Food: Toshi Never Lets Sushi Lovers Down

Posted by Quentin
Filed in Restaurants
October 12, 2007

Toshi Sushi is located just off of Main street at 181 E 16th, and can usually be identified by the long line of people waiting to get in (large groups need not apply). Upon entering, diners are immediately greeted by the sushi bar helmed by the genial Toshi Saito himself, chatting with the regulars and whipping up great rolls with the help of his assistants and an exceptional wait staff. Taking a seat at the bar allows one to watch Toshi's very experienced crew at work crafting sushi platters, large and small, while steaming plates are carried out of the kitchen in the back.

As for the menu, the Tuna Tataki and the candied eggplant are definitely must-try items. The eggplant is served halved, baked, and candied with a delicate mixture of brown sugar and miso and is nothing short of absolutely delicious, and for $3 how can you go wrong? As a regular customer, I've found it's tough to make wrong choices from this menu. Those willing to brave the lineup are truly rewarded here.

The star of the menu at any sushi house is obviously the fish, and Toshi Sushi serves up some of the freshest in town, with Toshi hand picking from a number of suppliers, who can and will talk at length about where the fish you're eating came from, when it was caught, and what fish from that area is known for. Fish lovers will especially enjoy the expertly crafted Negi-Hama rolls, and the Toro Nigiri.

Well worth the wait, I find that Toshi Sushi is definitely a must-visit for any fan of Japanese cuisine. With such skilled staff, fresh fish, and an inviting atmosphere... it's tough to find fault. Which may be the reason why Toshi has so many regular customers.

Toshi Sushi
181 E 16th Ave
(604) 874-5173
Open Tuesdays - Saturdays
5pm - 10pm
No Reservations - No Large Groups

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Stephanie Vacher

Reader Reviews and Comments

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I've been there once and didn't find it any better than Mas' Clubhouse or Hime's.

But I'm not sure I ordered the right things.

Next time I'll try that eggplant.

Posted by: Lisa at October 15, 2007 4:04 PM | Quote Comment

I actually really disliked Toshi's, despite all the rave reviews.

Posted by: Raul at January 21, 2008 7:07 PM | Quote Comment

Toshi Sushi : Children Not welcome.

One of the things I love about living along Main Street is the great collection of stores, shops, restaurants and the diversity of the people and cultures. I have always been pleased at the way the businesses in the area have added positively to this environment - until recently. Toshi Sushi 181 East 16th Avenue, is a small popular neighbourhood sushi place that seems to have placed the squeezing of extra dollars above common respect. Om March 6th 2008 my wife and two children (6yrs and 4 yrs old) were waiting in Line to get a table as I headed over to meet them there from work. My wife asked for a table for 4 and after some wait (it was busy) was seated. She was ready to order, she was not waiting for me to arrive since she knows what I like, however the waitress refused to take the order. She asked my wife where the 4th person was and the waitress was informed that I was on my way and she would order for me. The response was "you said you were a party of 4 and you are only 3, it is our policy that you entire party must be here". My wife stated she "will order for 4", but it was against policy.

My wife's options were to leave or get back into line and wait for my arrival. As the waitress was looking at the children and then back at the line of hungry adults in line it was clear that she was doing the math in her head, namely "4 hungry adults on a Friday Night = more money, than a 6 yr old+ 4 yr old + woman (and soon to arrive husband)". In the end after my wife's protests she went to the manager and was allowed to "make an exception this time" . At this point my wife was quite insulted and left. This is the worst treatment any family member of mine has received in Vancouver. I suggest to anyone with children, or who loves children to avoid the restaurant. PS there are much better sushi restaurants in Vancouver with respect to food quality as well where everyone is welcome!

Posted by: RH at March 8, 2008 3:34 PM | Quote Comment

@RH - I think there must of been a misunderstanding, as I've only had very positive experiences with the staff.

It is fairly common for popular restaurants to only seat/serve when the entire party has arrived. While you may arrive in a timely manner, there is no guarantee. Even if your wife ordered your food, there is no guarantee that you'd arrive before the food arrived and (be able to) eat in a timely manner. I believe the policy is more of an efficiency and fairness rule for everyone waiting in line.

As for doing the math in her head, it is more likely that she was seeing how many people were waiting / how long it would take to get the rest of the people a table should you not arrive before the food arrived. I could be wrong, but I've NEVER gotten the impression that they treated me a certain way because of money.

This restaurant is an extremely busy restaurant and a wait is pretty much expected. All restaurants (that I know of) with constant line ups out the door all have policies of not seating a table until everyone has arrived.

Posted by: Simon at May 1, 2008 1:30 AM | Quote Comment