The Northwest is awash in tuna, salmon, crab, and other fresh seafood, so it should come as no surprise that Vancouver, with its large Japanese population and health-conscious vibe, is a city awash in sushi joints. Any local will point you toward their personal favorite; this well-regarded place is the one that was recommended to us.
Where: Tojo’s (1133 West Broadway, map), a spacious, elegant, pricey restaurant helmed by award-winning sushi master Hidekazu Tojo, who emphasizes innovation and regional seafood. Pictured is a roll that combines both, the CAD$34 Golden Roll: Dungeness crab, scallop, and wild Pacific salmon, rolled in an egg crepe and topped with fish roe.
When: Tues-Sat, from 5pm (last seatings usually around 8pm); reserve by phone only.
Order: Try some of the highly creative rolls here, like the inside-out Tojo Roll (Dungeness crab, avocado, spinach, and egg) or the Great BC Roll (barbecued salmon skin and cucumber topped with salmon). Or jump in with both feet (and a full wallet) by ordering the chef’s choice tasting menu, omakase, which generally includes both cooked and raw selections (vegetarian available; $120-$330).
Alternatively: In Richmond, near the airport, tiny Sushi Hachi (604-207-2882; 8888 Odlin Crescent, map) is celebrated for its uber-fresh sashimi (reservations are recommended); in Kitsilano, the omakase ($200) at Octopus’ Garden (1995 Cornwall Ave., map) comes highly recommended.
