SYU Kitsilano is a new Japanese restaurant in Kitsilano which opened up at the end of August, offering a refined menu of nigiri, sashimi, rolls, oshi, kitchen specialities, bowls and more.
Chef Koichi Fujioka leads the kitchen, bringing experience from his hometown of Osaka, Japan, and from working in several acclaimed Japanese restaurants in Vancouver.
Appetizers include Edamame with Smoked Salt, Mozuku and Whelk Sunomono, and Shio-Koji Chicken Karaage. For hot dishes, there is Ocean and Harvest Tempura, Asari Miso Thai Curry, and Onsen Salmon to name a few, while bowls such as Unagi and Foie Gras Don and Chef’s Special Chirashi Don highlight premium ingredients. Rolls and oshi offerings range from Aburi Sockeye Salmon Oshi and Snow Crab California Roll to Bluefin Tekka Maki, with nigiri selections like Bluefin Tuna, Hokkaido Scallop, and Spot Prawn. Dessert include Matcha Crème Brûlée and Okinawa Donuts with Ice Cream.
Here are the dishes we tried:
Chef’s Koichi Trio: Smoked Eggplant In Dashi Broth, Bluefin Tuna With Avocado Soy Sauce, Kale Gomae With Five-Hour Slow Roasted Beets
A great trio of small appetizers showcasing different textures and flavours.
Miso Glazed Mackerel
A good balance between the salty glaze and the clean flavour of the fish.
Matsutake Pine Mushroom Tempura With Matcha Salt
A great seasonal dish which was crisp, lighty battered with meaty mushrooms.
Sashimi: Bluefin Tuna Chutoro And 10 Days House Aged Shima-Aji (Striped Horse Mackerel)
Very high quality sashimi of the perfect temperature, texture and flavour.
Unagi & Foie Gras Roll: Seared Eel And Japanese Sweet Omelet Topped With Foie Gras
The Unagi & Foie Gras Roll combines seared eel, sweet omelet, and foie gras in one rich, savoury mouthful that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Sakura Smoked Hamachi Kama: Yellowtail Collar Smoked Over Sakura Wood, With Pickled Cucumber
A unique dish with tender hamachi and slightly smoky.
Snow Crab California Roll With Spinach And Sesame Sauce
I really enjoyed the Snow Crab California Roll with Spinach and Sesame Sauce (delicate, light and I love the Spinach gomae sauce). Chef Koichi and another fellow Chef won in California Roll Competition held in Boston.
Matcha Crème Brûlée
The Matcha Crème Brûlée deliversed a smooth custard with the earthy taste of matcha.
Okinawa Brown Sugar Donuts With Vanilla Ice Cream, Kinako, And Brown Sugar Syrup
This dish was prepared by a staff who is originally from Okinawa. It was soft, warm and comforting!
Tatenokawa Junmai Dai Ginjo
The interior of SYU Kitsilano reflects a minimalist Japanese aesthetic with clean lines, warm lighting, and natural wood finishes The seating includes both counter and booth-style arrangements. The overall setting feels serene and thoughtful, offering a quiet, refined space for guests to enjoy their meal.
Syu Kitsilano is located at 1508 Yew St, Vancouver, BC