This is the first time I'm ever writing a restaurant review. And I wouldn't have done it I hadn't seen the previous reviews for this place, which for some reason are all incredibly negative. I moved to the neighbourhood a few months ago and when I saw Hakata Sushi I assumed it would just be one of those cheap sushi places they have in every block in Vancouver. But I was pleasantly surprised right at the first time I went. I was just going to order the traditional salmon/avocado roll and a cone, but then I saw all the interesting pictures around the place with all these unique kinds of 'sushi' (think Eatery, but less pretentious). My friend and I spent nearly ten minutes looking at all the pictures and asking about all the combinations, despite some pretty unique choices I went for the relatively conservative 'Ruby Roll' - Amazing! It was just so good, and even though it was for takeout, it was so nicely displayed.

I soon went back again, and it kind of became a tradition of mine going there once a week and trying something new every time. I had this 'stuffed' avocado once that was delicious, there are these colourful rice cakes I believe with smoked salmon on top that are also phenomenal, the list goes on. You can just walk around the restaurant and look at all the pictures, and believe me they really are as interesting and delicious as they seem.

But ok, I think I made it clear why I gave a solid 5 to this restaurant in the 'Food' category. But in the other categories this place does fall behind. The service at first was very frustrating because the poor waitress could barely speak English and it was impossible to ask her something or to modify an order, but she was kind and good intentioned, and after a few visits we got to talking and I sympathize with her. Still, if it's your first time there it might be frustrating. Although I believe they changed waitresses now, and the new waitress not only speaks English well but she knows her sushi and gave me a few recommendations. Prices are kind of an issue here as well, these amazing 'rolls' and plates I described above usually end up being around $9-13, I think it's worth it because they really are some of the best sushi I've had in Vancouver, but still as a college student it gets expensive after a while. They have some really good ones in the $6-8 range (my personal favorite Ruby Roll is like 6 or 7). But if you go for the really traditional rolls, they are surprisingly cheap, like under $3 for salmon-avocado rolls, california rolls, the cones, etc.

I have to make one last comment about the chef. I saw an angry comment below about how the service was so slow and another criticizing the non-japanese chefs, but one of my favorite things about this place is the chef's obvious dedication to his work. He is this old skinny vietnamese, very reserved, seemingly serious guy. And yes, sometimes he takes his time, but only because you can see how concentrated he is, how much he obviously cares and takes his craft seriously. And it's obvious for someone to create so many unique plates, you have to have some sort of passion and dedication. Even for take out, each roll is so meticulously displayed and arranged - I love this place and although I like it that is pretty unknown I hope Hakata Sushi eventually gets the recognition it deserves.