The Bottom Line
Aoki Sushi may look like just another W Broadway hole-in-the-wall, but inside its inauspicious exterior is some of the best, freshest, most authentic sushi in town.
Aoki Sushi
1888 W. Broadway St
Vancouver
604-731-5577
Pros
- Amazing, fresh sushi & sashimi
- Generous portions
- Japanese-run
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Small! Few tables can mean long wait times
Description
- Open Monday - Saturday 5pm - 9pm
- Closed Sundays & Holidays
- About $15 - $20 per person
- Family friendly
Guide Review - Aoki Sushi
Nondescript on the outside, this little, Japanese-ran eatery has some of the best sushi in Vancouver--and some of the best sushi I've ever had.
Small and cozy--there are only about eight tables in the entire place--this is the place I go for sushi. As good as the famous Toshi Sushi on Main--but without the staggering wait times--Aoki serves up melt-in-your-mouth fresh fish in big pieces beautifully presented; the assorted sashimi platter is even served in a sculpted ice dish.
Of course, sushi isn't the only thing on the menu. The agedashi tofu and spinach gomae are made perfectly, the tempura is very light (the yam tempura is particularly yummy), and the grilled mackerel is a revelation.
That said, it's the fresh and fabulous sushi that keeps my family coming back, and unlike many other sushi spots, there are no "off" days here. While the fish at "all you can eat" places like Shabusen is always hit-and-miss (and never as awesome as Aoki, even on the best days), I've never had a less-than-perfect piece of hamachi or sockeye salmon or anything else while here.
The only drawback to this otherwise perfect sushi spot is that, because it is so small, there can be wait times at peak hours. Avoid the wait by phoning ahead for reservations!
