Sushi Retaurant Review – Jako Japanese Restaurant Vancouver B.C.

A Review of Jako Japanese Restaurant in Vancouver, BC

What’s the best part of a vacation? Checking out sushi restaurants, of course! Growing up in Victoria B.C., an island city off the west coast of Canada, high food prices are a normal part of life. I am currently on vacation in Vancouver B.C. with a friend, and one of the best parts of the mainland is the low cost of sushi! As soon as we arrived, we went exploring, checking out the sights and marking down places to visit and eat at. I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw a sign that advertised 22 pieces of sushi for 5.75, something that would be unheard of in Victoria. Even better, “Jako Japanese Restaurant” was only a block from where we were staying, which makes waddling home stuffed a breeze.

We decided to go for a late lunch on Sunday, and as we walked into the restaurant it was like a whole other world. The décor was authentic and a feel of intimacy was created by bamboo screens which separated the tables. We sat down and were greeted by our waitress, who ushered us into a table and dropped off the menus, which had showed a wide range of rolls and dishes accompanied by pictures. With 5 choices of 22 piece specials, I finally settled on the B.C. roll, yam tempura roll, and salmon roll. I know in my last Sushi Otaku post I said I was going to try something new, but the allure of one of my favorite rolls, the B.C. roll, was too great. For those who are not natives of B.C., the province is renowned for its delicious salmon, and the BC roll is a combination of grilled salmon with the skin left on, refreshing cucumber, and different sauces which vary depending on the restaurant.

Of Hunger And Sushi

Being a bigger guy, I was a little worried that the rolls would not fill me up. Luckily, the meal included a bowl of miso soup, which was exactly what I needed considering the dreary, drizzling day that we had left outside. The soup was tasty and simple, although I might not be the most critical judge of miso soup considering I have never had a bowl that I didn’t enjoy. The rolls came just as I was finishing my last spoonful of soup, and I took a moment to appreciate the sight and smells of my first sushi in far too long.

I tried each roll plain, without added soya sauce or wasabi, and as the fresh, healthy taste of sushi filled my mouth I remembered why I love sushi. It’s not just the the taste, smells and textures, it is that wholesome feeling I get from chowing down on something so good and so good for me. The B.C. roll was my favorite, though I did enjoy the tuna roll as a close second. The yam tempura roll was quite different than any previous yam rolls I had in the past, and I must admit I could not really taste the tempura. The roll did grow on me, and while I would not order it again it was quite tasty.

Hopefully I can drag my friend, who is not exactly the biggest sushi fan in the world, back for a second round. Jako sushi is not the best sushi I have ever tasted, but it is the best value for the price I paid. I would return in a heartbeat, and if anyone is ever in downtown Vancouver and wants some delicious sushi on a budget, check it out. They also have a huge variety of more expensive rolls and sashimi which I may have to tuck into another day, and non-sushi dishes such as the beef teriyaki rice bowl which my friend ordered.

The verdict? Presentation: 7/10 Taste: 7.5/10 Value: 10/10

Warren Ransom

I have always been fascinated by the creation and culture of different foods, particularly sushi and sashimi in the modern era of Japanese cuisine. I am a classically trained chef and sushi connoisseur, also having operated a food service company and enjoy investigating and experimenting with food around the world.