Vancouver Good

Looking for an amazing, well-priced sushi experience? Give Ajisai Sushi Bar a spin.

Fresh fish rules here and the restaurant only services sushi, sashimi, rice bowls, miso, and a small selection of salads and appetizers. There’s no teriyaki or tempura or yakisoba here and you wouldn’t want it anyways because the fish is that good.

For nigiri/sashimi, my usuals are hotate (scallop), toro (tuna belly), saba (mackerel), and sake (salmon) – I’m never disappointed at Ajisai. For those who love fresh fish, you know what that perfect sushi experience is like – a burst of flavour that melts in your mouth with a buttery texture sliding down your throat. Pure joy.

I also enjoy the toro taku roll (tuna belly with pickles) and the saba pressed sushi is awesome – nice texture, that fresh saba flavour, and a good vinegar bite from the rice.

And remember – the mountain potato appetizer is not the same as regular potato. And by saying this I’m not encouraging you to order it – mountain potatoes are an acquired taste I have not acquired.

When you open the door of Ajisai, you’re greeted with the most delicious smell of a good Japanese restaurant. It’s a small, tastefully decorated restaurant with a few tables and a sushi bar. You can generally get in for lunch but dinner can be a wait at times. They also accept take out orders.

For the quality of food you’re paying very reasonable prices. The lunch bento box is $8.50. Spinach gomaae runs $4. Rolls and pressed sushi range from $2-10.

While Ajisai’s address is on 42nd Avenue, it’s actually part of a store complex in between 41st and 42nd, near the Curves. A little tricky to find, but worth the effort.

Ajisai Sushi Bar
2081 W. 42nd Ave (b/w Maple & E. Blvd, near Curves and London Drugs)
Vancouver
604-266-1428