Neighbourhood Gem: Ikebana Sushi

Ikebana Sushi
2090 Alma St, Vancouver
604-558-3533
Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 12:00pm-9:30pm

As much fun as it is to get dolled up and dine, there’s a special place in my heart for neighbourhood gems. They’re unassuming, close by, and can make you so very happy with no occasion required.  When it comes to Vancouver cuisine, Ikebana Sushi is Kitsilano’s best kept sushi secret; while it seems like there are sushi spots on every corner in Vancouver, here’s why this one counts:

• You get big bang for your buck
• It’s fresh (they make it all on the spot once you order)
• You can dine in. You can take out. You can even catch some rays on their outdoor patio…which your dog can also enjoy (the key to Kits’ hearts!)

Whether you’re on your own or dining with friends, Ikebana Sushi has all the dishes you love and executes each one to the fullest.

If you’re eating solo, I highly recommend any of Ikebana’s Box Combos ($6.95) or their Sushi Roll Special (California, Yam, and Tuna Rolls with Miso soup) for $5.95. You get a solid amount of food and a nice variety of fresh-made items.  The chicken teriyaki is one of my go-to picks.

Ikebana also has a fleet of beautiful and creative “Special Rolls” that can’t be beat. They do an amazing job of mixing textures and flavours in their Specialities – each one is truly different! The Hawaii Roll has a soft middle—a spicy blend of tuna and salmon—that is tempered with avocado and topped with masago. The Paradise Roll, my personal favourite, has a freshly-fried prawn tempura middle with cucumber, mango and avocado. You’ll notice the crunch! And I can’t help but give a shout-out to the Flower Roll, unseen by my foodie eyes at any other local sushi spot. The middle is packed with mushrooms, edamame beans, inari (sweet tofu), seaweed salad, and the whole thing is wrapped with a soy bean wrap. It’s a hefty veggie offering that even meat-lovers will enjoy!

When dining with a friend, we usually share 2 special rolls and a Box Combo, for a total of about $25. If you’ve got a few more, I would definitely recommend the steal-of-a-deal: 5 special rolls for $38.50! It’s a fantastic perk that makes it that much better to include Ikebana on your own food tour! Now that, foodie friends, is a neighbourhood gem!