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Shizen Ya

4.3 (615 reviews)
Closed 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

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Business Info

SHIZEN YA ATMOSPHERE

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

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Reviews With Photos

Fried tofu
Alex M.

What a wonderful place! I've never had more delicious rice and I love that it's organic and brown rice. We happened to get here just in time for happy hour so we ordered beer (an ale and a pilsner - both delicious) and tempura cauliflower, a pumpkin cone, a spicy tuna cone and on the regular menu seaweed salad, agedashi tofu and avocado rolls. Everything was perfect. I was stuffed. Service was kind and attentive. The restaurant is lovely. I can't wait to go back.

Tri-Coloured Ramen (vegan)
Matt B.

I stopped in for an early dinner looking to try their Tri-Colored Ramen ($16), which is default vegan. I also got an order of their tempeh roll ($9 for 8 pcs). The roll came out in about 5 minutes. Their sushi comes default with brown rice, with avocado, cucumber and of course tempeh. Simple roll, well-made and with that classic nuttiness from the tempeh. Good stuff. The ramen came out 5 minutes later. There was a ton of corn, spinach and bean sprouts, some impossible ground beef, and plenty of kale noodles. Sadly, the broth is weak, lacking depth, a little too sweet and not salty enough. It sort of comes together but it's just really lacklustre and cannot compete with the many great vegan ramens in Vancouver. Service was extremely friendly, typical for Japanese restaurants, and fairly astute. Decent spot for sushi and other Japanese fare, but don't bother with the ramen.

Dynamite roll and negitoro roll
Audrey T.

Stopped by for a quick bite for lunch downtown! The sushi is very healthy here as they use brown rice. It's a bit on the pricier side compared to other cheaper sushi restaurants around town (my two rolls cost about $15) but I always feel healthy and not rushed when I eat here. I got the dynamite roll and negitoro roll. The dynamite roll was tasty with the prawn tempura and loaded with lots of veggies. The negitoro roll tasted fresh but I expected the green onions mixed with the fish and not just added on top like a garnish.

a tray of sushi with rice and vegetables
drew w.

My kid loves this place and anytime we are in Vancouver we swing by. We only had time to eat it to go but the brown rice sushi is delicious. This time it was a bit al dente, than normal but c'est la vie. The star of the menu is the sockeye salmon sashimi

Sockeye salmon sashimi

I was visiting the area from California and this spot caught my eye. I never had sushi with brown rice before and everything I had was delicious. Would definitely recommend coming here!

TST sashimi set - $28.85
Jennifer W.

We were looking for an affordable sushi place in downtown Vancouver and this place seemed to fit the bill. At first, we were a bit surprised that they use brown rice across the board, even for their nigiri, but it actually tasted pretty good! The sashimi itself was pretty fresh and a thick slice each. The brown rice does fall apart more easily than regular sushi rice, but it didn't deter from the taste or experience much. Sashimi platter (TST sashimi) was a very affordable price and tasty. The nigiri come by the piece (there weren't any combo platters), so we ordered the toro tataki, salmon and tuna. We enjoyed all of them. All in all, it was a simple dinner (though there are plenty of menu options, not all of them are sushi/sashimi) for us and it was enjoyable. No complaints there. Interior of the restaurant was decently big but seats only about 10-12 small groups. They had some beers or sake on the menu as well, or the default of hot tea. Service was good but nothing stood out. Not a bad sushi place!

Assorted brown rice sushi rolls
Joyce L.

We were looking for a sushi place close to our hotel and ended up trying this place. It wasn't busy on a Monday night, which was good. This place is cute service was quick and attentive. We ordered 5 different rolls, all fairly standard, aside from the brown rice, which I really liked. We also ordered a chicken Udon, which I would pass on, and agadashi tofu, which was good. Overall, this place was a good, healthy option with reasonable prices.

Wall decoration
James L.

Awesome sushi with brown rice. I wassurprised with savory taste from the light sweet taste of brown rice plus salmon, cucumber, and avocado. I recommended ordering vegan dish combo B came with fried tofu, a bowl of salad, lotus pickle ( a little sweet), and a bowl of miso soup.

Spicy Tuna and Spicy Salmon Rolls

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2 years ago

This is the best mid-range sushi in Vancouver. I eat there once a week and love it. Please never move or close!

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4 years ago

Healthy Japanese food with vegetarian options. I tried their spinach gomaae and tofu over brown rice and both were good.

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12 years ago

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Page 2 of 16

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Miku

Miku

4.4(2.6k reviews)
1.1 kmDowntown
$$$

Who gave this spot anything less than 5 stars? I just want to talk lol. Seriously, were we…read moreexperiencing the same meal. Steep as it is, I decided I wanted a "quick little sushi lunch with a view", and a quick little sushi lunch with a few is exactly what I received. Although I don't recommend it, I walked right in from the street, no reservation, and was seated at the bar (in pretty casual street clothes I may add). I enjoyed a premium sake flight (which was fine...just fine), an old fashioned served with the perfect accompanying dark chocolate, and a good amount of sushi including their signature aburi style sushi in flight form and nigiri tuna flight (bluefin, chutoro, otoro). After visiting Japan last December, I'm a bit of an otoro snob but I have to hand it to them, all three of these cuts were perfect. The accompanying rice, perfection. The quality of the fish, divine. The view was the cherry on top of this experience. This will certainly be a spot I revisit next time I'm in Vancouver.

3.5 stars if I could…read more Excellent service from the staff. They were attentive, checked in periodically and very professional. Michelin starred quality in their service by how they explained the menu, brought out the food, came back around to refill waters. Just top notch service and elegantly so. The food was good but not of value. Their lunch set was a good introductory to what they offer. I enjoyed the food for its flavours and presentation but I thought that it was a bit overpriced. Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful, fresh and definitely elevated, but it was $50 for 10pcs of sushi, 2 appetizer sized samples of their appetizer or entree dishes, and miso soup (which we did not get and didn't realize till much later in the day). If you're wanting an upscale experience (and portion) of good quality food or wanting to impress other parties, then this is a nice spot. For regular eats, it's a bit too luxurious to be a casual thing in my opinion. The ambiance is nice and calm. They have a patio, which has a meh view overlooking the harbor, but beware of a breezy day. It will catch a bit of a wind tunnel. They have heaters and blankets but the heaters don't really reach unless you're sitting next to it.

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)

Marulilu Cafe - Unagi onigiri set ($15.00)

Marulilu Cafe

4.0(302 reviews)
2.1 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)
2.1 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(844 reviews)
0.7 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(41 reviews)
0.7 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

Shizen Ya - japanese - Updated May 2026

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