Miku Vancouver

"Miku was the first spot to do aburi-style, or lightly flame-seared, sushi in Vancouver, and while you’ll find a lot of other places using the technique around the city, they still do it best—theirs has the perfect amount of char, plus a secret miso mirin mayonnaise sauce. The salmon aburi is a classic and our favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the other options on the menu. This place is in a really busy area along the Vancouver waterfront where there are a lot of cruise ships, hotels, and tourists, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. Try and get a seat near the window so you can enjoy seeing more of the harbor, and less of the people asking everyone where the Gastown Steam Clock is." - carolyn b heller, amber gibson

"Miku was the first spot to do aburi-style, or lightly flame-seared, sushi in Vancouver, and while you’ll find a lot of other places using the technique around the city, they still do it best—theirs has the perfect amount of char, plus a secret miso mirin mayonnaise sauce. The salmon aburi is a classic and our favorite, but you can’t go wrong with the other options on the menu. This place is in a really busy area along the Vancouver waterfront where there are a lot of cruise ships, hotels, and tourists, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. Try and get a seat near the window so you can enjoy seeing more of the harbor, and less of the people asking everyone where the Gastown Steam Clock is." - Amber Gibson

"Visitors and locals alike flock to Miku. With views of Vancouver Harbor, it could coast on its looks alone, but this reliable spot instead offers high-quality dishes without the sticker shock. Sustainability is paramount; the menu proudly indicates when the selection is Ocean Wise-approved. This is a kitchen that deliciously fuses elements of French and Italian cuisine into the well-known Japanese canon. Impeccable seafood is paired with elevated sauces for memorable results. Aburi salmon oshi sushi, with wild sockeye salmon, jalapeño and their special sauce, elicits an emotional response—artists have even submitted drawings of this decadent delight. Pressed, cooked prawn with lime zest and ume sauce is deeply flavorful; house-cured mackerel with miso is yet another win." - Michelin Inspector

"Miku Vancouver is home to some of the best sushi outside of Japan, and this waterfront restaurant is no exception. Opened in 2008, Miku introduced the city to Aburi-style cuisine, which involves nigiri with grilled fish. Start your meal with the salmon oshi —tiny bricks of sustainable, Ocean Wise–approved fish, flame-seared and topped with disks of jalapeño. Also worthy of attention are more filling dishes like the marbled, beautifully tender Joshu Wagyu steak, served with ponzu, wasabi pickles, pink Himalayan salt, daikon radish, and garlic-sake soy sauce for an umami kick. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, opt for the kaiseki-style chef’s tasting menu, an exquisite presentation of seasonal flavors on artisan-made Arita pottery."

Oshi and aburi with waterfront view