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    Bistro Sakana

    3.6 (149 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM

    Bistro Sakana Photos

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    BISTRO SAKANA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Bistro Sakana

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    Sashimi - box A
    Mori N.

    I find that with many sushi places you don't get that friendly service. It's more like....you go in...you order....you pay....and you leave. There's nothing wrong with that, but if you like receiving great service, this is a sushi place that gives it. We went for lunch and the food was wonderful. Fresh, tasty and beautifully presented. The Box A for lunch had tempura, Cali roll, rice, fried chicken, sashimi and yellow watermelon to finish off. Nice! The spicy sockeye roll was delicious. The spicy sauce is something in between spicy and sweet and the salmon tasted really fresh. I was quite impressed by the Pork Gyoza I ordered. It was pan-fried which is my favourite and the pork ingredient on the inside was delectable. The dip that came with the gyoza was a mix and had sesame seeds and it was very tasty (see pics). This spot will definitely be our go to sushi from now on.

    Chirashi don
    Kristie W.

    Decent food (sashimi, aburi), but not extraordinary enough to justify the higher price tag. Chirashi Don was good, but the octopus was undertenderized. The other pieces of sashimi were solid. The salmon aburi was fine, but not as flavourful or well-seared as at some of the finer aburi restaurants. The squid was melt in your mouth tender and delicious though. The beef aburi was so juicy, especially with the sweet glaze on top.

    I've had many amazing dinners here at Bistro Sakana, and it never disappoints! I'm from the San Francisco Bay Area, and whenever I am in Vancouver visiting family, this is a must have. Yama San was very accommodating and prepared lots of great sushi and other dishes. Everything was not only delicious, but beautiful to look at. I'm already looking forward to my next visit here!

    The Daily Specials at Bistro Sakana
    Daisy Y.

    Came here as a part of the Taste of Yaletown promo and was blown away. I don't know why this place doesn't have more 5 star reviews. The food was awesome - good portion sizes, and nice presentation. Can't remember which aburi sushi it was, but it was so soft and buttery that it just melted in our mouths. We also ordered a side of sashimi (I'm such a sucker for anything flown in from Japan) and got what the chef recommended. Good news, the chef did not lead us astray - the sashimi was very smooth and tender. Went very well with the accompanying ponzu sauce. And the Iberico pork? Tender and fatty. Two thumbs up for the awesome dessert - green tea mousse cake, but my friend loved the vanilla ice cream mochi better. The service was awesome, food came out at a good pace. I would definitely come back. They have a huge menu (...and a huge drink menu!) and daily specials including a pretty large selection that is "flown in fresh from Japan". (omg, be still, my tastebuds!) Nice cozy space with plenty of seating. Free wifi available.

    Hassun box
    Carmen H.

    DINE OUT 2021 Coming here felt like I took a trip back to Japan. The vibes were right, and the delicacy of the food really brought out the Japanese culture. The portions were decent, definitely on the smaller side, but the quality was definitely there. APPETIZER: seafood cocktail, smoked hamachi aburi, and salmon toro yuke. The seafood cocktail was probably our favourite. It was served in a shot glass with prawn, salmon, and scallop in a CREAMY tofu sauce. The sauce was so creamy, we didn't think it was tofu. ENTREE (1): a yaki hassun box that came with chawanmushi (Japanese egg custard), angus beef skewer, scallop and crab creamy gratin, and a crispy almond prawn. We loved the chawanmushi, it was smooth and delicate, with a savoury dashi taste. ENTREE (2): Mini chirashi don and 4 pieces of aburi. We found the aburi rice a little too hard; however, it still melted in my mouth. most importantly, it was nice and warm. DESSERT: This varies by day, but I got to try a four layer strawberry/lychee mousse. this was not heavy at all, which we really liked!! Covid Protocols: It's a very small restaurant, half of their seating is out on the patio with outdoor heaters. Tables were spread 2m apart with plexiglass dividers, and all the employees were wearing masks. ---------- PRICE 。$54.00 per person (dinner)

    Lunch set A
    Carolyn L.

    Decided to try this place instead of Minami. It is a world of difference - ambience, pricing, service, food. Service was so-so. I seated myself. Waited a while for the bill despite the sushi chef informing the wait staff a couple of times. The sushi chef paid more attention to the customers than the 3 wait staff on duty. The place was not even packed. I had the lunch box as it seemed to be what most were having. The sashimi was fresh but thinly sliced. Tempura was crispy without being oily. The rice was tasteless and hard (seemed overcooked). Somehow the meal was forgettable. You could have this combo anywhere in Vancouver. Probably not a place I will go to anytime soon when there are still so many restaurants for me to try in yaletown.

    Beef tataki  Chef Omakase special menu  Caterpillar roll
    Joanne Y.

    The ambience is very nice it's in Yaletown. The food is pretty good too, the Omakase chef special is very delightful. Presentation is great as well.

    Special of the day :)
    Gabriel Y.

    This Sushi bistro is amazing.. the menu you can find a lot of good options. If you were there before 6p.m. I suggest you choose one of the happy yours, because it's cheap and good selections for 1 person. The sashimi is really fresh, there are some options with fish from Japan. So you know what I'm meaning... There are some niguiri really good :) and the amazing rolls The creme brullet was amazing, perhaps the banana one, it was not so good :/ The place is so clean and nice with a cool patio. The service was really good and helpful..

    Derek Y.

    A true sign of a great meal is when we flip back through our pictures and the tastes and smells come rushing back into our minds. This was definitely the case here when we were invited to sample the sushi, Omakase style, at @bistrosakana! They did not hold back as they served us piece after piece of their fresh fish from their menu. There are several places in Vancouver that get their sushi from Japan, but this has to be the best we've had yet, with every piece being fresh, moist and delicious. Some standout pieces include their O-toro with Caviar, the Japanese Tiger Prawn, the Japanese Uni, and their crab meat sushi! We were extremely impressed by the quality of the fish offered and after this meal, Sakana Bistro has definitely became one of the top spots in town for us! If you have not had a chance to try this restaurant yet, definitely add it to your must-visit list.

    Chicken karaage
    Sylvia S.

    Came here as Minami was full with a wait. I had never been nor heard of bistro sakana but considering they had a happy hour on drinks (after 9pm) we decided to give it a try. Food: - the food was mediocre in my opinion - salmon oishi, satori sashimi (considered a must try) was flavourless ($30 for a measly 5-6 pieces) - pork belly was not bad - chicken karaage was ok - shrimp aburi (3 pieces for $15) was my favourite - happy hour drinks were just beer and gekkeikan sake and they said they don't have happy hour food Interior: - nice and heated covered patio - washroom is in separate establishment outside of resto - no wifi Service: - just ok - many of the items we wanted were not available including some alcoholic beverages (umeshu) Overall it wasn't that great but considering how busy Yaletown gets on a Saturday night it gave us a place to sit and eat quickly.

    Shirley Q.

    This pandemic has forced restaurants, who can, to only offer pick up or delivery. I love dining here and now I am forced to do delivery. I ordered a variety of tuna - hamachi, toro and blue fin. Delicious. Arrived well presented. It is pricey but you pay for quality. Another successful delivery for my end of week Sushi routine. Thank you?

    Baked Scallop

    Came here two times and both experiences were great. Food are amazing and fresh. Staff are very polite and responsive. Everything is reasonably priced.

    Crispy Ahi Tart with creamy truffle sauce, shiso, and arugula

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Went here for dine-out week, the food is just so-so. Too expensive compared to what you can get somewhere else.

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    8 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Hands down this is he beat sushi place in Yaletown. I've been coming here for 15 years and it never disappoints.

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    4 years ago

    Quality Japanese cuisine with reasonable price. I'm a regular when I'm in the area. Especially the chirashi! My favourite!

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    Page 1 of 4

    Bistro Sakana Reviews in Other Languages

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    Miku

    Miku

    4.4(2.6k reviews)
    1.4 kmDowntown
    $$$

    We had an incredible experience at Miku…read more I've been to the Toronto location before and loved it, but the Vancouver location is even better and has a larger menu. Every dish was delicious, with the highlight being the salmon oshi sushi. The Miku roll was also excellent. From the beginning the servers were really friendly and attentive. They also allowed us to switch to a table by the window after confirming it was available (we totally understood if the table was already reserved). It was perfect for a date night and I look forward to coming back!

    WOW!! I got several recs to go here and I can see why it's such a hot spot. I looked a week in…read moreadvance for a reservation and was able to get one for 7pm for just myself. I was seated at the bar, which was lovely. Huge glass bar, gorgeous view, very lively. They seated me next to another party of 1 and the atmosphere was so great that her and I actually connected and became friends. The service was amazing. The server gave me so much info about the restaurant and offerings, but it felt fun and conversational and not like I was being flooded with information. He knew exactly when to check on me and was able to guide me in the ordering process since I was unfamiliar with the menu. I ended up getting a lovely 9oz pour of sav blanc to pair with my meal. The edamame was lovely. Way too much for one person, but not expensive. Ended up sharing with other solo diners. The tofu salad was incredible. I have never had anything like that in my life. It doesn't sound exciting, but it is a true adventure in textures and flavors. I wish I could recreate it, but it was just too special to even attempt. I got their specialty, which was a salmon aburri sushi. It melted in my mouth. So much flavor, perfect texture. I like sushi, but am not an adventurous eater in the world of seafood, so played it safe. This is a meal I will think about for years. The gal next to me got a sampler platter and said the salmon was her fave, so I am so happy I got a plate full of it. Will be back 100 times over.

    Photos
    Miku - Inside the restaurant

    Inside the restaurant

    Miku - Spicy edamame (CAD $8)

    Spicy edamame (CAD $8)

    Miku - Little emperor (CAD $10) and Aka miso old fashioned (CAD $24)

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    Little emperor (CAD $10) and Aka miso old fashioned (CAD $24)

    Kamei on Broadway - Sashimi Salad

    Kamei on Broadway

    4.3(31 reviews)
    1.3 kmFairview Slopes

    For all the possible menu items to be my favourite, I love more of the classic and Supreme Rolls…read moregive you double the sushi flavor in a roll. Their basic rolls are super fresh and tasty, I've consistently h as d good quality. The mentaiko yaki udon is a light but filling starch dish. This is important because you'll want to order a lot of sushi because it's delicious! Some of the appetizers I haven't tried but so far I like their oysters, truffle fries and takoyaki, all of which are available on happy hour from 4.30-6.30 pm. Service can be hit or miss, sometimes they are super attentive and sometimes it takes a while to wave someone over because they do get busy. But the Friday night manager is really cool, always says hi to our group and is very kind! Restaurant feels like a private sushi bar with good music and drinks. The only note is that some booths require shoes off. Overall a great spot!

    We went during their 90s throwback price promotion, where they were offering discounted combos at…read more90s prices with a drink purchase. I got the spicy family (spicy salmon roll, spicy tuna roll and spicy chopped scallop roll) for $15.95 and it was disappointing. I was expecting the rolls to be smaller due to the deal, but they were thumbnail-sized sushi pieces and did not look like the menu photos at all. The environment and service were good, but the food was lacking.

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    Kamei on Broadway
    Kamei on Broadway - Yum

    Yum

    Kamei on Broadway - $1.5 oysters

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    $1.5 oysters

    Marulilu Cafe - Unagi onigiri set ($15.00)

    Marulilu Cafe

    4.0(302 reviews)
    1.4 kmMount Pleasant
    $$

    I visited this place a few days ago during a busy time. There were quite a few people waiting, and…read morethe weather was cold. I completely understand that the space inside is limited, and waiting can be unavoidable. What made the experience less comfortable was not the wait itself, but the way it was communicated. Being asked to wait outside felt a bit cold and impersonal. In situations like this, a more friendly explanation, a small sign at the door, or even a simple system that lets customers know when to come back could make the wait feel much more considerate and human. Running a small restaurant is not easy, especially in today's economic climate. I truly believe that with a warmer, more customer-oriented approach, this place could do very well. This review is meant as a gentle suggestion, and I hope it's taken in that spirit.

    Marulilu cafe is a super small dining area but the result is a cozy and intimate atmosphere. I…read morewould love to bring back friends here for a casual spot that encourages discussion. The staff were very friendly. And about the food... it's good. The garlic omurice we had brought back memories of Japan. The breakfast set had smaller portions but that's actually what a real Japanese breakfast was, small portions. So I really enjoyed it. I'm definitely coming back.

    Photos
    Marulilu Cafe - Surprisingly not too busy on Labour Day morning!

    Surprisingly not too busy on Labour Day morning!

    Marulilu Cafe - Hamburger steak with tomato bisque ($19.99)

    Hamburger steak with tomato bisque ($19.99)

    Marulilu Cafe - Shop exterior

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    Shop exterior

    Saku

    Saku

    4.3(295 reviews)
    1.4 kmFairview Slopes
    $$

    I had no idea that katsu could taste this GOOD. I mean, all katsu I've had prior to eating at Saku…read morejust pales in comparison. Who knew??? My hubs and I vacationed in Vancouver a few weeks ago in late April. We had seen the long lines for dinner at Saku when we were here more than a year ago. So, we decided to give them a try for a late lunch around 2pm on a Wednesday afternoon. No wait. We got seated right away. We liked how spacious and airy the dining room was. Our wait staff were friendly and on point. They were considerate about answering our questions about the food and food allergies. I ordered the chicken thigh katsu ($26 Can) and my hubs got the chicken thigh curry ($28.50 Can). No dairy involved in either dish which I was happy about because I have challenges digesting milk protein. Yes, it's kinda pricey. Yes, it's totally worth it. The katsu is light, crispy, fried perfectly, not greasy, and comes with unlimited rice, miso soup, finely chopped cabbage salad, and an addictively delicious sesame dressing. My hubs' curry sauce was served on the side so he could pour out as much or as little as he wanted. All in all, it was a very pleasant and satisfying meal. Saku is top notch for katsu. You won't believe how good katsu can be until you try it.

    Saku is delicious! Although it's a bit pricey, the quality of the food and meat is good. As well,…read moreyou get unlimited soup, salad and rice! Their housemade sesame sauce for the salad is very good! All the servers are very nice and attentive.

    Photos
    Saku
    Saku - The Zenbu katsu set. Enough for two hungry people!

    The Zenbu katsu set. Enough for two hungry people!

    Saku

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    Minami - Oshi Sampler and Red Wave Roll

    Minami

    4.1(843 reviews)
    0.0 kmYaletown, Downtown
    $$$

    Minami is a must-visit whenever we're in Vancouver, especially for the Aburri Oshi. We have two…read morelittle ones so the last few times we've stopped by, we order takeout and eat back in our hotel room. But this time we decided to dine in and the staff was very welcoming and kid friendly. We ordered the bluefin tuna sampler, which was excellent, along with the chicken karaage. The staff were friendly, attentive, and welcoming. Overall, the quality is consistently high, and you truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Highly recommended. Side note, we just found out that the Aburri Market next door is under the same umbrella, so anytime we need a sushi fix we can just run in and out for a quick bite!

    We dropped into Minami for happy hour and were seated immediately…read more We ordered from the happy hour menu for a quick snack before dinner plans: Brussels sprouts were the surprise standout: crisped edges, a nice caramelized finish, and enough seasoning to keep each bite interesting. The oshi sampler (their signature pressed sushi) looked tidy and well-composed, and the textures were clean, though the flavors didn't quite pop the way I'd hoped. The roll we ordered was fine, nothing to write home about. Happy hour pricing makes this an accessible way to try Minami's menu. That said, I left feeling like I'd rather spend more for items not on the happy hour menu.

    Photos
    Minami - Stunning artwork

    Stunning artwork

    Minami - Minami zen has three courses, and this is one of them.

    Minami zen has three courses, and this is one of them.

    Minami - Minami Martini ... Kyoto Sparkles

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    Minami Martini ... Kyoto Sparkles

    Okeya Kyujiro

    Okeya Kyujiro

    4.8(42 reviews)
    0.1 kmYaletown, Downtown

    I made a reservation at Okeya Kyujiro for my partner's 40th birthday, and he had the best time…read more Honestly, it was one of the most memorable omakase experiences I've had in Vancouver. Okeya Kyujiro is a Michelin one-star theatrical omakase restaurant, and when they say theatrical, they mean it! From the moment you're welcomed by smiling ushers in kimono to the closing tea ceremony, every movement feels intentional, precise, and elevated. The ambiance is serene and anticipatory. At the start, guests sit in silence as a black screen conceals the chefs. You see their shadows moving behind it. A bell rings, the screen lifts, and the performance begins. Dinner is a 25+ course experience priced at $325 per person. It's undeniably a splurge, but for a milestone celebration, it feels justified. The menu is seafood-forward, with many ingredients flown in from Japan. Each ingredient is presented before preparation, then carefully assembled and served directly from chef to guest. Courses arrive one by one, never rushed. The service team moves seamlessly in the background, refilling water and attending to drinks (available as an add-on) without disrupting the flow. The finale is a matcha ceremony, whisked in front of you with the same quiet precision that defines the evening. When the final sip is taken, the bell chimes once more, the chefs and staff bow, and the screens close. It was a beautifully choreographed dining experience, perfect for marking a special moment, and one I'd gladly return to for the next celebration.

    Service was really amazing with servers explaining each dish and drinks were always topped off…read more Food was good, but maybe this isn't quite my style of omakase compared to the other ones I've tried. This is a more theatrical style so expect louder music and a more theatrical experience (eg one of the servers played the flute for the guests celebrating birthdays). I prefer a more intimidate and interactive style of omakase where you can talk with the chefs. This lunch also felt a little fast in terms of progression of the meal. Some of the dishes were very tasty while others didn't wow us. With drinks, we were quite full despite some reviews saying portion is on the smaller size. Our total was around $500 with drinks for 2 people. A really good experience for omakase, especially if you are looking for a unique experience though not my favourite one I've tried.

    Photos
    Okeya Kyujiro - Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.

    Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.

    Okeya Kyujiro - Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange

    Lychee jelly w/ brown sugar syrup, ginger icecream monaka, crown melon + japanese orange

    Okeya Kyujiro - A5 wagyu sukiyaki

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    A5 wagyu sukiyaki

    Bistro Sakana - japanese - Updated June 2026

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