The warmer weather has us dreaming of sipping a beer and browsing lists of fresh sushi and sashimi. Even if raw fish isn’t part of your usual order, these favourite Edmonton spots will have something to entice you—or even make you a convert.
Dorinku
Dig in to traditional Tokyo street food and a great selection of sake at Dorinku. Like a traditional izakaya, the atmosphere at Dorinku is that of a lively and casual, pub-style eatery that features small tapas-style dishes and is the perfect after-work stop. Order a beer or a flight of sake while perusing the menu, which includes everything from Pressed Wild Salmon Sushi with Japanese mint and creamy soy sauce to an Alberta AAA steak with wasabi daikon radish sauce and a hot stone plate made from the rocks of Mount Fuji.
10205 Whyte (82) Ave. | 780-988-9760
Furusato
It’s easy to imagine that the cherry-blossom lined streets of Kyoto are just outside the door when surrounded by the wood-lined walls of Furusato’s cozy interior. For over 20 years, Furusato has fit the meaning of its name (“hometown”) by providing a cozy ambience for its customers, along with an extensive list of scrumptious rolls, fresh sashimi, and tasty temaki. Start with a Spinach Gomadare salad for a burst of flavour, followed by perfect cuts of succulent, melt-in-your-mouth salmon sushi. Round out your meal with a bowl of refreshing green tea ice cream.
10012 Whyte (82) Ave. | 780-439-1335
Ichiban
If maki rolls are your thing, you’ll definitely want to visit this neighbourhood gem. Located in the west end of Edmonton, Ichiban—which means “number 1” in Japanese—has a well-rounded menu that includes sushi, sashimi, maki, tempura, and appetizers like gyozas, spring rolls, and chicken wings. Try a house special like the Maki Maki—or indulge in the generous portions of the Sashimi Boat.
8750-149 St. | 780-481-5252
Ikki Izakaya
If you’ve ever been to Tokyo, the authentic and quaint Ikki Izakaya may remind you of the city’s amazing service and hospitality. The serving sizes of the dishes here are small enough that, even if you’re dining alone, you can try several in one visit. Looking for recommendations? Try the takowasabi (wasabi-marinated octopus with wasabi stems)—which are not as spicy as they sound—or stop in for one of their weekly specials for tuna sashimi or takoyaki.
11931 Jasper Ave. | 780-454-4230
I Love Sushi
If you love both sushi and getting your money’s worth, you’ll need to stop in at this long-standing downtown favourite. Located in the heart of downtown, the small eatery has an especially affordable bento box for lunch, plus a variety of sushi, sashimi, and maki. If the dining room is full, you can get your order to go! 10106-105 St. | 780-428-0606
Japanese Village
Impress your dinner guests with a stunning show at Japanese Village! The chefs will show off their cooking skills while they put on a live performance as they slice, dice, and prep your meal in front of you. More than just a show, this traditional restaurant serves up assorted sashimi and tempura, seafood delicacies—such as fried oysters and ginger squid—as well as grilled AAA beef steaks.
2940 Calgary Tr., 780-422-6083
10238-104 St., 780-422- 6083
9499-137 Ave., 780-422-6083
380, 800 Broadmoor Blvd, Sherwood Park
NEW LOCATION: West Edmonton Mall, #1638, 8882-170 St.
Mikado
One of the first Japanese restaurants to open in Alberta, Mikado has some of the freshest sashimi in the city. The quality of food is top-notch here, with ingredients flown in weekly from all over the world, including from the largest fish market in Tsukiji, Japan. Also imported from Japan are their genuine robata grills, specially designed to keep everything juicy and tender. The extensive menu is perfect for traditionalists, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets.
10350-109 St | 780-425-8096
9942- 170 St. | 780-481-2202
South Edmonton Common, 1903-98 St. | 780-432-4500
Yokozuna
Named after the highest rank in sumo wrestling, Yokozuna offers fresh, thick sashimi and are especially praised for the preparation of their Atlantic salmon. Their specials sometime include uni, bluefin tuna, and King Salmon—described by the eatery as finer, sweeter, and less fishy than its Atlantic counterpart. To round out the menu are their specialty cocktails, one of which puts a unique spin on a Canadian classic: a Caesar made with smoked salmon vodka and garnished with a smoked salmon crème cheese ball.
4121-106 St. | 780-431-1508
