Best Formal Japanese Restaurants 2011

Tojo’s

1133 W. Broadway
604-872-8050
Tojos.com

“There is still plenty of buzz, and bucks, spread around in the name of Tojo—and he’s still worth it,” enthused a judge about our Gold winner. “His skillful constructions of the very best ingredients still rate an ‘Are you kidding me?’” At Zest (Silver) the “cool, cerebral décor complements lively, contemporary food, strongly influenced by Italy, from another veteran Japanese chef Yoshiaki Maniwa. The prix fixe is a steal at $45, but don’t miss out on his exceptional soba crab roll, crab-and-radish salad, or the first-rate sablefish.” Bronze to Miku for attentive service, a great sake list, and especially for the fine aburi (slightly grilled) sushi. Honourable Mentions to Kitsilano fave Octopus’ Garden and Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar.

 

 

Finalists for Best Formal Japanese Restaurant

Zest
2775 W. 16th Ave.
604-731-9378
Zestjapanese.com

Miku
1055 W. Hastings St.
604-568-3900
Mikurestaurant.com

Octopus’ Garden
1995 Cornwall Ave.
604-734-8971
Octopusgarden.ca

Blue Water Cafe + Raw Bar
1095 Hamilton St.
604-688-8078
Bluewatercafe.net

 
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