We are officially open for Dine In. LUNCH: Tues-Fri 12pm-2pm; DINNER: Tues-Sun 5pm-9:30pm. Take Out available for pick or through online platforms Doordash, Ubereats, & Skip the dishes. 24 hours pre-booking for Omakase is required.
With a firm foundation in Japanese culinary tradition and a passion to explore new territory, chefs at Bistro Sakana continue to build on Bistro Sakana innovations, such as the use of brown rice in sushi, and unique Japanese fusion dishes with Italian and French influences.Also featured is Vancouver's largest and most exclusive list of premium cold sake, served by the glass from the native 1.8L bottles common in Japan.
With a firm foundation in Japanese culinary tradition and a passion to explore new territory, chefs at Bistro Sakana continue to build on Bistro Sakana innovations, such as the use of brown rice in sushi, and unique Japanese fusion dishes with Italian and French influences.Also featured is Vancouver's largest and most exclusive list of premium cold sake, served by the glass from the native 1.8L bottles common in Japan.
Reviews (29)
Eduan Pretorius
Jan 29, 2022
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My favourite restaurant in the whole world. I come here as often as I possibly can. The best value sushi, or food for that matter, that you will find in Vancouver. Whether you’re coming for happy hour, dine out, or Omikase, you will not regret it! Yama is the most professional and personable chef in world, I’m so blessed to have met him.
W. Sung
Jan 25, 2022
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We were there for the 202 dine out menu and the food was excellent.
For the starter, we had the scallop motoyaki, poke with nori, and albacore tataki; we also ordered an angus shabu shabu to warm up our body. The scallop was sweet on its own and the sauce complemented it really well. The poke was fresh but it was difficult to consume with the nori seaweed. The tuna came with a piece of garlic which took away the taste of the albacore but it went well with ponzu jelly. The shabu shabu was $38 for a small portion of hotpot but the protein was flavourful so I thought it was worthy.
For the course
For the starter, we had the scallop motoyaki, poke with nori, and albacore tataki; we also ordered an angus shabu shabu to warm up our body. The scallop was sweet on its own and the sauce complemented it really well. The poke was fresh but it was difficult to consume with the nori seaweed. The tuna came with a piece of garlic which took away the taste of the albacore but it went well with ponzu jelly. The shabu shabu was $38 for a small portion of hotpot but the protein was flavourful so I thought it was worthy.
For the course
Liu Crystal
Jan 25, 2022
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Wendy Kan
Jan 17, 2022
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My first time here for the Dine Out Vancouver 2022. The food was amazing!!!The first 2 courses and dessert surprised us - feel like in Japan, while the entree (sushi) was just standard. We also added the sake pairing and was good! Overall experience was great and staffs are friendly. Will definitely recommend friends to come!
Scott Lee
Nov 27, 2021
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Ken Tsang
Oct 29, 2021
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Excellent service at this Yaletown Japanese restaurant. The menu is quite extensive with various price points, they also have a very good selection of Sake. We went a little high end with mainly raw menu. Omakase sashimi and a few add-ons. Hamachi was very fresh as was the local uni. We tried the Bafun Uni as well for the first time and it was amazing. The Blue Fin Otoro... My o my!
Clarin Houle
Oct 28, 2021
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Luken Legarreta
Oct 18, 2021
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One of the best sushi/Japanese restaurants of Vancouver. Service could not be better, the food was so tasty and in relation to quality price could not be better. I would highly recommend this restaurant for all those who love the sushi or really like the international food. The local is in a very good location with a terrace where you can also have dinner there that was where I have dinner and it was pretty comfortable and to be honest I was very impressed about this restaurant. I’m pretty sure that I will come back soon.
S. K.
Sep 24, 2021
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Kchowa
Sep 13, 2021
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Went here for an anniversary dinner. Did not disappoint. So happened to get a reservation in before happy hour. A reasonably priced happy hour at that , enjoyed some basic rolls, karage and some cocktails and beer.
The aburi set was nice. It's nice that each piece was distinct in flavour. The nigiri was great as well. We also tried the whole fried fish. Might not be for everyone but it's quite good with the sauce. Might not be a date thing to get though.
Would definitely come back again.
The aburi set was nice. It's nice that each piece was distinct in flavour. The nigiri was great as well. We also tried the whole fried fish. Might not be for everyone but it's quite good with the sauce. Might not be a date thing to get though.
Would definitely come back again.
Carmen H.
Feb 23, 2021
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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
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
Jessy T.
Feb 15, 2021
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If you haven't dined at Bistro Sakana, you are seriously missing out.
My boyfriend made reservations here for Valentines Day. Our other option was Miku but I wanted try this place out given their aburi options AND they had the wagyu beef aburi that I wanted to have. We both haven't been to Bistro Sakana before so we weren't sure what to expect walking into this restaurant. The minute we got there, we were quickly greeted and were seated at the outside heated patio. Service was phenomenal and you can definitely tell that they pay close attention to the detail and flavors here. The
My boyfriend made reservations here for Valentines Day. Our other option was Miku but I wanted try this place out given their aburi options AND they had the wagyu beef aburi that I wanted to have. We both haven't been to Bistro Sakana before so we weren't sure what to expect walking into this restaurant. The minute we got there, we were quickly greeted and were seated at the outside heated patio. Service was phenomenal and you can definitely tell that they pay close attention to the detail and flavors here. The
Kurious B.
Aug 23, 2020
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Shirley Q.
Apr 10, 2020
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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?
Norman L.
Jan 12, 2020
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I've been here a few times while I was craving sushi in Yaletown. I've had the mango, tuna, dynamite rolls and sockeye jalepeno aburi. I thought the food was okay, but at the same time, it doesn't shine relative to the competitive selection of great food in Yaletown. Their portions were also small compared to other places.
However, I wanted to point out that I'm fond of their customer service. I sat at the outdoor patio with a friend one time while it was raining and the waiter had blankets prepared. Although we didn't use them, I'm pleased that they took the initiative
However, I wanted to point out that I'm fond of their customer service. I sat at the outdoor patio with a friend one time while it was raining and the waiter had blankets prepared. Although we didn't use them, I'm pleased that they took the initiative
Elizabeth K.
Dec 27, 2019
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2/5 for the food. 5/5 for the service.
I used to frequent Sakana for special meals when I lived in Vancouver over 3 years ago. Back then, Etsuko-san was the head chef and she had a great menu that was not too big, but everything on it was amazing and had so much care put into each bite! The sake was also amazing! It was very much an unassuming but amazing little gem in Yaletown.
Back in town, we decided to drop by. It was much busier and hectic than I remember it being and it turns out that the restaurant changed ownership a couple of years back. I was sad to hear that but thought the crowds
I used to frequent Sakana for special meals when I lived in Vancouver over 3 years ago. Back then, Etsuko-san was the head chef and she had a great menu that was not too big, but everything on it was amazing and had so much care put into each bite! The sake was also amazing! It was very much an unassuming but amazing little gem in Yaletown.
Back in town, we decided to drop by. It was much busier and hectic than I remember it being and it turns out that the restaurant changed ownership a couple of years back. I was sad to hear that but thought the crowds
Min A.
Aug 28, 2019
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Been here a few times, for Taste of Yaletown, then again when I moved last July checking out the neighborhood, brought a cousin here last Oct then and again tonight. I have to say it was very good. I went with a group of 8 and was on the fence about recommending it since it's been a while, and we all enjoyed it. Some of the stand out items are their aburi items:
1) Sockeye Jalapeño aburi (torched salmon) in a miso sauce on top of boxed sushi rice
2) Gindara (Black Cod) Aburi
Black Cod flame seared with their 'unique' sauce.
3) Crispy King Crab Aburi Roll
Prawn, Avocado, Tobiko
1) Sockeye Jalapeño aburi (torched salmon) in a miso sauce on top of boxed sushi rice
2) Gindara (Black Cod) Aburi
Black Cod flame seared with their 'unique' sauce.
3) Crispy King Crab Aburi Roll
Prawn, Avocado, Tobiko
Neil S.
Jun 30, 2019
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Fine dining and inexpensive pricing. If I lived in Vancouver, I'd have lunch here weekly. Especially since it's in trendy yaletown. My lunch, which was incredible was less than $20. Also, I ordered too much food, their $11 lunch special would have been more than enough. Everything was tasty and had distinct fresh flavours. Plating had finesse. I enjoy sitting on the patio even when it's rainy. This should become your new favourite spot in Vancouver. Oh and service was practically perfect.
Yvonne L.
May 28, 2019
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Only tried their cooked food, and I'm already a fan. The chawanmushi was definitely one of the best I've ever had. I had uni chawanmushi, it was worth it. Grilled kama hamachi was good too, I could tell the fish was fresh, and the flavour was already good even without ponzu sauce. The sauce added more flavour to it. White miso fish was super good. They ran out of cod the day I went, so I got the sea bass instead. It just melted in my mouth. Crispy kale that came with the fish balanced the texture and taste really well. I have to come back to try their sushi soon. Service was great too
Loewe C.
May 28, 2019
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My boyfriend and I their omakase, which was $100 per person the night we went (price differs depending on each day and what will be served). In total there were 9 courses with our favourite being the live sweet prawn + deep fried after. Other highlights included a deep-fried mini crab, sesame tofu and seaweed sunomono with gold flakes, and wagyu on a little rock we cooked ourselves.
Our meal took almost 3 hours but it was a fun dining experience. Call ahead to book if you are going to try the omakase - they can tell you the menu and change it to include specific things you want to eat if you give
Our meal took almost 3 hours but it was a fun dining experience. Call ahead to book if you are going to try the omakase - they can tell you the menu and change it to include specific things you want to eat if you give
Derek Y.
Mar 24, 2019
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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
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
Rita H.
Feb 27, 2019
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Sylvia S.
Feb 25, 2019
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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
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
Daisy Y.
Oct 25, 2018
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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
Katrina X.
May 05, 2018
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We tried the Valentine's day tasting Menu and it was quite surprising. I would recommend getting the Flounder aburi again. It was just as good as having a piece of Toro! Their selection of sashimi was great too and the quality was perfect. Didn't love the Sea Bream, it was super salty - but I think thats a personal preference item. Only thing I would note is that it took quite a while to get our food, otherwise it would be a 5/5.
Good spot for a date. Ambience is fun!
Good spot for a date. Ambience is fun!
Nancy H.
Jan 09, 2018
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3.5 stars.
My experience here is similar to many other reviewers' : the food is amazing, but the service is harried, disorganized and spotty.
My family came here because my kids were in the mood for sushi. We booked a table on Open Table (I LOVE that option and wish more Van city restaurants took reservations), so there was no problem getting a table four our party of four.
We were here during the Happy Hour window and, wow, the prices for dishes were pretty amazing: $4 for various sushi or tempura plates, and $10 for a "Happy Meal" that included a few various meal choices, along
My experience here is similar to many other reviewers' : the food is amazing, but the service is harried, disorganized and spotty.
My family came here because my kids were in the mood for sushi. We booked a table on Open Table (I LOVE that option and wish more Van city restaurants took reservations), so there was no problem getting a table four our party of four.
We were here during the Happy Hour window and, wow, the prices for dishes were pretty amazing: $4 for various sushi or tempura plates, and $10 for a "Happy Meal" that included a few various meal choices, along
Yvonne L.
Oct 19, 2017
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Disclaimer: This review is for Bistro Sakana's Taste of Yaletown 2017 menu.
I've tried Bistro Sakana's Taste of Yaletown and Dine Out Vancouver menus in the past and have always had a good experience, so I decided to bring my fiancé here to try this year's Taste of Yaletown menu. Unfortunately, we left very disappointed.
I had heard that Bistro Sakana recently had a change of ownership (not sure if it's true), but their Taste of Yaletown menu looked enticing enough that I chose them as my only Taste of Yaletown meal this year. It definitely seemed like they were providing
I've tried Bistro Sakana's Taste of Yaletown and Dine Out Vancouver menus in the past and have always had a good experience, so I decided to bring my fiancé here to try this year's Taste of Yaletown menu. Unfortunately, we left very disappointed.
I had heard that Bistro Sakana recently had a change of ownership (not sure if it's true), but their Taste of Yaletown menu looked enticing enough that I chose them as my only Taste of Yaletown meal this year. It definitely seemed like they were providing
Carolyn L.
Aug 29, 2017
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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
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
Annie M.
Jul 31, 2016
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Bistro Sakana is located at heart of Yaletown. I found there are some good reviews of this restaurant and wanted to try it out.
The staffs were friendly, however, the food really below average!
Red beam salad - 5 pieces of red beam were mild taste (either not fresh and frozen for too long) and salad dressing so bland.
Salmond chowder - it's mediocre and quite watery chowder
Beef tataki - Beef was ok but the sauce quite salty.
Cure meat sushi, ebi mayo, alburi salmon, smoked sablefish - Bite size sushi and taste ok.
Green tea tiramisu - Awful! Cheap green tea powder and too sweet tiramisu
The staffs were friendly, however, the food really below average!
Red beam salad - 5 pieces of red beam were mild taste (either not fresh and frozen for too long) and salad dressing so bland.
Salmond chowder - it's mediocre and quite watery chowder
Beef tataki - Beef was ok but the sauce quite salty.
Cure meat sushi, ebi mayo, alburi salmon, smoked sablefish - Bite size sushi and taste ok.
Green tea tiramisu - Awful! Cheap green tea powder and too sweet tiramisu
