Situated in the trendy part of Yaletown, Bistro Sakana is a up-scale Japanese restaurant. It has a very nice calming atmosphere with candles on each table. The music was playing a bit too loud which I’m always annoyed with. I hate raising my voice and trying hard to hear what the other person is saying.

I had seen the Aburi Hako Zushi (torched box sushi) and knew that I would order that for sure. I got the Sockeye Jalapeno Aburi $14 which had wild sockeye salmon layered with sushi rice and flame seared with their spicy mayo sauce and jalapeno peppers on top. I am a huge fan of Miku’s salmon aburi, but this was a good competition. I really liked it – lots.

The Pork Gyoza $7.50 was satisfactory, but WAY OVERPRICED. Totally not worth $8. Though I guess the price comes with dining at a higher-end restaurant.

Sockeye Jalepeno Aburi $14

Sheepie ordered the Mango Roll $7.00 (left) which was quite sad. It was really small and falling apart. It wasn’t flavourful at all. Another overpriced item. The Salmon Roll $3.75, Tuna Nigiri $2.00 and Salmon Nigiri $2.25 seemed well prepared. I had the Salmon Nigiri, and it was really good.

The tables against the walls were a bit tight and would have liked a little more room between the tables. There was one time when the server picked up Sheepie’s tea cup to fill up and she almost elbowed the other customer at the next table. She didn’t even notice though. But other than that, the service was great.

It was a nice restaurant, but some dishes way overpriced for quantity and quality. I would definitely like to come back for more Aburi, but will have to explore other dishes on the side next time.

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