Where to get Victoria's best Japanese and sushi
One of the great things about Victoria is the sheer amount of multicultural restaurants available to the public. Japanese and sushi is certainly a favourite here, considering many of the places on this list often have long peak-hour waiting times. That’s okay though. It’s how you know these restaurants have the best sushi in town!
Japanese Village Restaurant
734 Broughton St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E1Although it’s a little on the pricey side, The Japanese Village is the place to visit for the best Japanese food in Victoria. They’re most famous for their Teppanyaki dinner menu, which includes soup, salad, an appetizer, rice, and dessert, and the chefs cook your meal right in front of you! Dinner is more of a live show here, and it doesn’t disappoint. Alternatively, they have a sushi dining area if fresh fish is more your thing. Whatever you choose, do yourself a favour and ask the servers for steak sauce with your rice. You’ll thank us later.
Bon Sushi 2
4454 West Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V8Z 3E9Bon Sushi is a little place off the beaten path. Located out in Royal Oak, they don’t often get mentioned above the numerous sushi places in the downtown area. We’ve included them because they have some of the best fusion rolls in the city. If you can’t stand to look at sashimi, Bon Sushi is the place for you. They have a wide variety of specialty rolls, noodle dishes, and donburi. Try the Spicy Fried Tuna Roll for some heat or the Angel’s Kiss Roll for something unique.
Toro Bar
708 View St, Victoria, BC V8W 1J8If quick, friendly and helpful service is important to you, you can’t do any better than Itami Sushi. They have some of the nicest staff in Victoria, and their food rivals the quality of their service. Their sashimi is unparalleled in freshness and texture, their rolls are delicious and not over-sauced, and their teriyaki bento boxes will leave you stuffed. Pro tip: ask for a side of spicy sauce and dunk all the sashimi.
Shizen Japanese Restaurant Inc
1706 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1Z5Shizen is one of those places you’ll be waiting over 30 minutes to get into on a Friday night, but don’t let that deter you. Once you get a table, the service is lightning fast, and the food is excellent and super fresh. If you’re into gyoza, this is the best place to order it – the dumplings are crisp, hot, and full of flavour. More of an adventurous eater? Shizen is home to the original Sushi Pizza! It sounds a little weird, but you’re going to love it. We promise.
Azuma Sushi
615 Yates St, Victoria, BC V8W 1L1If you ask any local on the street to recommend a sushi place, chances are they’ll tell you to visit Azuma. It’s one of the oldest sushi restaurants in Victoria and situated in the heart of downtown. They have a huge restaurant with lots of seating, so you generally don’t wait too long for a table. Azuma is famous for their shareable sushi Love Boats and Combination Plates as well as their unique Japanese cocktail list. This is a great spot for a fun dinner out with a group of friends.
Koto Sushi
510 Fort St, Victoria, BC V8W 1E6Koto is where all the downtown workers go when they want a fabulous yet affordable Japanese bento lunch. Here you can get a decently sized bento box for only 10 dollars! You choose from a variety of main options, such as teriyaki chicken, ginger pork, or agedashi tofu, and Koto pairs it with a salad, steamed rice with sesame sauce, and California rolls. Add-ons, like miso soup, are also available for only a dollar. Those are some serious deals! Be quick though, because their lunch bentos are only available until 5pm.
Umi Sushi Express
3147 Douglas St, Victoria, BC V8Z 6E3Tired from a morning of shopping and need a Japanese pick-me-up? How convenient that Umi is located in the food court of Mayfair Mall! They have a wide array of daily packaged sushi rolls available for a quick, light bite, or you can indulge in one of their bento boxes. Each box comes with your choice of protein as well as rice, tempura, salad or edamame, and two sushi rolls. Not ravenous? Try one of their mini bentos! How adorable.
