Toshi Sushi

Added Oct 26, 2009 by Rasputin45 of UBC, Vancouver (67 Reviews)

Lives up to the hype
So I had heard a lot about this place, and seen the lines, but never felt the need to stand in them myself... on Friday a friend wanted to go there, so we did. There was a wait, but once we were seated the food was delicious and plentiful -- and very inexpensive! Our service was brusk but acceptable, they forgot a few dishes and we had to re-order, but it was okay. I will definitely go here again.

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Added Sep 9, 2009 by leesh0222 of Vancouver (1 Reviews)

Rude service
We found the food to be very good, especially for the price. We liked it so much that we placed the 2nd order. It was taking long. When we asked our server about our second order, she just snapped at us and said that we should have ordered everything at one time. We were shocked and her attitude ruined our dinner. It's sad. It could have been our favorite restaurant.

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Added Aug 5, 2009 by timnlay of Vancouver (1 Reviews)

What once was good...
Toshi was at one time the best sushi I had ever had, hands down.
Once the newspaper wrote it up and it got busy it lost some of it's luster..
Service is poor. Food quality has dipped.
Up to 30 people waiting in line before the doors open. Sad what it has become. Even take out is a min 50 minute wait.
Parking?? Oh my, that in itself is an issue. They do not have a lot for customer parking so it is either 16th Ave or Main and with the amount of people living in the area it can be hard to find a spot. Expect a block or two walk....

Added Jul 11, 2009 by matasman of BC (1 Reviews)

Very poor value
I was dragged here on a week night by friend who "craved" asian food. I was hungry + in a hurry and knew that this 'sushi' place might not be the ticket. In all respects I was right. We were given weak service and speaking for myself left hungry after dropping $60 for 2 people including wine for 2. The salad was delicious but how could you screw that one up? Otherwise, poor value for money if we weren't going to have desert later

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Added Jun 14, 2009 by BigBossTong of vancouver (2 Reviews)

Defenitely overrated
My friends had told me great things about Toshi, so I was very excited to go. Above all, everyone kept mentioning how we'd have to arrive early because they have line ups out the door.

I was extremely disappointed with the entire dinner experience. We had to wait 45 minutes for our table of four. The servers were friendly enough, but they were unable to answer my questions in any detail.

That being said, our party ordered an assortment of sashimi, including the tuna otoro, or the belly of the tuna which is supposed to be extremely delicate and flavorful. Toshi's excuse for tuna otoro was embaarrassing. It smelled vinegary, and tasted like leather. The rest of the sashimi was flavorless and tough. The salmon in particular was absolutely putrid. My tofu appetizer was decent, but not excellent. I did like the presentation of it, however.

My white friends seemed to enjoy it, which leads me to believe that they really have no idea what good sushi is, and they certainly aren't aware of the fact that they are being overcharged for it. A glance around the room confirmed my suspicions, as most of the customers were caucasian. This restaurant is simply not what it is made to be.

Don't waste your time here, this isn't real sushi - it's not even close.

Added Jun 6, 2009 by Gidge of Vancouver (67 Reviews)

Still good after all these years
The dining gods must been smiling down on us tonight since we snagged premium parking out front and waited only 10 minutes for our seats on a Saturday evening. We've been frequenting Toshi et. company since 2004 and have trained ourselves to get used to the long wait times. Surprisingly, during our meal, there was never really a throng of people at the door so that initially concerned us as we haven't been there in a few months. Did something happen to the food quality?? Rest assured, Toshi San and his regular staff are still there and the quality of food has not faltered. With only 38 seats and normally 6 servers on staff, the service is usually very attentive and highly effective. They turn these tables as quickly as Hon's. Food is prepared instantaneously and served to you piping hot. Tea quickly refilled and getting a hold of anyone is never problem since a server is within 10 feet from you. One minor observation is the militant control of the waitlist- all guests have to be present when called or next group on the list gets your table. Our new favourite dish is the boxed sushi (salmon,scallop, avocado) - it's not on the menu so you have to ask for it. Very glad to see that after 6 years of popularity, Toshi has kept up his reputation for great food at reasonable prices. Now only if the laundromat next door closes down so that he could expand.....that would be wishful thinking!

Added May 28, 2009 by spheric of New West (1 Reviews)

Impressive
Here is the summary: Aample parking, good location, good Japanese food like back home. They also do genuine homestyle cooking like my mom's and they have a sign about catering food.
My meal came to $40 and there was no attitude.
Best little secret in Vancouver for sure and no red meat that clogs the heart.

Added Apr 16, 2009 by vancouvertasty of South Main, Vancouver (12 Reviews)

Finally tried it!
I've been wanting to go to Toshi for years but waiting in line just never seemed worth it. It was worth it!
We had salmon nigiri - beautiful wild sockeye. Tofu hotpot with dipping sauce - very light and tasty, nice start to a meal. The mixed nigiri plate was clean and tasty. Miso eggplant was tasty, smokey and creamy. Grilled squid was delicious, the sauce was amazing, texture of the squid was perfect.
Presentation on everything was great. Service was quick and friendly. I'm looking forward to my next trip.
Toshi could join Zippang on Main and Kappa in White Rock for top sushi.

Added Feb 15, 2009 by Steven_Cherry of Richmond (5 Reviews)

Good for the ignorant
If you aren't used to sushi, and if you haven't tried a lot of other sushi places in town, and you don't mind a 45 minute wait, then Toshi is the restaurant for you

I find that the majority of the crowd here is Caucasian, like my self, and as such I'm not surprised that they find the food here good - it isn't. It's not bad, but it doesn't come close to some places like Sushi town or Sushi garden. First of all, it is more expensive than the average sushi bar or restaurant. The salmon was decent, but the piece was small and a bit on the bland side, though the texture was nice. my wife had the tuna, and was not impressed. We waited over 20 minutes for our food - although the place was packed, there were enough sushi chefs to handle the load - I've seen smaller places do a faster and better job - the chefs here are just slow.

The food looks absolutely delicious though - its apparent they take care to present the food properly, however the taste simply does not meet its presentation. Don't expect to leave Toshi with a great experience..it simply isn't worth your time unless you happen to be in the area.

For good sushi, I recommend Sushi-town in burnaby or Sushi garden in vancouver - the rolls are bigger, tastier, and cheaper. If you are in the downtown area, try Aki sushi - great value for downtown prices, and good flavor

Added Jan 18, 2009 by qky of Vancouver (4 Reviews)

Great Japanese home food
We tried going to Toshi once because our friend recommended it to us. We were very pleased with the food. The sushis were all fresh and in perfect sizes (not too large but not too small either). Rolls were decent; you have to order the right ones and you will not be disappointed. Probably our most favorite dishes were the Black Cod (Gindara) and the Spicy Beef. The two dishes warranted us coming back there and sure enough, we are now regulars there. The line-ups are crazy and we know that, but it really is worth the wait. Just remember not to come in big groups or thinking to stay longer for a chat with your friends after dinner.

Added Oct 31, 2008 by jaceycori of Kerridale (5 Reviews)

Mmm Tuna Sashimi with Sesame Sauce
Their specialties are worth the wait (ie: tuna sashimi with sesame sauce, the spicy agedashi tofu, baked eggplant, and mango and salmon roll). Everything else is also decent but not spectacular, but it's good value for their prices. Service is friendly. Good and decently priced sushi restaurants are hard to find in Vancouver. Toshi is one my favourites.

Added Sep 28, 2008 by leucosiaminerva of Fairview, Vancouver (3 Reviews)

"Valuable"
I ate at Toshi last night and had a great dinner of sushi, maki sushi, and spicy agedashi tofu. For the price, the food is excellent. I've been several times and it is consistently very good. Too many reviewers base their entire rating on service, especially when they perceive it to be negative . They haven't separated the food experience from the service experience. From brief conversations with my servers here, I've learned that it's always full, from open to close everyday, so their main focus is just trying to stay on top of orders. In any case, Toshi is about value. If you value high-quality food, but don't mind 3-star service and ambiance this is the place for you. If you're impatient, whiney, and think that all restaurants should treat you like a god, then it's not.

Added Sep 4, 2008 by diningRL of East Vancouver (52 Reviews)

Excellent Authentic Experience
My expectations were set quite high after constantly seeing the perpetual lineup each time I drive by Toshi's. This place does not disappoint!

The previous reviewer is spot on pointing out that the sashimi here is to die for! It's extremely fresh and the toro basically melts in your mouth. I found both the rolls and nigiri to be good as well, but the sashimi is definitely Toshi's main draw.

Ambiance is lackluster as the restaurant is tiny - hence the perpetual lineup. Table turnover is quite high though. On average, expect to wait 30 minutes.

The pricing is very reasonable. It's a bit more expensive than Seto Sushi in Richmond, but pennies compared to Tojo's!

As you can tell from my review history, I frequent Japanese restaurants quite often. For sushi, here's my ranking:

If price isn't a factor:
1. Tojo's
2. Seto Sushi (Richmond)
3. Toshi Sushi

Since this is the real world and price is a factor, especially considering the ridiculous prices that Tojo is charging, I'd highly recommend Seto in Richmond followed closely by Toshi.

Added Aug 3, 2008 by buns of Vancouvers (5 Reviews)

Excellent food if you're willing to pay
This place is one of the best japanese restaurants I've been to. There's a huge lineup all the time but once you get in, the wait's worth it. You're served by some 40+ year japanese waitresses (it's very cute!) and the food is outstanding. The nigiri is fresh. We loved some of their specials, like the caramel eggplant. It's not as cheap as some other places in town, like Sushi Garden, but this place is solid and AUTHENTIC. Would be back here sooner if I had more money.

Added Jul 1, 2008 by Caera of Main, Vancouver (30 Reviews)

Excellent
I've been to Toshi's five or six times, and I've never been disappointed.

As everyone points out, there is usually a line up, so the best idea is to get there at around 4:40 to be seated for 5, or come on the hour after that. People complain about the rules, but they are clearly posted and understandable. This is a restaurant that is open for only 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. They rely on quick turnover for their business. They're not going to let you save one of their very few tables for the rest of your party who may not show up for an hour. That is revenue lost. And, as someone else pointed out, it's not fair for people whose full parties stood out in the cold/rain/heat.

The service is always fine here. The waitresses are pleasant, but this isn't a place like Earls or Cactus Club where the servers go out of their way to charm their tips out of your wallet. I've never had any problems with the service. It's always fast and professional; no wrong orders, no rudeness. The previous reviews have said that the sushi chefs are stern-faced, which is true, but they are extremely busy. They work quickly and efficiently. However, we've spoken with them on a couple of occasions, and they seem very pleasant. A couple of them don't speak English very well, which might explain why people have difficulty.

The food is excellent. To be honest, I don't normally like sushi very much, but since coming to Toshi's, I've been able to eat much more of it than I ever thought I would. The freshness makes all the difference. My husband loves the tako, unagi, and some of their more exotic rolls. I usually stick with the california roll and teriyaki chicken, with the occasional bite of his food. Everything there is very fresh, and the sushi is made right in front of your eyes.

I think this restaurant is fabulous, but if you're the kind of person that doesn't understand that the restaurant has rules and you expect to be treated like a king or queen just because you're paying them $20 for food, I'd recommend you consider going to Cactus instead.

Added Apr 12, 2008 by Tommy2010 of Cambie (7 Reviews)

Not what they used to be...
I've been going to Toshi's since they've opened and have traditionally received good service and good food. However, the last couple of times that I have gone this year, the food was okay at best and the service was not what it used to be. The table had to be re-cleaned after we sat down and my girl-friend found a small string of hair in the rolled sushi. (Not that big of a deal, as I have seen worse).

I felt slightly claustophobic in the restaurant as they really pack the customers in like sardines.

If you want a cheap restaurant, don't mind the wait and really want to experience other customers' elbows, this is the place to be!

Added Apr 3, 2008 by FoodLover999 of Richmond, BC (7 Reviews)

Alright, But not worth the wait
I found the food here flavorful and well-plated. The sushi was soft and the rice was moist and soft, and not in the bland kind of way. However, the servers and staff act like the Soup-Nazi in that episode of Seinfeld! They herd you in and herd you out as if you were cattle! The service is quick and rushed, and the atmosphere is rather cramped. It is good, but for a nice, relaxed, evening, I recommend going somewhere else.

Added Mar 29, 2008 by paulhayes of vancouver (1 Reviews)

Not impressed
My wife and I had heard that this was a popular Sushi place and decided to give it a try. We lined up and i can tell you honestly the wait was absolutely not worth it.

I ordered their Sashimi, Toro Sashimi and assorted sushi and it was watery and not fresh. The atmosphere is cramped and the service is very poor, ignoring small party tables seems to the norm there. Id say the food was very average and perhaps if you are a poor student on a tight budget its acceptable but then again so in Mcdonalds and at least they are not rude there.

Toshi is a prime example of "you get what you pay for"

paul

Added Mar 10, 2008 by ehayashi of Unknown (1 Reviews)

Not what it used to be
Hi

I am of Japanese descent and when we moved here about three years ago i really liked Toshi's. We would go quite often. We moved to Burnaby and stopped going however just last week we moved to Cambie and 18th and decided to try it again.

My rice dish was overcooked and my sushi was not fresh. My husbands meal was also dissappointing (again not fresh) and the tea was cold.

I would say that they have lost what they had a few years ago and by reading some posts here their service has also regressed as well. Pity

Added Mar 10, 2008 by missmay of West End, Vancouver (1 Reviews)

My personal review...
Here is my review of this restaurant.

As a Japanese person who has been raised in a household where the food was all Japanese, I find the food at Toshi Sushi to be reminiscent of homestyle Japanese food. Not only is it good quality but the prices are really great for what you get. You cannot compare Toshi Sushi to places like Tojo (no offence Chef Tojo, your sushi is very good but way too overpriced... that is why Japanese people don't flock to your restaurant). I recommend any of the Sushi Combos and many of the A La Carte dishes! I finally was able to try their "Toro Sashimi" and it was the best I have ever had in Vancouver.

The service is fast and very good but to those who expect a "super" friendly, atmosphere where the servers are smiling ear to ear don't bother coming here. The servers at Toshi Sushi are all just trying to get good food to the customers as fast as they can and at the same time maintaining the "huge" lineup that starts half an hour before the restaurant opens.

To those who were offended or who don't like the restaurant's policy of "all parties having to be present before being seated" need to think of other people before themselves. There is a sign at the front door stating this very strict rule. The owners are not doing this to make "more money". I have heard customers saying that that is why the rule is in place which I think is just ignorant. They have lineups all evening! It is just courtesy to the other guests who have "also" waited a long time to eat there.

The restaurant only seats around 20-30 people so it is a little cramped but that was never really an issue for both my husband and I (my husband is 6'2" and he thinks the seating is fine...)

Added Feb 23, 2008 by PrimeTime of vancouver (1 Reviews)

Japanese People and Japanese food!!!
Great food for my first time, after the 40min wait. Sat at the sushi bar so i could watch the sushi chef's no smiles just buisness. Dont bother me i wont bother him, because i know whats comming SASHIMI !!!! Great food loved the no BS chefs, and the servers had my number all night...

Thanks Toshi.

Added Feb 4, 2008 by cimmerian of Mount Pleasant (4 Reviews)

Excellent Sushi! Get There Early...
You can't beat this sushi but be prepared to wait in line. There is a lineup outside the restaurant every weekday before they open. Luckily you can write your name down on a sheet if there is a line up and they'll call your name when a table comes available.

The service is blazing fast and the food is great but get there as quick as you can before they open.

Added Dec 5, 2007 by Trevor of Vancouver (63 Reviews)

Good everytime
I've been to Toshi's many many times. Each time, I expect to wait. That's because I know the food and service I'll be receiving that night is superb. The rolls are fresh and tasty, the sushi is not overloaded with rice as some restaurants do to make their sushi look bigger. The cooked items are just as fantastic. The eggplant is my absolute favourite~I often order one to go after I've finished my dinner.

The service is always pleasant. The ladies are always smiling... who wants to see a grumpy face?? They are efficient and courteous. Ambience is nice. You get to see the sushi chefs all working hard to get you your food as quickly as possible. The only minor blip is that the tables are sometimes too close together.

For the reviewer "screenap," each restaurant has their house policies for a reason. Given the small size of this restaurant, I'm sure you can try to understand from their standpoint why they don't want to seat parties in which some members aren't yet present. Who's to say that you won't be waiting for the rest of your party for 1/2 hour or more? That's lost business for them. If you were the owner, you might do the very same thing. But it's easy to say that you wouldn't because you're not actually in that position.

Added Nov 18, 2007 by vik of Delta (1 Reviews)

it was good
we usually eat at all you can eat Japenese restuarants either in Vancouver or Richmond. We had heard about Toshi's and decided to give it a try. Yes there was a wait, but it was worth it. We had an awesome meal, although we couldn't get a table and had to sit at the bar, the food was excellent- very top quality we loved it... And as for the service- awesome as well!

Added Jul 11, 2007 by genux of Vancouver (16 Reviews)

Packed!
This place is always packed, regardless of when you go. Definitely not a good place if you're in a large group (5+ people) unless waiting a long time is something you don't mind.

Their rolls are very good. Perhaps not incredible, but better than your average fair. The usual spider roll, house roll (avocado on top), dynamite roll, and others come in ample servings for their price. The donburi dishes are pretty much what you'd expect.

Because the place is small, you won't have a hard time getting the servers' attention. Conversing with the chefs on the bar is always a fun experience if you're the type of person who likes doing that.

Added Apr 20, 2007 by madddskillz of Burnaby (58 Reviews)

it's good
Food here is pretty standard, not very unique or anything. Place is small and there are always long waits. I really wasn't expecting much, despite all the hype, and after waiting in line and looking at the menu, I wasn't impressed.

But the place really is very good. After a while of eating poor/average quality japanese food, you get conditioned to expect it a certain way, but when you receive the same food prepared right, with quality ingredients, it's just so good!

It definitely wasn't very expensive either. It's you haven't tried it, give it a shot. Altho.. I was there during the nucks game, 8:30, on a thursday, when the streets were empty, and still had to wait 20 minutes..

Added Mar 11, 2007 by pickyeaters of Dunbar, Vancouver (7 Reviews)

Not bad except for tempura
We had heard of Toshi's for a long time but did not want to wait in line but went early this day with a friend from Japan. Sushi was good, rolls fresh and small enough to pop into your mouth without having to bite them and have them fall apart on the table. Was disappointed with the thick doughy tempura batter on the veggie tempura dish though. Thought it should have been light and crispy. Baked eggplant dish was good, and I don't usually like eggplant. Would come back for a second try though, as long as it was early and I didn't have to wait.

Added Feb 15, 2007 by Techeat of Richmond (6 Reviews)

Best Sushi Place in Vancouver
OK, I eat out alot and this place is really god honest the best for sushi / Japanese food. I can't believe how good everthing is and I mean everything...sushi, tapas, don, noodles...etc.etc.... yes the line up is LONG but oh so worth the wait. Why is there a line up? Is it not obvious, this place rocks! You'll fall in love with the food immediately and will crave it every few days. Prices are reasonable and for the quality you get, worth every penny!!! Go Toshi Go! Love it!

Added Dec 11, 2006 by thecritic of East Side (173 Reviews)

A solid choice but always a lineup
I had a craving for sushi yesterday and decided to roll by Toshi's and try and get in. I have tried a couple times in the past, there has always been at least a half an hour wait and could never be bothered. I was flying solo and managed to skip the 45 minute queue as a single spot at the bar opened up. Hungry faces in line did not seem too impressed and as I rolled past them when my name was called after only waiting about 2 or 3 minutes.

I order a bunch of different sushi items including a couple pieces of tuna and salmon nigiri, chopped scallop cone, dynamite roll, avocado roll, and a miso soup. Everything was good as I expected. The scallop cone was well prepared; not too much rice and the nori was crisp making it very easy to eat and not chewy at all.

I think the bill came to about 20 bucks including tip which was reasonable. I would probably come here more often but the wait in line is simply not worth it.

Added Sep 11, 2006 by the_world of Vancouver (5 Reviews)

Excellent value
For the past year I have been going to Toshi's once a week, sometimes twice. I have never been disappointed with my choices. The staff is very friendly and always remember me and my favourite dishes. The spicy agedashi tofu is amazing...and the house roll is a must. Be ready to wait for a table...and try to keep your group small. The larger the group the longer the wait for you and the other guests waiting to dine. The food is definitely above average...and the price is very affordable

Added Sep 2, 2006 by 148jules of Quebec & 18th (31 Reviews)

Overrated sushi joint
The long line-ups in front of this place all night long is only an indication that the restaurant is small and that people have read the many raves by food critic Mia Stainsby in the Sun.
I have been 4 times towards closing when the wait is very short (I personally will not wait 30 minutes to get a table when I am hungry like people do at this place and at Stephos - there are other restaurants to support that make equally good food).
Ambiance: small crowded room very clean and brightly lit. Have sat at the sushi most times and a great view of the sushi being made.
Service: attentive and friendly.
Food: generally well presented and beautiful dishes. Menu alas is limited - no tonkatsu??!! And portions too small; my tempura udon came with one shrimp & two small vegetable tempura, udon noodles, broth and some scallion garnish - a simple elegant dish but hardly filling. Sushi is not particularly outstanding although very fresh because of the high volume. Baked eggplant with sweet miso paste (not on the menu) is very good.
Overall a good sushi joint (2 & 3 stars are decent and solid) but quite overrated and this is also what some of my friends think.

Added Jul 3, 2006 by Nonsuch22 of Richmond (7 Reviews)

Authentic does not mean great food
I must agree with one of the previous reviews by tgx78. Funny thing is I've also read "smelly" review thought local Japanese BBS. So here I was. To be fair, I tried a little bit of everything including sushi (both nigiri & roll), sashimi, grilled & deep-fried items. They may be authentic - not terrible, but less than great. Just like you find many mediocre burger places in town, there are average Japanese restaurants in Japan, too. With this quality, I find this place rather expensive. Well, as I work neaby, I might give another chance.

Added Jan 25, 2006 by tgx78 of vancouver (11 Reviews)

deserves 4 or 5? not really..
I am writing this here because the person before me sounded a little fishy. This person sounded as if he (or she) is working for the restaurant. If not, my apology. But really, why are you listing all the prices and telling us how many chairs they have? Somehow your review doesn't look validating and has the feeling of an advertisement. You must love this restaurant so much that you have to have their menu memorized and keep their floorplan? LOL.. Anyway sorry, I've been to this restaurant and I would say some of their dishes are indeed Ok. But I wouldn't say they are great. Try Yanaki or Sushiyama for similar price range. Or better yet try Tojo's or Black Tuna (considerably more expensive but one of the best in Vancouver.)

Added Jan 20, 2006 by tmazalek of Vancouver (1 Reviews)

Great sushi.. long line
I was hunting for a sushi place and came across Toshi which I had happened to visit a week earlier and had to make a review since I was really impressed. Well priced, very good quality rolls (lots of sashimi, light on the rice), good quality soya.. light and flaky tempura. Highly recommend for the price, the only negative point is no reservations and long lineups.