I drove by Sushi California everyday to work as it was under construction. When I saw the name, I thought ‘great, another sushi place! Like we need more in Vancouver!’.Because of the name, I thought it was going to be another failed sushi restaurant. Well…I was wrong.
After they opened, I noticed that the restaurant had quite a number of customers. Driving by, I couldn’t tell if it was full, but it seemed popular. So I decided to give it a try.
The staff greets the customer with a ‘irrashai!’ in Japanese (though none of them are Japanese staff), meaning ‘welcome’. Most restaurants in Japan do this, so I guess they are trying to seem more authentic. Being new, the restaurant is clean and modern, bright with good atmosphere. I was really surprised at the cheap prices for a new restaurant and not only that, but being on Broadway by Cambie St. The rent must not be cheap!
I ordered the Spicy Tuna Roll (only $2.95!) and my favourite Negitoro Roll (only $2.75!) The rolls came together on a nice flower dish. I must say the presentation was nice.As for the taste, the Negitoro gets a thumbs up. Two thumbs up for the price. The Spicy Tuna Roll on the other hand was that spectacular. The rice was dry and hard…disappointed in the tuna, but the service was really good.
The washrooms are always a test to see if one keeps their restaurant really clean. I was surprised that it was really nice, with plants with modern decor.
We tried going back there twice, but once it was closed (got there at 10pm…) and another time, there was a looooong line up (and gave up)…so…I guess we’ll have to go back at less peak times. See full menu on Urbanspoon.
Menu
Interior
Combo
Spicy Tuna Roll $2.95 and Negitoro Roll $2.75
Another time, we went for lunch and I ordered udon. Nothing special about it though.
Yakitori – 2 chicken skewers. Nice charcoal grilled taste 
The yakisoba was really good good men (noodle) – had a good tecture. The portion was quite large, and the chicken on top was delicious. Never seen a huge meat on yakisoba before. It is on the greasy side, and they probably use a lot of sauce and MSG which left me drinking tons of water later on…
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We always get the Meatball Plate (15 pieces of meatballs and mashed potatoes with gravy) for $5.99 On Tuesdays, it’s even cheaper for $2.99 from 2pm till closing. This special offer is on until Dec 31st 2012. There’s also an Organic Chicken Mandarin Salad – Regualary for $5.99, but $3.99 on Wed after 11am. They’ve got the Haddock & Chips for $6.49 but only $2.99 on Thurs from 2pm till closing. The taste is pretty decent for the price, and you get to eat it in the nicely designed IKEA cafeteria.