Vancouver · Izakaya · casual
Oku Izakaya
Japanese izakaya & temakiMichelin RecommendedGastownJapanese-ownedSake bar
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.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Gastown
- Since
- 2023
- Owner
- Takeshi Hasegawa
Plate № 64
About
Oku Izakaya represents a new generation of Japanese-owned dining in Vancouver, with owner Takeshi Hasegawa bringing a refined vision of izakaya culture to Gastown's atmospheric Water Street. Since opening in December 2023, Oku earned Michelin Recommended status—a remarkable achievement in its debut year—on the strength of its super-premium sashimi platters, creative temaki hand-rolls, and thoughtful sake and cocktail program. The intimate bar-centric layout mirrors the counter culture of Tokyo's best izakayas, and late-night hours to 1–2am make it one of Vancouver's few serious Japanese late-night destinations.
Neighborhood & visiting
Oku Izakaya sits in Gastown, one of Vancouver's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. Reservations are available online — for a focused izakaya counter this is strongly recommended. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Michelin Recommended in its first year of operation—Vancouver's newest standout Japanese izakaya
- Japanese owner Takeshi Hasegawa's dedication to premium sashimi and hand-roll quality
- Intimate counter seating and atmospheric Gastown location with Japanese cocktails until 2am
- Super-premium assorted sashimi (16 pieces, 8 kinds) and creative temaki at the bar
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Frequently asked
About Oku Izakaya
- Is Oku Izakaya an authentic japanese izakaya & temaki restaurant in Vancouver?
- Yes — Oku Izakaya is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya & temaki in Vancouver: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Oku Izakaya located?
- Oku Izakaya is located at 2 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4, Canada, Vancouver, Canada in the Gastown neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Oku Izakaya?
- Oku Izakaya accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Oku Izakaya?
- Oku Izakaya sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya & temaki of this format in Vancouver.
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