Sushi California (501A North Rd, at corner of Austin and North Road, Coquitlam, phone 604-931-8284) is a great place for reasonably priced, tasty sushi combinations. It’s located within walking distance of Lougheed Mall and the Lougheed skytrain station. The spicy tuna combination is my favorite item: it’s priced around $8.00 and includes spicy tuna sashimi, spicy tuna roll, and kappa (cucumber roll) maki. Pictured below is the Alaska roll which is around $3.00 and tasted really fresh.

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

Samurai Japanese Restaurant (1108 Davie St., phone 604-609-0078) has become one of my favorite places to go for gigantic and fresh sashimi and sushi rolls. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown Davie Street area, Samurai is usually packed with people well into the evening. Be prepared to wait a few minutes in line, but I think you’ll find that the wait is well worth it! Pictured below are the assorted sashimi, and the Saba (mackerel) sashimi. Price is quite reasonable at this restaurant, considering the quality of the food. For two people ordering some pretty fancy items, the bill came out to around $30.00.