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    Tetsu Sushi Bar

    4.3 (114 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed Closed

    Tetsu Sushi Bar Photos

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    TETSU SUSHI BAR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Intimate
    Classy
    Quiet

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    Delicious
    Kathryn B.

    Small intimate with wonderful food. We did the tasting menu at the counter and it was fabulous. The owner and chef was teaching us his tricks. Off menu is seared foie gras nigiri, literally the best bite of food I've ever had. Had 4 pieces. The saki flight / pairing is totally worth it.

    Aburabouzu shabu shabu/Japanese Skilfish with daikon sauce
    Jenny L.

    Able to snag last minute res for an anniversary dinner. Price as expected for Michelin recommended. Intimate, well lit, reserved but friendly service typical Japanese. Every bite was delicious. My favourite was the Aora Ika/Bigfin Reef squid. The origami Godzilla decorations were a small highlight.

    Anna L.

    Went this month, December, for the omakase which has extra add ons, like $55 female crab and $18 nigiris. The omakase was already $200+ per person, came with 8 appetizers, 13 nigiris, and a dessert. We opted out of add-ons, but got tea at $4 which comes in a nice pot and is refilled. It's a very small venue, and you definitely need a reservation. There were 5 paired seatings if I recall, including the bar. We started with turnip soup, then had a platter of 5 appetizers that had an oyster, yellowtail, abalone, mackerel and kabocha. My favorite was the oyster that came with ponzu jelly. Then we got some fried eel. The next part is the nigiris, which come in series of two, except for the last one, the uni, which comes alone. There were classics like toro, ika, amaebi, hotate (although it came with a twist, the hotate had a spicy pepper sauce, the squid was chopped up). And others I had never tried like gnome fish. The nigiris were really good, fresh, seasoned - no need for extra soy sauce. A nice touch is the pickled apple that comes with the ginger. It's sweet, a bit tart, and has cinnamon. The dessert was a tamago brule and a chestnut mochi. It was a nice, well serviced, well executed dinner experience.

    a piece of fish on a piece of bread
    Calvin W.

    Enjoyed the service and the ambience at this place. It was a great experience overall. Tried the Omakase menu at the bar tables, and it met my expectations. Sashimi and sushi were delicious and fresh, and we had the coffee pudding for dessert, which was good for the finish. A bit on the pricier side but it would be a good choice for a first-time Omakase experience.

    Awabi (Hokkaido abalone with abalone liver sauce)
    Simon P.

    Recommendation: Yes 9/10 for Experience & Ambiance: 10/10 for Service: 9/10 for Food: Final thoughts: Overall I will say dining

    Yuki I.

    I made a reservation in advance to sit at the sushi bar for omakase - highly recommended, as this is a small sushi restaurant with 3 seats at the bar and a few tables. I felt right at home as soon as I entered the restaurant, as I was greeted in Japanese by the hostess/waitresses. The menu was described to me in Japanese, and I could hear the staff all speaking it too! Loved that. The omakase starts in order of seating - the reservation was at 8pm, but the other 2 guests showed up a little later, so their omakase was a few pieces behind me throughout our meal. I felt a little bad as this meant that the chef had to handle the timing between me and the other 2 guests, but he handled it very well! At the sushi bar, you get to see all the fish being cut and prepared into nigiri, which is always fun to watch. The view is a little impeded by dishes and equipment stacked in front, but you can still see most of the action. During my visit, there were 2 chefs at the bar, but one of them was making sushi for a la carte orders, while the other was focused on the omakase courses. For my omakase, I had the option of upgrading the final uni nigiri to a Female snow crab with bafun uni for $40, so I did just that. What a delight! If you have this option, definitely go for it. The crab is so soft, and it comes with a lot of ikura, too, which I love! And the uni is so creamyyy. Loved it. I think, if I were to compare with other omakase experiences I've had, I would have enjoyed a more interactive experience with the chef. I spoke with the chef a little bit, but he didn't seem to want to talk, so I felt like I was disturbing him. And it would have been okay with me to wait a few minutes for the other 2 guests to catch up so that we were on the same menu items.. I think it would have felt more cohesive of a dinner experience that way. But these are just nit-picky things that ultimately didn't affect my dinner experience. High quality sushi, paced in a relaxed way, with very reasonable prices. Would come back!

    Coffee something from the omakase menu - way too creamy for me
    Joanne V.

    Omakase is definitely not my favourite Japanese dining style. In my opinion, it's expensive and often I feel unsatiated. This is my second time to Tetsu. The first time was probably 2-3 years ago and from what I remember, it wasn't that great. I decided to give them a second chance tonight since my sister and my friends raved about it. We just came back from Tetsu and after paying $300 for three people, we did not feel full nor satisfied. There is a mandatory minimum charge of $70 per person (which I don't mind paying) but honestly, I did not feel like the quality was up to standard. The omakase was alright, I guess. I didn't feel like there was one fish that wowed me. If I was to choose a favourite, it would be the Japanese uni. I also tried their fish miso soup (which was not on the menu) but the server was nice enough to ask the kitchen to make it for me. Unfortunately, it was nothing special. We also had the Ebi Zukushi Aburi roll and I didn't like it. I guess I didn't like the shiso paste and homemade sauce. Service was excellent. There was one server and she only had to cater to us and a couple sitting at the bar. With a plethora of Japanese food in our city, I might try other places before revisiting this restaurant.

    Bill L.

    First off, we visited Tetsu sushi bar back in May 2022. After hearing many good things about them and seeing them on so many foodie groups, we decided to give them a try. We made a reservation and originally we wanted to try out their Omakase experience, however, at the time of our booking, they did not offer Omakase, so we opted for à la cart. Unfortunately, overall, I feel that the Sushi here has missed the mark with us. From the quality to the value, we feel that the price they charge was not justified by what was served. Don't get me wrong, I'm more than willing to open up my wallet for a good quality sushi meal and have done so many times in the past. To begin, we had the eel tamago appetizer, and to our surprise, the egg had went off and had a rancid smell. We then ordered a series of sushi pieces, including scallop, salmon, Hamachi, mirugai, ikura, anago and the bluefin tuna trio (akami, chu-toro and ootoro). The sushi pieces were smaller than standard I would say and while the fish was fresh, there was nothing that made it standout. We finally concluded the meal with the foie gras and negitoro don, again, everything was on point but for $50+ it was merely 4-5 bites. Overall we weren't wowed by our experience. Perhaps we should waited until they offered omakase again.

    King salmon
    Karen F.

    Incredible thank you ! We went to the Tetsu for the first time for a special birthday dinner and it didn't disappoint. This was the best sushi dinner I've ever had. Japanese uni was a highlight and all the other fish flown in from japan. The smoked king salmon was incredible. From foie gras to wagyu to the fine sake selection the luxury continued. Ended the meal with cold housemade soba noodles with dipping sauce. Service was gracious and professional. We will absolutely return for another special occasion. Oh make a reservation there is only one table and the sushi bar available as per social distancing protocols and a small space to start with.

    Chirashi sushi
    Veronica V.

    We ordered takeout today for a treat - OMG it was delicious!!! Expensive, but woah, so GOOD! We ordered the premium nigiri for 2 (20 pieces for $150, but they gave us 2 bonus pieces of umaki, their egg roll appie with eel), and their kanpachi tataki (10 pcs for $25). Honestly, it was exquisite. We paired it with sake from Niigata, it was a fabulous treat, and I am well aware how lucky I am to be able to have this.

    Foie gras & blue fin tuna nigiri
    Mandy S.

    One of my favorite places for top notch Japanese food in Vancouver. They're pricey but I would def go back because the taste, the craft and the presentation is all worth it. Especially taste-wise. I love their foie gras blue fin tuna nigiri, the BEST I've had, definitely a must try! And the udon noodle there is absolutely delicious as well. I was surprised by how plain it looks but honestly it's became one of my favorite noodle soups.

    Menu
    Kary K.

    Great service! Food is good but slightly overpriced for a lacarte. Omakase may be better option than a lacarte here.

    Uni+ikura don
    Albert Z.

    We got the uni+ikura don, bluefin tuna set (3 pieces), and miso cod. I liked their chuutoro a lot but their ootoro had a sharp fishy aftertaste that made it worse than the chuutoro. Otherwise the restaurant is solid. The uni is rich with umami, not at all bitter, but I would say that this is bare minimum at this price point. The miso cod is a dish that is made the same almost everywhere and I don't think they did it better. Definitely a $$$$ restaurant instead of a $$ restaurant. $50 per person would not nearly be enough. Realistically $100+ per person.

    Salmon sashimi and tuna

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    4 months ago

    Meticulous selection and preparation of dishes and very professionally served - one of my favourite Vancouver restaurants!

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    Tetsu Sushi Bar Reviews in Other Languages

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    Kingyo

    Kingyo

    4.4
    (1.3k reviews)
    0.2 km
    $$$

    We had a reservation for 8 pm on Tuesday. The restaurant was packed and bustling. Without a…read morereservation, we would have had to sit at a communal table. I always order beef tongue, Japanese fried chicken, and shrimp mayonnaise. These are my must-orders and their signature dishes. The beef tongue is actually quite simple; it's delicious just from being lightly heated. The hot stone slab is served piping hot, perfect for searing meat. Be quick, or it will cool down. The Japanese fried chicken is tender, juicy, and incredibly fragrant. The seasoning is just right. The shrimp mayonnaise is plentiful and a perfect match for beer. The two seasonal or specialty dishes of the day weren't as good, and I wouldn't order them again. My advice is to order their most popular and classic dishes, and definitely make a reservation in advance if you want to come (especially on weekends, as the wait can be up to an hour).

    My experience at Kingyo was truly excellent, and I finally feel compelled to write a proper review…read more First, the service. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making the entire dining experience very comfortable. From taking orders and serving food to providing excellent care throughout the meal, everything was done attentively without making me feel pressured. This natural and thoughtful service was a huge plus. The food also left a deep impression. Japanese cuisine demands high standards for ingredients and details, and Kingyo excelled in both taste, ingredients, and presentation. The restaurant's ambiance was also very Japanese--refined yet not overly formal, creating a comfortable and relaxing space. This visit left a very positive impression. The service, food, environment, and atmosphere all made me feel very comfortable, making it a restaurant I would definitely visit again.

    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
    Guu with Garlic

    Guu with Garlic

    4.3
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.2 km
    $$

    Guu with Garlic has become one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Vancouver. It's an energetic…read moreizakaya with a fun atmosphere without feeling over the top. One of the best parts is the ever-changing menu of daily specials alongside the regular menu, so there's always something new to try while still coming back to your favorites. This visit we ordered the shrimp garlic fried rice, Agedashi Nasu, Grilled Squid with Garlic Mayo, and an assortment of sashimi. The shrimp garlic fried rice is an absolute must every time. It's packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and somehow manages to be comforting without feeling too heavy. It is a large dish and can easily be shared by 3-4, depending on what else you order. We also love the Agedashi Nasu here with melt-in-your-mouth eggplant wrapped in a light, delicate coating that soaks up the savory broth. Service is always quick and organized, even when the restaurant is busy. Dishes arrive as they're ready, making it easy to share everything around the table, which is exactly how an izakaya experience should feel. If it's your first visit, don't skip the shrimp garlic fried rice, and make sure to check out the daily specials before ordering. They often feature seasonal dishes that aren't available on the regular menu and are well worth trying.

    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
    Okeya Kyujiro

    Okeya Kyujiro

    4.8
    (44 reviews)
    2.1 km

    I went here for a special occasion dinner. Reservations are highly recommended because they are…read morevery small - 12 diners per sitting and 2 sittings per night. I made reservations about 4 months in advance. Upon arrival, one of the hostesses opened the door for us, and asked us to wait in a very ornate waiting area. We only waited a couple of minutes before another hostess seated us at the main seating area. The space is very dark, and only lit with candles while the rest of the diners trickled in. During that time they take drink orders, which is limited to sake, wine, beer and a few non-alcoholic drinks. Of note, they don't provide a drink menu, so we were a little surprised by the cost - the yuzu sake and the plum wine were $30 each. My non-alcoholic drink was $12, but a fair size. The theatrical portion started a few minutes later than the official start time - closer to 6pm. The shades lifted, the lights turned on, and the chefs introduced themselves. And from that moment on, they immediately went to work preparing our meal. They operate like clockwork to show the ingredients whole to the diners, and then preparing them, and serving them. Soon as the one dish was completed by all the diners, the next round came shortly after. Over 20+ dishes, there was very little wait time in between each. Each time a dish was served, a hostess was there to describe the dish and provided tips on how best to eat it. The food was overall was very good. I thought a few items were very average, most of them were very good, and a select few were truly outstanding. Most of the ingredients are imported from Japan, so I would imagine that it's part of the reason it's so expensive. This is definitely a splurge meal. I think half the diners at our sitting was celebrating a birthday. On the most part, the food is very good, watching the chefs at work is part of the entertainment, and the service is excellent. It's not some place I could afford to go to often, but glad to do it at least this one time.

    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.

    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)
    1.1 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!

    Great izakaya experience in Vancouver. The ambiance is fun and lively with quick service. In…read moreaddition to the usual menu items there are daily specials. My favorite dish was the yaki udon!

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

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    Eel with rice

    Tetsu Sushi Bar - japanese - Updated August 2026

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