaxed Japanese breakfast offering in a cosy, vintage-inspired setting.

Takenaka Onigiri Cafe is the casual all-day expression of Japanese chef-owner Shogo Takenaka's culinary philosophy, focused on the humble yet deeply satisfying rice ball. Set within the COHO Commissary, it serves over 20 onigiri fillings, bento sets, and daily omakase aburi sushi.