Breaking: COFU Chinatown Set to be Canada’s First Vegan Omakase Restaurant

By next Wednesday, the city’s vegans and vegetarians will be able to get a taste of omakase made especially for them.

Vancouver has a storied history of late with shuttering plant-based restaurants (RIP the Arbour, Heirloom), leaving vegans and vegetarians in the dust—or, at least, eating from the appetizer menu while dining with their meat-eating friends. But hey, there are still quite a few plant-based eateries that we love!

Still—a new concept in plant-based dining is about to be a first in Vancouver. Actually, make that across the country.

COFU Chinatown is set to be the first fully vegan omakase in Canada.

Translating to “I’ll leave it up to you,” the tradition of omakase gives the chef free-reign to curate a several-course meal experience in small bites, usually set at a sushi counter.

COFU Chinatown will be the brand’s second location in Vancouver—having opened a pressed sushi restaurant back in 2020 near Granville Island (and yes, that one’s vegan, too)—developed by Japanese restaurateur Akiko Gulkison, who aimed to “combine the integrity of Japanese cuisine with the values of plant-based living.” The original eatery also features a sober bar.

The new spot will offer an 18-course vegan sushi omakase for $130 per person, “showcasing Japanese technique through seasonal vegetables,” headed up by chef Ko Tanimizu—with vegetable skewers, six different types of nigiri, plus sushi rice risotto and seasonal sherbet for dessert. 

COFU Chinatown will have its grand opening on Wednesday, July 9
Wednesday – Sunday 5PM – 10PM
488 Gore Ave
cofu.ca