Sakanaya Seafood and Sushi

Japanese owned and operated, fresh fish and seafood daily, outstanding and creative sushi rolls, merchants of Japanese imported foods and goods. I don’t know where else you can find such a remarkable combination under one roof!
I fortuitously discovered this gem when my girlfriend had to renew her car insurance next door. Despite the small location, this place is bustling with take-​out orders around the clock. I’m honestly surprised that I’ve never heard about this place especially since it’s been open since 1986 and has earned itself so many outstanding ratings!
Whether it’s a pick-​up order or a dine-​in, I highly recommend ordering a «salmon pocket». These are inari (or bean curd) sleeves filled with rice, wasabi mayo and other delicious goodness that will make your stomach beg for more. Other outstanding rolls include the ‘Ogopogo’ and ‘Rock ‘n Roll’.
If you and a friend are hungry while wandering through Marpole, Sakanaya shouldn’t be an eatery to skip!

Happened across this randomly when I was driving my dad to the airport and we needed lunch. Such a pleasant surprise!
The sushi was so fresh and delicious. The only thing is their hours are kind of limited so I don’t know how often I’ll be able to get there!

The Sushi and other fish meals here are GREAT! Not only do they have really top quality super fresh product but the Chef here was really passionate about answering all the questions we had.
As a a sushi stuffing sumo champion this place holds it down as our favourite in the city.

I’ve been a huge fan of Sakanaya for years now and am so happy to see the expansion to their modest dine-​in area. Although picking up take away and sitting up at the window-​facing bar to enjoy fresh sushi are both great options, sitting down at one of the small tables that are now available is just tops.
The special scallop roll is my default side to accompany any of the larger, multi-​ingredient special rolls that are always changing. It’s very impressive that despite the great pressure coming from the neighbouring competition’s emphasis on size, Sakanaya has endured by using top quality ingredients and creating masterful flavour combinations. Don’t get me wrong, there is definitely a time and place in my belly for cheap and cheerful, but there is just no quantity that can satisfy this foodie when I’ve got a hankering for Sakanaya’s makis.

I was told that the pieces of sushi served here were small before I even went, but also heard they used Sockeye and Ahi tuna for the sushi. I thought, heck, I don’t eat too much anyway but I like good fish.
I ordered just a 8 piece sushi deal. I was disappointed as i paid $ 10.25 for the smallest 8 pieces of sushi I’ve been served. I’ve seen bigger pieces in the middle of a roll and it took me no more than 2 minutes to eat and left me feeling hungry. But the fish was excellent! And the Miso soup was tasty. You just don’t get what you pay for.
I can not say anything else about the store itself as it is also a small fish shop The restaurant seems to come second. But I woulda bought a whole slab of salmon or tuna if I could of afford it.

This is an interesting little Japanese seafood deli and hidden gem of a sushi bar. I walked by this place often but never bothered to check it out. The maple syrup and smoked salmon boxes on display screamed «Tourist-​y» to me. One afternoon, I was in the mood for sushi, but didn’t want to cross the street or pay a lot for it, so I decided to check out this place.
The staff are Japanese-​Canadian. They’re fluent in both Japanese and English. There were several Japanese customers coming and going through the back door. It is always a very good sign when an ostensibly japanese food establishment has actual japanese customers.
The sushi bar seems kind of ad hoc, a little corner at the front, with a chalk board menu. I decided to order the assorted sushi combo for takeout for about $ 12.95. I wanted some rice and fish.
The kind lady went through the motions and prepped my dish. It took a little bit longer than I expected but it was well worth the wait. It looks small but the box was packed with flavor. Being a seafood deli meant that they had access to a wide assortment of fresh fish. They only sell wild sockeye salmon.
The sushi rice was at room temperature, which in my opinion is the correct, traditional japanese way, and how its done in Japan. I know, I know, all the sanitation/​hygiene people go nuts over this, and say that it has to be chilled to prevent salmonella, blah blah blah. dude, if its prepared fresh, clean, and eaten right away, its fine. I didn’t get sick, and I quite enjoyed this meal and really looking forward to returning in the near future for more fresh fish and rice.

Do you ever just «risk it» and ask the chef to prepare something that they like?
This is a safe place to test the seas…
Twice I have been, and twice I have left with a sly smile slathered across my mug.
Enough said!