[Jer3]

i think sushi hachi would fit your criteria (assuming you can get a reservation since it gets booked up quick. call in immediately to see if theres a spot!). the sushi is probably the best you can get in vancouver in my opinion. order a few chef special sushi/sashimi along with a few individual nigiri and you'll be fine for the evening.

ichiro is authentic and good but I find the items are a tad overpriced for some things. you'll most likely fall below your budget if you go there even if you go all out and order lobster sashimi and the more expensive items. raw items there are usually second to none though and really fresh. the advantage you get at ichiro is there are actually real cooked item as they have a full kitchen unlike sushi hachi who actually only have a small electric oven to cook with.

another suggestion i could say is kiriri in richmond. from the sushi i've sampled, it is quite high quality and is around the budget your looking for. kind of similar in terms to sushi hachi. the service there is great as well and the food (assuming you stay away from those uninspired "creative" rolls). last time i went by, i remember seeing the daily specials including ootoro (at $8 a piece), katsuo and shimaaji on the menu. if you want to impress, those are definitely the items to order.

oh and one last suggestion that just came to mind. i've heard kimura is quite good. check out the reviews on urbanspoon and see if thats what your looking for. should fit within your budget as well.

for those who suggested:
nao sushi - i've heard its a good place for a casual dinner or lunch but its probably not a place to try to impress.
tojo's - too expensive for his budget
hanako - never been to hanako but have heard amazing things about it. too bad its in surrey and a bit far from richmond/vancouver which i would assume is the OP preference.