This was written on YELP after I read a review on this new sushi place from another RS member on
Sushi Kamizato in Poco. #52
10/10
Authentic Japanese..in POCO!? WHO KNEW!!?!?!!?
I recently read a review online about this new Japanese restaurant that recently opened up in Poco. The chef was a Japanese chef who has worked in various high end Jap restaurants and Zen Sushi in West Van being the last one. Naturally, I felt compelled to take a visit as I am always looking for authentic Japanese restaurants ----not that Sushi Town/Garden or the likes aren't good but they're in different calibres when it comes to taste----and it doesn't hurt that my S/O Michael, lives in Poco.
Located in the heart of downtown Poco and in the busiest complexes; Where the Earls/Old Cdn Tire and Safeway; there it was easy to find. Although the restaurant is a little small;seats about 30 and it's carefully decorated with dark oak flooring and modern finishings. A little sushi bar island that's very reminiscent of Zakkushi--story to come--, leather seats, posh paintings...from Ikea..but that's okay! and soft jazz/70's rock gently playing in the background.
Myself and Michael were greeted with warm smiles and loud greetings from Chef and his cute little wife. It was a Tuesday evening so it was naturally a little bit quiet but there were patrons seated and a few people waiting for take out. They had just opened for a month and there's a current special with 10% takeout. Anyways, we were seated and given our menus. Perhaps they are still in the works of a menu but it was a little plain--which is fine--and in blue/orange folders. However, I'm just a picky person and it's not a big deal. Anyways, we ordered:
-Seafood Motoyaki
-Assorted Sashimi
-Spicy Chopped Scallop Roll
-Yakiudon
-Beef Udon
Seafood was VERY fresh and it didn't taste frozen or old at all for both the motoyaki and sashimi. Our chopped scallop roll was simply delish and it looked super delicate. It looked like the rolls you would get in Japan and the spicy sauce is made from sratch from the Chef on the daily. Both of our udons were very good and cooked to the perfect tenderness. They ran out of the sliced beef for my beef udon so instead opted for a beef steak cooked to a perfect medium rare. Also, might I add that the brother is AMAZING! I'm an udon-junkie and it hit a major home run. MIchael's yakiudon was cooked to perfection. It wasn't overly saucy or overly sweet. Chef and his team have a really good palette in my opinion as everything tasted on point.
Perhaps it's their grand opening special but we were given 4 different tasters to try, compliments from the Chef.
-Bean sprout salad
-Ahi Tuna bites with ponzu sauce
-Mango roll
-Tamago Sashimi for dessert
Not only did he serve these tasters to us but also to the other patrons and even guests that were waiting for their take out! Such a nice gesture and very a smart business move. It shows that Chef is serious in promoting his business as well as taking care of his guests. I can really appreciate that.
I had an amazing time here at Sushi Kamizato and will be returning for sure. Chef made us feel like we were friends and introduced us to his whole team and told us his story on how his business became to be. He really loves what he does and shared his praise to other Sushi chefs in the city. One being the head chef at Zakkushi who helped him with his restaurant and the friends that helped him start this dream of his. I have nothing but good things to say about Sushi K.