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Bistro Sakana

Bistro Sakana, 1123 Mainland St, Vancouver

4.5
RESTAURANT RATING: 
WONDERFUL
4.5 out of 5 (52 Ratings)
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About Bistro Sakana
The Spotlight on Bistro Sakana

Fresh Sushi and a Chill Vibe Steps from the Stage

Modern yet cozy, Bistro Sakana is a stylish Japanese bistro tucked in the heart of Vancouver’s vibrant Yaletown district. Just a short walk from several major music venues, this intimate spot blends West Coast flair with authentic Japanese flavors. The interior is sleek and minimalist, with a welcoming atmosphere that suits both casual diners and date nights alike.

Known for its creative sushi rolls, fresh sashimi, and curated sake list, Bistro Sakana brings a refined touch to traditional Japanese dining—without feeling stuffy. With a casual dress code and a quiet yet upbeat setting, it’s an easy pick for concert-goers who want a memorable meal without missing the opening act.

Why Concert-goers love it

Its prime location in Yaletown puts you within walking distance of top Vancouver concert venues, making it an ideal pre-show dinner stop. Guests rave about the fast, efficient service—perfect for those on a tight schedule. The ambiance is just right: lively enough to feel festive, but quiet enough to chat over a drink. If you’re looking to fuel up before the music starts, Bistro Sakana’s small plates and shareable rolls make it easy to dine and dash (politely, of course).

Who this Restaurant is great for

  • Groups of friends sharing sushi platters before the show
  • Solo travelers grabbing a sake flight at the bar
  • Couples looking for a cozy date-night dinner
  • Fans wanting a refined but fun pre-show vibe
  • Budget-conscious music lovers—especially during happy hour

What People Say

Reviewers on TripAdvisor and OpenTable consistently praise the freshness of the fish, the creative sushi rolls (try the Tiger Eye or the Yaletown Roll), and the attentive service. Many note the convenience of the location and the relaxed, unpretentious vibe. The sake selection and inventive cocktails also get high marks, making it a go-to for pre-show drinks.

Areas for Improvement

While most diners are impressed, some mention that the space can feel a bit tight during peak hours, and prices are on the higher side for sushi. That said, happy hour deals and the quality of ingredients tend to balance things out.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers craving sushi and sake in a sleek, central spot with quick service, Bistro Sakana hits the right note every time.

Average Price
$31 to $50
Cuisine
Japanese
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Opening Hours
Lunch
Tue-Fri 12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Dinner
Tue-Thu, Sun 5:00 pm-9:30 pm
Fri, Sat 5:00 pm-10:30 pm

Bistro Sakana Customer Reviews

Many have visited, but none have returned to tell the tale. Will you be the first to write a review of Bistro Sakana?

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Bistro Sakana is #303 of 3192 things to do in Vancouver

5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Lisa D
Sat 29 Jul, 2023
l The sushi tasted like butter! It melted in your mouth. It was the best sushi. Great service and strong drinks.

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5 of 5 stars5 out of 5
By: Bernd E, Williams Lake, Canada
Thu 20 Oct, 2022
l Smack in the middle of Yaletown, this upscale Japanese restaurant has a large selection of food; whereas I concentrated on sushi dishes ... absolutely yummy!!! Sat outside on the patio and service...

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3 of 5 stars3 out of 5
By: MadameO4, Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Mon 22 Aug, 2022
l We ordered takeout. It said 15 min then we got an email that said 55. Not a huge deal but whatever. The kicker for us was- this place had come recommended so we wanted to try it. Thus we got approx...

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Bistro Sakana 1123 Mainland St, Vancouver