mark's (VFM founder) fave japanese places in town

I’d say your best bet is to go downtown around Robson & Thurlow. From there, three of our above recommendations are within one block: Ebisu, Guu and Aki. They’re all good, authentic, and reasonably priced (dinehere.ca says $10-$20). My top pick would be Ebisu – nicest atmosphere of the three. The other two are a bit claustrophobic by comparison. Ebisu is on Bute just south of Robson, up some outside stairs to the 2^nd floor. Aki is down some stairs on the west side of Thurlow between Robson and Alberni. Guu is on the east side of Thurlow between Robson and Smithe.

Two of Hiromi’s favorites are:

• Ajisai http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=190 – sushi, in Kerrisdale
• Aki http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2723 – various types of J food; downtown

This one we both like a lot & often go:

• Ebisu http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2093 – various types of J food; downtown; especially their chicken kara-age

Also very good:

• Guu http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=75 – various types of J food; downtown
• Guu with Otokomae http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=90 – various types of J food; Gastown
• Hapa http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=38 – various types of J food; downtown; cool Tokyo-trendy atmosphere

Two noteworthy inexpensive sushi places outside of downtown:

• Toshi http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=399– popular, I’ve eaten there, very good
• Hiroshi http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=1444 – highly rated; I haven’t tried it yet

AVOID:

• Stay away from Tojo’s http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=2 – overpriced!
• I don’t recommend Black Tuna http://dinehere.ca/restaurant.asp?r=272 in spite of good reviews

Let me know what you try & what you think!
-- Mark