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Yuji's From Japan

4.0 (58 reviews)
Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

Yuji's From Japan Photos

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YUJI'S FROM JAPAN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids

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Exterior
Jonny M.

I've been wanting to try Yuji's From Japan (note: no relation to Sushi by Yuji's) since last year when I tried to and they were closed for the day. Well, finally made it back out that way. We dropped in on a Tuesday evening (around 6:15pm) and were able to get a table with no reservations. There was only one couple at the sushi bar but it slowly got busier. The inside is very quaint and homey. Love how the sushi bar is right in the middle of things. It's small; I counted 20 seats (not including the private room). Service is excellent although it was a bit hard to understand what some of the dishes were. - Omakase ($40.00) - we decided to get the omakase for 1 person but shared. It comes with six mini appetizers, 5 pieces of nigiri, miso soup and dessert. The appetizers were small but a nice way to sample things. Dessert was either vanilla or black sesame mochi; we went the latter. - Sashimi omakase ($30.00 for 2) - you get 6 types of sashimi. Again, really small pieces. YFJ is a quality sushi spot. I just don't know if it's worth the price point. Portions are small and you won't get full eating just sushi/sashimi.

people sitting at a restaurant counter
Ger T.

We dig both the traditional exterior and interior decor which instantly hyped up our expectations that were ultimately somewhat met . Sort of . $40 for a chef's selection sashimi for 2 is totally reasonable but the fish were sliced way too thin ( check pic ) . I don't wanna say stingy but that's exactly what i was thinking . The assorted tempura however was solid and so was the chicken karaage , which was surprisingly chunky . The A/C was on only intermittently on a hot summer day so that was kinda annoying . Oh and I absolutely hate finding fish scales on my sashimi ! Even though both Yuji and Yoshi are " from Japan " think I might wanna spend more time with the latter : P

Day's fresh selection of fresh fish from Japan
Andrew W.

Yet another small family run Authentic Japanese Sushi Restaurant that is serious about what they do and do it with a heart! The atmosphere is homily and very friendly! It's great for a small party of 4 or if you come by yourself they will still offer you with great hospitality. Food is the soul of this restaurant and the Chef puts in 200% as you can feel his care in the preparation of each item, sushi rice was done just right without being too soft or too hard where they fall apart, the seasoning was also perfect with the right amount of sushi vinegar. I love that the rice and fish ratio is done perfectly. Hot kitchen items are outstanding as well, especially the Tempura and the Grilled items. I will be back for sure to taste more of their items!

First course of $50 omakase (9/2016)
Jennifer W.

OMG this is the best omakase I've ever had! My husband and I were so impressed by Yuji's because it is no doubt authentic Japanese sushi and cuisine. We were thankful that we were able to get omakase even though we didn't have a reservation. (FYI every restaurant in Vancouver requires 24 hour in advance reservation for omakase regardless of the day of the week). I can't even begin to describe all of the items I had tasted because there were seriously so many courses (6 in total). Also, the first course itself was 6 different appetizers in itself and beautifully displayed. Yuji's will be one of those restaurants I will dream about going back to. Until next time I'm in Vancouver!

Amy C.

Their omakase is 80$ but if you want to treat yourself, this is the place to do it. Within the 6 courses + dessert and miso served, you will get the whole spectrum from steamed, to pickled, to fried, to raw. By the end of the meal I was bursting at the seams, but in the most satisfying way possible - definitely a must try at least once!

Assorted sashimi

I have been going to this restaurant for a couple of years and they are consistently good. My personal favorites are beef tongue and seafood kakiage. Love their assorted sashimi. Always fresh. Will be back the to dine in AGAIN

Sashimi

We booked a hotel after made a reservation for Yuji's because we really enjoyed their meal last year. So we were so excited to visit Vancouver again. We had omakase course meal+. Each dishes were delicious and nice presentation. Mix with traditional Japanese cuisines and new creations. First large plate had 6 small dishes on it. Mostly veggies. Beautiful and great for appetizer. I have never tried Breaded and deep fried daikon radish. Wow. Crispy and juicy! Daikon radish was braised with soy sauce base broth. That made it enough flavor. Sashimi dish comes with 3 kinds. Scallops, amberjack and squid. Amberjack has dried soy sauce flakes, scallops are seared, squid was sliced thinly and tiny like an angel hair pasta and served with Umami dashi broth. We really enjoyed all of them with good Sake that was recommended by our server. Servers also very friendly and a We had tempura, beef tongue, 5 kinds of nigiri sushi, chawanmushi steamed egg custard ( it's savory), and desserts. All of them were perfect. Can't wait next visit.

Beef Tataki
Dimitry M.

This sushi place is one of those smaller places but has makes up in quality. I would say it's similar to Tetsu on Denman which I also rank 5 star. Really fresh and very tasty. Pretty good pricing for the quality they deliver. Been here about 3-4 times and will definately be coming back. They have one of the best chu - toro and never disappointed with quality of the fish ! Really recommend this place for sushiholics :)

1st course in our Chef's choice menu
Mel L.

Finally got a chance to try Yuji's after being long time customers at his previous location on 4th. The new location is easy to find on Alma and 4th with a little black awning right outside Jericho village complex with lots of free parking in the area. They were offering 2 set menu options, one for $30 (included sushi only) and one for $50. We opted for the $50 as we were celebrating a special occasion and it was a great selection with a LOT of food (see pics as it's easier than describing!). I can't even name everything that was included... the first course alone had 6 different items in it. If you are hungry and want a huge variety, this is great! The restaurant itself is quite small. We counted 22 seats plus the extra room which they mention can seat another 6-8 people. What we like about Yuji's is that you don't get your 'typical' Japanese food, there's some creativity without being too outside the box and everything tasted super fresh!

The famous Yuji's Lantern shining bright again.
Dave K.

Yeah! Yuji's Japanese Tapas is back! Great tasting Japanese tapas and sushi. This location is new and fresh looking with a great ambience. The service was excellent. We tried three things off the fresh list and all were great! I also enjoyed the salted chicken, the famous tempura yam sticks. The spicy tuna roll is likely the best in town. Sashimi is amazing. They also have a great tasting rice beer from Japan I never tasted before. Very good.

omakase sashimi
Chris K.

Has there ever been a restaurant that you've been to, that the moment you step through the door, something magical was about to unfold? Yuji's is one such restuarant. I am unsure about the history behind this restaurant, other than it being relocated a couple of times. Yuji's is a small restaurant tucked away in a corner beside a bus stop, the only feature that tells you a restaurant is here is a white paper lantern and a sign that says Yuji's. When you walk through the door, you are greet with Yuji standing at the sushi bar, he is the only one at that station. There are not many tables available, maybe enough to count with your fingers. They have a set regular menu aswell as a daily menu which changes. The special fish in the menu are all sourced from japan, along with the wagyu beef used in the specials. My friend and I, not knowing what to expect, ordered a plethora of items, usual fare and unusual. For an added twist, we let Yuji handle our sashimi via omakase. the sashimi was very tender and the pieces were the perfect size. The omakase usually takes ingredients from the daily menu, all the fish are imported from japan, other than salmon. The sushi nigiri and rolls were very good, perfect size and decently priced per pcs. While the sushi may not be the most exciting part of the menu, it is worth adventuring into if that is your thing. The daily special for the wagyu was a ground wagyu croquette, which was super moist and crispy. One of the best croquettes i have ever had, even those in japan, and best of all, it was affordable. The superstar dish of the night had to be the shio-koji chicken. Shio-koji is a salt-mould bacterial mixture that is spread across the perfectly cooked pan fried chicken. The sauce mixture is supposed to bring out the umami of the food and boy does it. It has a distinct flavour, but it was perfectly edible and makes you want more. For us both, who are culinary professionals, still praise yuji's chicken as the prime example of the perfect cook and moistness. To describe Yuji's, would be an oasis in a desert. A diamond in the rough. And one that certainly deserves praise and future visits. A perfect Five, out of Five.

Assortment of sashmi

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Amazing food and service. One of the best Japanese meal in the city. Highly recommend Yuji's.

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9 years ago

Great experience, amazing appetizers, good food and lovely staff. Definitely recommend getting the Omakase.

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12 years ago

So happy this place opened back up in another location! Amazing sushi and great Japanese tapas. In my top 5 for sushi in Vancity.

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I wish they serve dishes more similar to Japan, with a great variety of fresh fish...

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Yuji's From Japan Reviews in Other Languages

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Kingyo

Kingyo

4.4
(1.3k reviews)
4.3 km
$$$

This was my first time at this Japanese restaurant, and the atmosphere and food were fantastic! The…read moreprices were reasonable, and the service was incredibly warm and friendly. I highly recommend it! I'll definitely come back next time and bring my friends to try other dishes on the menu.

I was in Vancouver for the day and had heard so many great things about this place, so I came in…read morewith pretty high expectations. We arrived around 2 PM for our reservation and were greeted warmly right away, which made for a great first impression. The restaurant itself is beautiful. The bamboo divider running through the middle of the space gave it a cozy, modern Japanese-inspired feel, and the overall atmosphere was probably my favorite part of the experience. As for the food, unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. I ordered the seafood sizzler bowl, and while it wasn't bad by any means, it felt underwhelming for the price. The bowl was mostly rice, with a few small prawns, tiny scallops, a little roe, and some crab mixed in. I was expecting something more seafood-forward, so it ended up feeling more like a deconstructed fried rice than the premium dish I had envisioned. Same with the unagi bowl, couple small pieces of unagi cut up... The appetizers were actually the highlight of the meal and ended up being more memorable than my main course. I kept waiting for a dish to really wow me, but nothing stood out enough to make me crave a return visit. Maybe I just ordered the wrong items, because I know this place has plenty of fans. Overall, I'm glad I tried it, but based on this visit, I don't see myself making a special trip back.

Photos
Bamboo divider along community table
Bamboo divider along community table
Beef tongue
Beef tongue
Anniversary menu course #2 - omakase 3 kinds appetizers

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Anniversary menu course #2 - omakase 3 kinds appetizers
Miku

Miku

4.4
(2.6k reviews)
5.7 km
$$$

Vancouver truly lives up to its reputation as a food paradise in Western Canada, with a diverse…read morearray of culinary delights. If you're ever in Vancouver, you absolutely can't miss Miku, the Japanese restaurant next to Canada Place! This restaurant is incredibly popular, often requiring a wait, so reservations are highly recommended. This time, I managed to book a window seat a week in advance for the weekend! The renowned Miku restaurant undoubtedly boasts a beautiful view from its windows, excellent service, and of course, delicious food. Their seared sushi is particularly famous. From appetizers to main courses to desserts, the dining experience was very enjoyable. Their signature dessert, Green Tea Opera, is highly recommended!

Located next to Canada Place, this Japanese restaurant specializes in seared sushi and is even…read morerecommended by Michelin The restaurant offers views of Burrard Inlet right outside its windows. We recommend sitting by the window or at the sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs prepare the seared sushi right before your eyes. Tip: If you're looking for high-quality, elegant Japanese cuisine with a touch of innovation, Miku is an excellent choice. It's almost always fully booked, so be sure to make a reservation in advance. Request a window seat to enjoy the waterfront view while savoring your meal--it's well worth it!

Photos
Inside the restaurant
Inside the restaurant
Spicy edamame (CAD $8)
Spicy edamame (CAD $8)
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)
Guu with Garlic

Guu with Garlic

4.3
(1.1k reviews)
4.5 km
$$

A coworker and I went to this place (thanks to Yelp reviews)…read more Really good and fresh fish. Super friendly staff

Maybe it's an American thing to linger and enjoy a dining experience. To stay longer than needed to…read moresoak up the ambiance and give a good moment some extra time for memories. But in other parts of the world the meal is what's important and so is a quick turn around. Guu with Garlic reminded me a lot of the Izakaya restaurants I found under the train lines of Tokyo in many ways, including the amount of time it felt right to stay. The food came out quick, the servers took orders quicker, and the alcohol came out chilled and as nice contrast to the hot food. Looking around and you see the hand written menu on blackboard surfaces on the walls and this feeling of authenticity. The heat of the flames from the kitchen can be felt and seen if you sit at the bar. And the flavors just hit all the right notes. Starting with appetizers, a section izakayas shine at, the first dish we got was their scallop and mayo pizza. With a crispy crunch on the bottom and crust, this reminds you of the flavors of a baked volcano roll or scallop roll you can find in almost any North American sushi restaurant. Just like that dish, it's important to eat it while it's still hot so it doesn't get gross and 느끼 에. Then came the yellowtail tuna "tempura" pieces. Thick pieces of yellowtail tuna flash fried for just the right crisp on the outside with slight pink of the fish inside. It is meaty without being oily or fatty. Great bite. The beef tongue after was interesting. From the color of the sauce it accompanies it you would think it would be heavy in flavor but it is actually light and citrusy. A good cut into the richer tones of the beef tongue. The yaki udon was one of the best I ever had. It was smokey without being overpowering. The beef was thin and tender and balanced well with the mushrooms it also came with. The udon noodles stayed bouncy and chewy which I didn't expect from being grilled. Very tasty and highly recommend this dish. For our final bite we shared a hot stone bowl of their pork and cabbage rice. With the hot stone bowl constantly cooking even after this dish arrived it was imperative to stir the ingredients together constantly for the first two minutes. It allowed for the runny egg to meld with the rice and the crispy texture of some ingredients was a nice bonus. All in all, I loved eating here and if my appetite was bigger I would've tried more on their menu. A solid place to eat with a great atmosphere, if you're looking for delicious food that won't take too much of your time but still lingers in your memories you have to check out Guu with Garlic.

Photos
Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
Same decor as 20+yrs ago when this was our go-to place for drinks & snacks!!
The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
The delicious individual bite of their yellowfin tuna tempura
Una-Meshi

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Una-Meshi
Saku

Saku

4.5
(525 reviews)
4.5 km
$$

First time at this Japanese restaurant, and it was really great!…read more Signature Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet Rosu Katsu $27 This time I was smarter and ordered the cut with a good balance of fat and lean meat. The moment I bit into it, it was bursting with juice! The meat was incredibly thick but not dry at all, and the outer skin was crispy like snowflakes. The first bite was amazing; I've never had such a delicious pork cutlet in Shanghai. Curry Pork Cutlet Rosu Curry $29.5 My friend ordered the curry pork cutlet today, and it was surprisingly excellent! The curry flavor was incredibly rich and full-bodied. Wrapped in the crispy pork cutlet and eaten with rice, it was pure carb bliss! Freshly Ground Sesame Powder I have to praise their freshly ground sesame powder; the aroma of the sesame seeds you grinded yourself was a real highlight. * With lemon salt: Refreshing and original, a perfect way to cut through the richness! * With barbecue sauce: Mixed with sesame powder, the flavors develop layer by layer. With two flavors to choose from, it's really hard to stop! I'll definitely come back to try it again next time.

A must visit if you are a katsu fan! I ordered the Ebi and Hotate Katsu Curry. The katsu was…read moredeliciously crispy on the outside, but juicy on the inside. The portion was massive - it came with 3 huge prawns and 2 juicy scallops. I barely made a dent in my food and went home with a very full box of leftovers. Saku generously provides unlimited refills on their miso soup and cabbage salad. The cabbage salad with homemade sesame dressing was especially addicting! I could eat it for days. Service was attentive and the restaurant decor was sleek and modern. I will absolutely be back next time I'm in Vancouver!

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Inside
Inside
Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad
Zenbu katsu

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Zenbu katsu
Okeya Kyujiro

Okeya Kyujiro

4.8
(42 reviews)
4.9 km

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.

We visit this Michelin 1 star restaurant for their 15-course omakase lunch set at $180 per person…read more We were greeted at the store front and seated for our 12:15pm booking. Total 10 guests today. Looks like 4 more guests can be served for the maximum seating. The server came by when the course is served to explain each item. The appetizers have three dishes. The tempura is freshly made and hot. The cooked fish tastes a bit fishy to my likely. The chawanmushi is lukewarm which I wish to be hotter. It then follows by 8 nigiri sushi with brown rice - really like the texture and (small) portion of rice with each nigiri. Fresh ingredients. I asked for low sodium option however the first few nigiri is a bit too salty and I have notified the server so the chef can adjust immediately. I enjoy the Hokkaido uni nigiri the last smoked fish nigiri the most. The fresh crab and salmon roe rice and beef soba noodles at the end have a nice touch of finesse. There are a number of birthday celebrations and they asked for names to acknowledge and celebrate the birthdays. A little musical piano "performance" for the happy birthday song. Matcha green tea is served at the end to wrap up the omakase. Overall an enjoyable experience but not necessarily impressive as a Michelin 1 star restaurant. At this price point it's worth a try however not likely regular visit.

Photos
Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
Inside the waiting area before being taken to your seat.
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
A5 wagyu sukiyaki

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A5 wagyu sukiyaki
Guu Original Thurlow

Guu Original Thurlow

4.1
(841 reviews)
4.7 km
$$

Found this little Izakaya spot while visiting Vancouver and it was such a great experience. It's as…read moreauthentic as it gets and reminds me a lot of Japan when I visited in 2025. This place gets busy, so I highly recommend reserving a table online (via OpenTable) but we did show up early to see if there was walk-in seating available. Luckily, we did get the last 2 seats at the bar. The staff are so friendly and cheery. They greet customers that come in and thank every customer when they leave. People who haven't been to an izakaya may think it's loud and noisy, but the point of izakayas is they're supposed to be vibrant, high energy, and filled with cheerful chatter. Think of a tapas-style pub/bar for people to unwind and gather to chat after a long day at work. I loved the atmosphere, as it's casual, entertaining, and lively. The food was great and I couldn't think of a dish I didn't like. The sashimi were so fresh and high quality. Of course they use freshly grated wasabi too. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly and super tender and flavorful. The saba mackerel is grilled to perfection and reminds me of the ones I ate in Japan. I'm not a big fan of bonito but the yaki udon was so tasty, I still ate it with the bonito flakes on top! I would love to come back or go to their Toronto (closer to me) location next!

I came here for dinner on a weeknight with two foodie friends of mine. Said friends lived in Japan…read morefor over a decade and they've dined here often in the past, saying it's very "authentic" Izakaya and it reminds them of their past life in Japan (which they miss a lot). Me, I know nothing about Izakaya or what is or isn't authentic Japanese cuisine, so this review is coming from someone with zero knowledge or expectation of any specific foods or experiences. Despite it being a weeknight, the place was packed. It was good that we had a reservation. There was a couple in line before me and they were walk-ins, and there were no available seats for them. I noted how small this place was, and crowded, with the tables close together and a long bar with a counter and barstools there (also close together). Our reserved table was right by the front door - literally, - so every time the door opened, we got a gust of cold air (and it was a cold February night when we were there). I kept my coat on. Truth be known, I was not very comfortable. Also, it was loud. Very loud. I like how the staff shout Japanese greetings to diners whenever they enter but between the frequent shouts and the sheer volume of chatter from all the diners, all sitting close together in close proximity, it was kinda hard to hear what my friends were saying during our dinner. That said, the environment was super vibrant and, again, my friends said this was very typical of an Izakaya in Japan. Food-wise, I have no idea what my friends ordered. The menu was primarily available by way of a QR code and I had no idea what the dishes were, so I deferred to my friends' knowledge. But I can attest that all the dishes were DELICIOUS. We had some sort of Japanese street food "pancakes" (they were wonderful). We had some sort of stirfry beef with noodles (amazing). We had two types of sashimi (omg both were so fresh and so so good!). We had a few other dishes that I can't recall, but I remember I loved them. So.... the food here was GREAT. Service was also attentive which I hadn't expected, being as busy as the restaurant was. I really liked this place but I'll probably go back in the summertime when the weather is nicer as I was cold there, and I'd dine at an off-time, when the volume wasn't so loud. (I'm too old for the loudness!).

Photos
Guu Original Thurlow
Fried pork belly
Fried pork belly
Eel with rice

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Eel with rice
Shizen Ya

Shizen Ya

4.3
(615 reviews)
4.7 km
$$

Fresh, Beautiful, and Consistently Great! ​I returned to…read moreShizenya after a while, and it reminded me why I love this place. Even on a Thursday night, the restaurant was nearly full, which speaks to its popularity. ​I ordered the Tako Sunomono and the Premium Chirashi Don. ​Tako Sunomono: The octopus was perfectly tender and the vinegar dressing was refreshing--exactly what I needed to wash away the fatigue of the day. ​Premium Chirashi Don: The presentation was stunning and immediately worked up my appetite. Every piece of seafood was incredibly fresh and of high quality. You can really taste the difference here. ​If you're looking for healthy, fresh, and beautifully presented Japanese cuisine, Shizenya is a must-visit. Highly recommended!

This was my favorite meal of our entire trip to Vancouver. The decor is small and intimate. They…read moredid offer us a highchair and did wipe down the inside of the chair but the outside was fairly dirty so my toddler opted for a regular chair. Children utensils provided which was very much appreciated. Restroom in the back was clean. The food was fresh and delicious. SAKURA BLOSSOM ROLL - brown rice - comes with a lot and delicious UNI TEMAKI (2pc) - my husband and I each had one. very refreshing with the uni and the brown rice. SOCKEYE SALMON SASHIMI- very fresh and thick slices. I had one piece - good. MENTAIKO YAKI UDON - My favorite food item from our entire trip. Omg. I can sit there all day long and just eat this. I always order this when I see it on the menu and some places really don't do a good job. VEGETABLE UDON SOUP - for our toddler

Photos
Inside the restaurant
Inside the restaurant
Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
Sockeye salmon sashimi 5 piece
View of restaurant

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View of restaurant

Yuji's From Japan - sushi - Updated July 2026

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