Okeya Kyujiro

This experience is from dining with them on September 29, 2022 shortly after their grand opening. Certain things may have changed since then.

Okeya Kyujiro is an elevated Omakase experience which began as the first of its kind in Montreal. The fully immersive open kitchen concept truly transports you to Japan. The quality fish and ingredients used during each meal are sourced from Japan, and all over the world. The "multi-sensory" dining concept is definitely unique. Seeing the chefs and staff work to the beat of the traditional Japanese soundtrack playing in the background is akin to watching a play or a movie. There was also an emphasis on ceremony at the beginning and end of our meal which really rounded out the experience.

The food was definitely delicious, we were served a menu which consisted of sushi, grilled meats, cold dishes, shabu shabu, and premium quality matcha and fruits to finish. You will be full--but not stuffed--after your meal.

Service was definitely superior to most restaurants (as expected). However--and this might be because we visited during the 2nd or 3rd week of their opening--there was room for improvement. The whole experience was smooth enough but there were a few "stumbles" in the rhythm at times, nothing major.

My biggest dissatisfaction with our experience would be arriving at the restaurant. The instructions we were given was to arrive at the restaurant 10-15 minutes before our reservation. We did just that and was confused as to where we should go. The restaurant had their gates down, and there were no further instruction regarding where we should wait, and no number to call to clarify. The other diners who arrived were also visibly confused. We all just ended up standing on the edge of the sidewalk in front of the seemingly closed restaurant hoping that we were in the right place. This was also peak dinner rush hour in the middle of Yaletown's Mainland street. Needless to say, there was a lot of "excuse me(s)" and moving out of other peoples way.

Overall still a very unique experience, I would recommend it to those looking for a fresh dining experience in Vancouver with unique dishes and authentic Japanese cuisine.

Every bit a Michelin Star restaurant and deserved of the rating it has here on Yelp.

That said, there are a couple things that could be addressed.

First, their non alcoholic drink options are basically nonexistent. Even just having Ginger Beer which pairs perfectly with sushi would help a lot. But there needs to be some thought put to the beverage menu. (It's so limited that they don't even show you one).

I think a great opportunity was missed here to serve Otoro in multiple unique ways.

Delve into a world where every bite tells a story, where intimacy intertwines with flavor, and where sushi transcends mere food to become an experience of pure delight.

In a bustling world, sushi offers a sanctuary of intimacy. Seated at the sushi bar, I found myself drawn into a personal culinary journey guided by the skilled hands of the chef. With each delicate slice of fish and every precisely formed grain of rice, a sense of connection blossomed between creator and consumer. It's as if each piece of sushi whispered secrets of its origins and preparation, inviting me to partake in its story.

Beyond its intimacy, sushi captivates with its unparalleled delicacy. From the first bite of a perfectly seasoned rice ball to the last lingering taste of fresh wasabi, each element harmonizes to create a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate. Whether it's the buttery richness of fatty tuna, the briny sweetness of uni, or the subtle crunch of cucumber, every ingredient is meticulously chosen to delight the senses.

Moreover, sushi embodies the art of simplicity. Stripped of excess, each piece is a testament to the mastery of balance and restraint. It's a reminder that true culinary excellence lies not in extravagance, but in the refinement of technique and the purity of ingredients.

In conclusion, sushi is more than just a meal--it's an intimate rendezvous with tradition, craftsmanship, and taste. With every bite, I found myself falling deeper in love with its elegance and allure. Whether shared with loved ones or savored in solitary contemplation, sushi is an experience that nourishes both body and soul, leaving an indelible imprint on the palate and the heart.

This was a truly epic sushi experience. It's is almost a performance in terms of how it is paced, but it's definitely more than that. The amount of respect and skill put into each bite was a thing to behold. While the dining room hold about 14 people, it doesn't feel too quiet and the servers explaining dishes and the chefs showing the products we handed the experience. I won't do a blow by blow of each bite. All I will say is that my partner and I loved the food and the experience. We would definitely return.

AMAZING SUSHI
AMAZING PERFORMANCE

2/11/24

Kyujiro has only 12 seats. The arrangement of the seats resembles a stage, and during the initial preparation phase, curtain is closed like a grand theater performance--lights dimmed. When the designated time arrives and everyone is assembled, the curtain slowly rises accompanied by the sound of bamboo joints, and the lights brighten. The chef makes an appearance, and the show begins. The ritualistic atmosphere is truly captivating.

Does Okeya Kyujiro deserve the title of Best Omakase experience in Vancouver? I personally think they offer an interesting dining experience and serve up fresh ingredients, but are they really the best?

Service from the get-go was immaculate, the restaurant is a limited 14 seat per seating event that happens twice a day (for dinner). The staff greet you in typical fashion and is extremely attentive to every beckon and call.

The food, what I really came for, was excellent except for it feeling extremely rushed at the start. It felt like I was gasping for air as I switched between courses and my sake/champagne. The experience itself warrants the price tag. Although the sequence of cooked-nigiri-cold-hot dishes were rather confusing at times, you will definitely leave satisfied and extremely content. Prices for sake are reasonable and they offer a good range of both variety and price, of course in relation to the Omakase ($300).

Definitely not your everyday sushi spot in Vancouver! Come celebrate for a special event but if you want a pure Omakase experience without the theatrics, this isn't that spot.

The experience was amazing on so many levels, from the secretive entrance to the opening show and the amazing service throughout, this is the omakase to go to.

It's not cheap but it was definitely worth the price. I am not going to ruin the experience with photos but suffice to say some dishes were so beautiful it almost made me cry.

Go!

It's very good. Each piece of sushi was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully seasoned, including highlights like smoked saba and cured maguro. The hot dishes were also extremely well done -- chawanmushi was beautifully tender, A5 wagyu soba noodles came in a richly layered broth, and ikura-king-crab chirashi came with rice enriched by red snapper as it steamed.

Service was mostly very good with a few minor hiccups, where staff weren't quite choreographed in the tight space. I think they intend for the menu-less drink service to feel consultative and personal, but I wound up wishing I either had the transparency of a drink menu or the hands-off assurance of a pairing. The theatrics were understated, which I appreciated. The music was distracting.

I went for the less expensive lunch service, which would be my recommendation -- the experience felt luxurious and complete, and while I haven't tried the longer dinner menu, I certainly didn't leave feeling like I missed out on a $150 supplement.

I haven't been to Masayoshi since it got its star, so take this with a grain of (moshio) salt -- but while I think both * sushi places in Vancouver are very good, I think Okeya Kyujiro is slightly better.

Outstanding in every way. Food was impressive and delicious with some of the best sushi I've ever had. Staff are attentive and prepare dishes while you watch. Small sushi bar style with comfortable seating. Reservations are a must.

One of the best Omakase in Vancouver. It's actually a 27 course meal. There's also dessert and a cup of matcha.