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    Elem Vancouver

    4.4 (27 reviews)

    Elem Vancouver Photos

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    ELEM VANCOUVER ATMOSPHERE

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    Chelsey H.

    Came for a date night out and they made it so memorable. We did the tasting menu where they make what you're vibing for and it was heavenly. Shaun/Sean (sorry can't remember the spelling) was our waiter and he went above and beyond to make sure everything tasted to our likings. The cocktails were unique - I had the banana one. The appetizers were fresh and unique with hints of mint or cilantro in the dishes adding that Indian flair. The butter popcorn dessert was devine (but I'm a serious popcorn enthusiast so maybe if you're not that into popcorn I would skip. ) It's a bit dim and be prepared to spend a pretty penny on this night out but I would definitely go again. Presentation I found lovely and the food memorable.

    Dessert: weird popcorn, good chocolate cake
    Christina L.

    This is the most modern/contemporary restaurant I've been to in Vancouver. The restaurant embodies the 4 elements: earth, water, air, fire. Being a foodie, the quality and presentation of the food is far more important to me than the concept and marketing. Paying a lot for food does not enhance my taste buds unfortunately. Between the 4 of us, we ordered 7 things to try. The bill was around $525. Portion sizes were small, and 2 women at our table are still a bit hungry at the end. Food presentation was mediocre compared to most restaurants I frequent downtown. The taste of the food was average or above average for most dishes, but nothing was spectacular, and there is nothing I would come back for. Two of us hated the popcorn dessert. It tasted like a savoury buttery greasy whipped cream that could perhaps go on top of a latte. Ambiance was contemporary, but I prefer the nicer fine dining restaurants at other places. Service was excellent though. It was the best part of the evening.

    Dungeness crab toast
    Annie W.

    Hands down one of the best experiences we've had in a while. We felt welcomed as soon as I walked in the door. When we sat down, our waitress asked if we were celebrating anything special. After telling her it was my birthday, she wished me happy birthday and wished me again before her shift ended. Other staff members wished me happy birthday as well. In terms of food, we opted for the $98 tasting menu. We got to taste 5dishes and they were all delicious! I highly recommend trying out this restaurant.

    Masala chai
    brian l.

    The food tasted amazing. However, the server never really gave us any introduction to the menu and their dishes. Nearby we heard all the other introductions to their dishes from the other servers and their off menu dishes. We originally got the masala chai whiskey but when they realize it was not the cocktail we were looking for, they gave us a swap to the white rabbit which I very much appreciated. Their tasting menu is amazing and very well worth.

    Chicken fried rice
    Annie M.

    Elem has been on my to-eat list for a while and I finally tried it tonight. We opted for the let-the-chef-cook menu. Our waitress was attentive and friendly. We advised the server no lamb and cheese on our meal. Unfortunately, they were extremely busy and served the wrong dish a few times. However, we received XX% off our bill and a complimentary dessert, which impressed us. The juniper berry mango sorbet was perfectly sweet and refreshing.

    Justin K.

    We celebrated my belated birthday dinner at Elem and were absolutely blown away. From start to finish, the experience was exceptional -- warm, welcoming service, a beautiful atmosphere, and a set menu that truly impressed. We opted for the set menu, and every dish delivered -- thoughtfully curated, beautifully plated, and full of bold, balanced flavours. If you're going to try just one dish, you have to try the lamb skewers. Perfectly cooked, tender, and packed with flavour -- they were an absolute standout. The service was just as memorable -- friendly, attentive, and clearly passionate about the food and wine pairings. They made the whole evening feel personal and celebratory in the best way. Whether you're celebrating something special or just in the mood for an exceptional night out, Elem is a must. We left completely satisfied and already planning our next visit.

    Lamb skewer
    Gloria M.

    Came here with my partner and we tried their Let Us Cook For You at $98 per person. Their lamb skewer and dessert stood out to me - the lamb melted in my mouth and the dessert was very tasty with a great array of texture. The atmosphere and setting is definitely more elevated with a keen attention to detail in their service. Price was a bit high since it came to $196 for 5 plates of food plus dessert. Overall, definitely worth a try but likely wouldn't come back for a while unless it's to celebrate a special event.

    Mon T.

    My husband and I came on our wedding anniversary, we were greeted promptly and sat punctually at our booking time. Server was very attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. I'm blown away by their creative cocktail menu, and started with a black sesame whisky sour, my hubs ordered their s'mores old fashion. Our second cocktails are white lotus and Negroni. Cocktails are very unique, delicious and well balanced. Especially the s'mores old fashion and white lotus definitely have the wow factors! As for food, since we are not picky eaters and not allergic to anything, these are what they have served us, and we looooved all of the dishes: Yellowfin tuna bhel Dungeness crab toast Grilled lamb skewers Short Rib Scarpinocc Whole Grilled Fish Olive cake with berry compote (bonus) Chicago Mix Popcorn cake Pacing is good, they change plates and cutlery after every dish. Another surprise is when I go to washroom, instead of playing background music, they play positive mindset talks!!! Talking about mindfulness/ gratitude/ purpose in life/ law of attraction, which are totally up my alley. Who knew you could have such a 'breath of fresh air' in the washroom? Lol From cocktails, food quality, portion, service, ambience... I couldn't ask for better! Will definitely come back!!!

    Rosalyn M.

    Simply divine, from start to finish. We were celebrating a birthday and reservations were made weeks in advance. We opted for the larger tasting menu for the 2 of us because why not. Or course it ended up being too much food but in the best way possible. We were full halfway through the steak but it was cooked to perfection. What I enjoyed most was how every dish had an influence from a different cuisine such as Thai, Indian, Italian with a modern take that's been brought forth by a chef's culinary experience. I also appreciated how only a few items on the menu had been there since day 1 of opening just under a year ago, where returning in the future would allow you to try new dishes to keep things fresh and exciting. I found it difficult to find anything lacking or unbalanced in a dish. The atmosphere was romantic and lively where all tables were full. Perfect for a date night or a smaller group celebration. The price was also very reasonable for the quality and quantity of food received.

    Lamb skewers
    Shazia N.

    This place is an upscale restaurant with amazing service and great ambiance. I give it a 3 star just because even though the food was good, it's overpriced for what it actually is. It's small portioned simple food with over the top embellished descriptions, and maybe ingredients you wouldn't think go together. My friend ordered something that was basically kheema (minced meat) curry, and I got 2 tiny skewers of lamb. It tasted good, but I'm glad I ate before I came.

    Chloe T.

    Came here for a birthday celebration. Our server was super knowledgeable and nice. Ordered their "Let us cook for you" chef special! It's a good deal especially if you're adventurous and not picky about what you eat. Overall, I enjoyed almost everything that was presented to me. I'm not going to lie though, I tried 2 of their cocktails and it left a little something to be desired. Their old fashion was a bit more palatable for me. I'm glad they changed my drink. And the Dungeness crab toast was a bit soggy for my liking. But the rest was great. If you like lamb, the skewers what be a great choice. Can't really go wrong with medium rare strip loin. Loved the dessert they gave us. The birthday freebie cake was a bit dry though. Loved the soupli. P.s. the lighting is a bit dim though and seats weren't incredibly comfortable, but I didn't mind so much. Overall, a solid 4 star experience for me

    Main and 5th
    Nicole G.

    Outstanding in every way! Had very high expectations of ELEM and was blown away. They spared no expense in the lavish decor. Every detail has been tastefully executed. The service - superb. The food - mouthwatering. The drink - unique and wow! The desserts - nom, nom, nom. Couldn't be happier to have gotten to enjoy dinner at one of, if not the best restaurant I've ever enjoyed in Vancouver. Well done, ELEM.

    Rose W.

    Had a wonderful evening at Elem.Their drink menu is focused on elements of air, fire, water and earth. It's very innovative and drinks are unique. Great ambience and perfect for a night out or date night. We tried the Jakarta, Melon, Tokyo drinks. They even gave us a sample of their Seoul drinks which had gochujang inside. My fave was the Melon. The food was decent. It's not in big portions so don't expect to be super full. The yellow fin tuna bhel, duck fried rice and January king cabbage were tasty. My fave was the duck fried rice as it had a spicy kick to it. They are pricey $20-$36 but I wouldn't say they are the most amazing dishes I've ever tried for that price point. Worth checking out at least once!

    Mexican Coca Cola ($28) - 4 stars. Good, you could taste some coca cola. Sat evening 2024-12-28

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    1 year ago

    Great wait staff. Food was inventive and well prepared. It is too bad the evening started out poorly with a very rude and dismissive host.

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    Miku

    Miku

    4.4(2.6k reviews)
    2.5 kmDowntown
    $$$

    Came here with my family to celebrate my daughters birthday. This is a great place for special…read moreevents. The setting is gorgeous, right next to the water, and the service and wine list befits a Michelin restaurant. They aren't able to sit bigger parties next to a window though. The sushi is spectacular. They specialize in Aburi and that does not disappoint. We had four: - Miku roll, with torched fish eggs, the texture and flavour are incredible. - surf and turf, this has beef tataki and da really different but good flavour - salmon and saba Oshi Aburi. My kids favourite. The flavour - it just melts in your mouth and it is sooo good. The flavour is what really stands out. It's not a huge portion. All the appetizers are excellent. In particular our group loved the tofu salad. My daughter says it's the best salad she ever had. Ebi fritters were outstanding too. Crunchy and delish but somehow light at the same time. The brussel sprouts were a bit spicy. Spinach Gomae has an amazing flavour. The desserts are great too. The banana mousse in particular was sublime. You can't go wrong here for your next occasion.

    Ive been here several times over the years. I still remember when they first opened. Their Aburi…read moresushi was groundbreaking for Vancouver. Since then the local sushi scene has exploded and they are no longer special. I recently took some friends from out of town here not because I think their food will be mind blowing but more for the venue being nice and right on the water. service was excellent. Food was fine, but sadly their rice was slightly undercooked and under-seasoned in their sushi. Ive definitely had it better here, so they are just inconsistent. We had the aburi salmon, aburi shrimp, aburi nigiri combo and all with same problem. Seasoning on the fish was on point. though. Also we ordered the sablefish, octopus, soba noodle. These were all pretty good. They are very expensive though with very small portions. They are priced like a fine dining establishment but the dining experience felt more casual. After $300 for a meal for 4 without drinks, we all left still hungry. And given the abundance of high quality sushi in this city, this place is disappointing and way overpriced. The inconsistent quality though is inexcusable if they charge this much. They do have many items catering to a very western palate and clearly this place targets cruise ship tourists and convention-goers which I suspect is part of the reason their pricing is so high. If youve never really had sushi before, this place is a nice introduction in a nice environment with good service and plenty of non-sushi dishes as well. If you're looking for serious sushi then look elsewhere for much better quality, variety, and value.

    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)

    Tokyo In April - Dynamite Roll and Chopped Scallop Roll

    Tokyo In April

    4.4(126 reviews)
    1.7 kmDowntown
    $$

    Whenever I visit Vancouver, I'm usually centered near the area where Asian Groceries meets Costco…read more And near this magical intersection is a piece of Japan tucked away in an unassuming spot called Tokyo in April. I've had Omurice many times... the classic method which is just a thin omelette covering ketchup rice... to the now more viral Omelette which is cut open to some runny egg goodness. And this place measures up to a lot of the ones in Japan! Ever since the viral sensation of the new evolved form of Omurice, many locations in Tokyo now also serve this dish. Outside of Japan, it's hard to find ones much better than what they serve here. The rice is cooked very well, the curry is delicious and has more depth than the store bought roux, and the eggs are cooked perfectly. We had a wonderful server who was able to answer all my questions in a friendly manner, and they were also pretty quick to serve. The prices are pretty good too, as they are remarkably cheaper than what I'm used to in Portland. Anyone craving Omurice should give this place a try!

    The restaurant is in the heart of Chinatown, right beside the international village building. It's…read morespacious and welcoming. We got to try the famous omurice, which is the Japanese omelette rice, and had some side dishes. The avocado bomb was super yummy, filled with avocado and covered with a deep fried layer of rice. The kontatsu tastes fresh and crunchy, the meat a little bit on the dry side but it's common. Chicken karaage was just okay to me. Personally it had too much batter on it. We both had the traditional omurice. The omelette was nicely cooked. When cut open, all the juice came out nicely. The fried rice underneath has a large portion, tastes good, but a little bit hard. The curry sauce on the side of the plate is quite salty, but it complement the egg well. The service was really good, and our server even came to ask some feedback for improvement. Overall, we really like this place and will stop again when in the area. Free parking is available in the underground parking lot. Friendly tip: Do not use the door on the side to take the stairs if you are visiting after the building hours. The alarm will go off and there's no way out...

    Photos
    Tokyo In April - I thought they had uni and hotate

    I thought they had uni and hotate

    Tokyo In April - Unagi Hot Stone Bowl Rice

    Unagi Hot Stone Bowl Rice

    Tokyo In April - Aji Furai ( deep-fried horse mackerel ) 3 pcs deep fried breaded horse mackerel served with shredded cabbage 12.95

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    Aji Furai ( deep-fried horse mackerel ) 3 pcs deep fried breaded horse mackerel served with shredded cabbage 12.95

    Chinatown BBQ - Duck

    Chinatown BBQ

    4.4(411 reviews)
    1.6 kmChinatown
    $$

    A Gastronomic Awakening in Chinatown! You don't truly know…read moreuntil you go--and now that I've been, I'm haunted. As I write this, I am literally still dreaming of the Hong Kong Style BBQ Pork. It didn't just "eat" well; it dissolved into a decadent, sweet, fatty puddle of pure bliss. Walking in, the vibe is quintessential Chinatown: a bustling counter, a glass case showcasing glistening roasted treasures, and a seating area that trades fancy decor for pure, functional authenticity. We were clearly out of our element, probably looking like deer in headlights, but the staff met our confusion with warm smiles. Then came Bobby--the absolute heart and soul of this place. We walked in expecting the standard American-Chinese routine, but Bobby whisked us away to a cozy table and treated us like family. He started us off with a fragrant jasmine tea so naturally sweet and floral it didn't need a grain of sugar--perfect for a biting winter night. While we flirted with the Happy Hour menu, Bobby took the reins. You don't say no to a man with that much charisma and passion! On his expert recommendation, we pivoted to the Two-Meat Combo (BBQ Pork + Soy Chicken) with a side of their famous Roast Duck. The food arrived in a lightning-fast 10 minutes, but the real treat was Bobby's play-by-play on how each dish was prepared. You can taste the pride in every bite. The balance was masterclass: a symphony of sweet, salty, and umami. The meats were succulent, the skins were shattery-crisp, and the glazes were perfectly sticky. The undisputed heavyweight champion, however, was that Hong Kong BBQ Pork. Imagine the best "burnt ends" of your life, drenched in a caramelized, mouth-watering sauce that demands your full attention. We left Chinatown BBQ feeling more than just sated--we felt enlightened. If you're looking for a "one in a million" meal, let Bobby order for you. You won't regret it.

    Unbelievable. Came here on a whim. Not a huge menu, but…read morestraight to the point. The noodle soup was bland and boring. Should've stuck with rice. The char siu and soy sauce chicken were both cooked perfectly, moist and flavorful. The green scallion sauce was not necessary but it was still delicious ! Would've been great over rice. The extra fatty char siu the server gave me to try was over the top! Perhaps the best char siu I've had to date. My server, Bobby? Did a fantastic job and was very informative and I can tell he really likes what he does thru his enthusiasm

    Photos
    Chinatown BBQ - General Atmosphere

    General Atmosphere

    Chinatown BBQ - Roast duck

    Roast duck

    Chinatown BBQ - Three BBQ meat and Gai Lin greens

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    Three BBQ meat and Gai Lin greens

    Okeya Kyujiro

    Okeya Kyujiro

    4.8(41 reviews)
    1.8 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

    The Flying Pig - Yaletown - West Coast Seafood Paella - delicious!!

    The Flying Pig - Yaletown

    4.0(1.4k reviews)
    1.8 kmYaletown, Downtown
    $$

    I came here for an early dinner on a Friday evening. I strategically planned it that I would arrive…read morefor dinner during their happy hour. Food: Jumbo Mac & Cheese - This was pretty good! I'm not sure if I would say it was "jumbo" but delicious nonetheless. Parmesan Truffles Fries - The fries were standard, as was the aioli it came with. Organic Beet + Arugula Salad - This was a happy hour portion. It was a good salad, but I wish it came on a bigger plate for easier eating. Service: Service was friendly and quick. The food came out of the kitchen pretty quickly. I was asked more than once if I wanted a drink since it was happy hour which was a little awkward but not too bad! TL;DR - Good happy hour deals with quick service

    The Flying Pig in Yaletown has a really charming date-night aesthetic. It's a bit dimmer than I…read moreusually prefer, but honestly that's probably what makes it feel so cozy and intimate -- perfect for a special evening. The menu is extensive, with plenty of options to choose from, and everything we ordered was solid. The standout for me was definitely the mac and cheese -- incredible. Rich, flavorful, and easily one of the best things on the table. They also have a great selection of drinks, and the staff were super friendly, attentive, and helpful throughout the night. The service really added to the experience. It's definitely on the pricier side, but for a date or special occasion, I think it's absolutely worth it. Would happily come back.

    Photos
    The Flying Pig - Yaletown - Chic and cozy vibes!

    Chic and cozy vibes!

    The Flying Pig - Yaletown - Mount Lehman Roasted Half Chicken - this was so good we came back again and had it a second time lol!

    Mount Lehman Roasted Half Chicken - this was so good we came back again and had it a second time lol!

    The Flying Pig - Yaletown - Happy Hour Beet & Arugula Salad - so light and refreshing!

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    Happy Hour Beet & Arugula Salad - so light and refreshing!

    Saku

    Saku

    4.5(519 reviews)
    3.4 kmWest End
    $$

    Eating at Saku has totally reset my katsu scale because this is far and away the best katsu I've…read morehad. They make their own panko and the chicken katsu was cooked perfectly. It was so light and crispy and the chicken was tender and juicy. Saku's katsu was so good that when I think about the katsus I've had is the past at other places I realize now they were just decent katsu. Other highlights here are their house made sesame dressing - so good. They sliced the cabbage salad so thin that in combination with the sesame dressing it was a great combo. I usually don't like that much raw cabbage but I ate every bit of it. The ambience is airy and cool. The staff were really great and asked us about any allergies. We'd walked by this place before and seen a line out the door. Now we know why.

    I came back for dinner. Had the Rosu nabe this time (last time I had the regular Rosu)…read more The pork katsu comes served in a (super hot) cast iron dish with a nabe broth with onions and eggs cracked into it. Still comes with a little side of pickles, and unlimited rice, cabbage, and miso soup. No katsu sauce. The katsu was fried to perfection. Juicy, tender, cant complain. But since they serve it in a broth, it does get soggy really quick. Still good, but after a few minutes its just soggy. The broth is nice with rice; comforting kind of meal. The unlimited rice/soup/cabbage is just icing on the cake. My dining partner had the Kake udon (pretty good, noodles good texture and slightly smaller strands than most places) and Menchi Cheese side - basically a pork meatball with cheese and deep fried katsu-style, served with katsu sauce. This was excellent. My original review still stands. Excellent katsu, plus they have the consistency and reliability. $28-30/meal and its plenty of food for 1, especially with unlimited cabbage/rice/soup. Restaurant is nice and comfortable, good spacing and not cramped. Easy recommend. 5/5.

    Photos
    Saku - Inside

    Inside

    Saku - Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad

    Zenbu set with refillable soup, rice and salad

    Saku - Zenbu katsu

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    Zenbu katsu

    Takenaka Uni Bar

    Takenaka Uni Bar

    4.6(62 reviews)
    1.9 kmGastown, Downtown

    Takenaka Uni Bar on Robson had me questioning why I don't eat sushi every day…read more Everyone on YouTube has been talking about this spot... so I had to see if it lives up to the hype The verdict? Yeah... it does. The fish? BUTTERY. fresh. melt-in-your-mouth perfection. You can tell immediately -- this is Vancouver-level sushi. And if you know, you know... the seafood here just hits different. Salmon = insanely fresh, rich, and silky Rice = perfectly seasoned (subtle, balanced, never overpowering) Presentation = clean, minimal, all about letting the fish shine What I really love? It's not trying to be trendy or flashy. No gimmicks -- just proper, high-quality sushi done right. Exactly what you want when you're downtown and craving something reliable but still hits. Service was quick, relaxed, and no fuss -- ideal for a casual lunch or a lowkey dinner. Final thoughts: If you're on Robson and need a sushi fix, this is one of those quietly solid gems that never misses. Not overhyped... just consistently good.

    Takenaka Uni Bar was hands down one of the best meals of our entire Vancouver trip. If it were up…read moreto me, we would've gone here every single day. My partner and I ordered the Takenaka omakase course and it was unreal -- genuinely one of those meals you don't stop thinking about after. I love uni, and this absolutely delivered. There was both American and Japanese uni, and everything tasted incredibly fresh, rich, and deeply umami in the best way possible. The staff were amazing and so friendly, and the restaurant itself had the perfect vibe -- intimate, intentional, and special without feeling stuffy. This was the one place I marked as a MUST GO on our itinerary, and it exceeded every expectation. Do not skip this spot if you're in Vancouver.

    Photos
    Takenaka Uni Bar
    Takenaka Uni Bar - Bluefin Tuna Toro Temaki Sushi ($7/ea)

    Bluefin Tuna Toro Temaki Sushi ($7/ea)

    Takenaka Uni Bar - Japan Uni, Bluefin Tuna Toro and Ikura Rice Bowl ($48)

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    Japan Uni, Bluefin Tuna Toro and Ikura Rice Bowl ($48)

    Elem Vancouver - newcanadian - Updated May 2026

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