The Eatery (3431 W Broadway, Vancouver, phone: 604-738-5298) is a funky Japanese restaurant that has a candle-lit night-club atmosphere and is a popular hangout for UBC students. The primary attraction here is the inventive fusion sushi rolls, with off-the-wall names such as “Andy Warhol Roll”, the “Erotica Roll”, and the “Viva Las Vegas Roll”. The specialty rolls are in the $5 to $8.50 range for a roll, and there are different specials depending on the day of the week. Pictured below is the “Assembly Line” sushi platter which has a large selection of specialty rolls ($47.50) – this enough food for four people with average appetites, or will surely satisfy two people who are very hungry.

Shiru Bay Chopstick Cafe (web site, address: 1193 Hamilton Street, phone: 604-408-9315) is a fun, upscale Japanese tapas restaurant located in Yaletown. Dishes are creatively and aesthetically presented and the menu is a romp through Asian-European fusion, with definite French influences. For $35 per person you can experience the Chef’s Tasting Menu which includes an impressive sampling of their menu (some of which is pictured below).

Sashimi

Pork cutlet

Japanese Omelette

Ebi-mayo prawns

Mussels

Sushi

Ebisu on Robson (827 Bute Street, Vancouver, phone 604-689-8266) serves Japanese tapas and Asian-western fusion food, appealing to the younger, hip Asian crowd as well as food enthusiasts seeking a taste above the ordinary. Recently taking over from “Hooters” in this spacious 2nd floor room overlooking Robson street, Ebisu has a varied menu that ranges from delectable sushi concoctions such as the “Crunch ‘n Munch” roll ($12.97, pictured below) to Rack of Lamb and even pumpkin soup and fish tacos. The Oyster Blowout ($12.78, pictured below) has got to be my favorite item. It’s a huge platter of 12 fresh raw oysters served with a variety of sauces and toppings. We ordered some more inspired Japanese items, such as the Ika Meshi (stuffed squid rolls, pictured below, $11.11), the Deluxe Tempura ($14.77, pictured below), and the Sashimi Salad ($9.57, pictured below).

Crunch ‘n Munch Roll

Ika Meshi (Squid roll sushi)

Oyster Blowout (fresh raw oysters)

Sashimi Salad

Deluxe Tempura