Ganbei Izakaya — Restaurant in Richmond

Ganbei Izakaya Japanese Restaurant

Address: 4800 No. 3 Road #133, Richmond, BC V6X 3A6

Food

Chef’s Choice Sashimi The Chef’s Choice Sashimi is a visually stunning presentation of 18 pieces, each one impeccably fresh and vibrant. The selection of fish showcases the chef’s skill in sourcing and preparing high-quality ingredients. Every piece had a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture, with clean and precise cuts that accentuated the natural flavors of the fish. This dish truly highlights the elegance of simplicity in Japanese cuisine. Rating: 9/10

Wagyu Sashimi The Wagyu Sashimi was a standout, both in portion and quality. The marbling of the beef delivered a luxurious, buttery texture that left a lasting impression. Each slice was perfectly cut, balancing richness and umami with every bite. This dish is a must-try for any Wagyu aficionado. Rating: 9/10

Sukiyaki The Sukiyaki arrived piping hot, offering a comforting blend of thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables. While the dish was well-executed, I found the broth slightly lacking in sweetness to suit my personal preference. Nonetheless, the ingredients were cooked to perfection, and the balance of flavors was still enjoyable. It’s a hearty and satisfying option for those seeking a warm, traditional dish. Rating: 8/10

Service The service at Ganbei Izakaya was commendable, with attentive and knowledgeable staff who enhanced the dining experience. The team was efficient, yet unobtrusive, ensuring that each table was well taken care of without rushing the meal. From timely dish delivery to thoughtful recommendations, the service exceeded expectations. Rating: 9/10

Ambiance

The atmosphere of the restaurant was charming, reminding me of eateries in Japan and Hong Kong. The dining area was cozy and comfortable, with a layout that made the space feel intimate. It’s clear that the owner is a fan of One Piece, as anime-inspired decor subtly enhanced the experience.

Rating: 8/10

Price

For the level of quality and presentation, the pricing at Ganbei Izakaya is fair and justified. The freshness of the ingredients and the careful preparation of each dish reflect a commitment to delivering value for money. It is a place where both the food and the overall experience feel well worth the cost.

Verdict Ganbei Izakaya is an exceptional dining destination in Richmond, offering a blend of refined Japanese cuisine and attentive service. Whether you’re seeking top-tier sashimi or a comforting bowl of sukiyaki, this restaurant delivers a consistently high-quality experience. A return visit is...

This was our first time but what a great izakaya experience! We are somewhat picky eaters but we ordered some things we normally wouldn't get at other Japanese food establishments because we heard that Ganbei Izakaya does them much better. They weren't wrong.

FOOD:

~The seared engawa nigiri is a must-try!! It simply melts in your mouth!

~The chicken skin (which we saw other tables order as well) was flavourful and perfectly crispy but without being dry.

~The generous portion of oyster motoyaki was nicely cooked and served in a proper dish (not in tin foil!) and instead of being overloaded with mayo and swimming in liquid as motoyaki often are, the one we tried at Ganbei was balanced with egg and was a pleasant change.

~The Barcelona roll (seared mackerel, asparagus, oshinko) is by FAR the #1 saba roll I've ever had anywhere. I was hesitant at first because I'm not a huge asparagus fan (as I found other places' asparagus tends to be too crispy or too chewy, which adds disharmony to the roll) but at Ganbei they made the cook and composition work to PERFECTION in both taste and texture. The mackerel was soft, not too fishy or salty, but seared just right. If you like mackerel, you must not miss this one!

~The Sakura roll was full of popping colours and fresh flavours!!! Really pleasant roll! (As an add-on comment: the bits of pickled radish (?) that came with the roll were the perfect addition.)

ATMOSPHERE AND STAFF:

Attentive, welcoming and friendly staff. They were busy but were very sweet, kind and accommodating. 5 stars!!

The place is clean and well-kept, from the dining area, bar and bathrooms (kid-friendly as well). The decor is classy but has a fun vibe with a subtle, fun and tasteful dash of wall-art.

PARKING/ACCESS:

Tons of parking in front and easily accessible from #3 Road or Alexandra. Also wheelchair accessible.

Overall, 5 stars all around for our first experience. We would've taken more or less-rushed photos but were too busy eating.

Thanks...

My brother is a big fan of One Piece and he's been wanting to go here since last month but we never had the time to go so we finally went!

Upon entering the restaurant, we were already greeted by the staff. The ambiance of the restaurant reminded me of a Japanese restaurant when I was in Tokyo. The interior screams "classic" Japanese interior, but the One Piece decorations stood out the most. The artworks were incredible! Glenda, the owner, was there, and she was the one serving us, and we were praising the decorations, and she proudly told us she made the Luffy sculpture herself. She's really nice, accommodating and efficient!

The food was 10/10 too! My dad ordered Shrimp Tempura and Beef Tongue, my mom ordered the Mentaiko Fried Rice — THIS IS THE BEST FRIED RICE I'VE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!, I ordered Spam onigiri and "Fantastic" special sushi rolls, my brother ordered spicy salmon rolls and chicken karaage. Everything was honestly tasty. However, the portion was quite small— smaller than most Japanese restaurants I've been to— which I actually find better because I love how everything isn't "overwhelmingly" big and fits in my mouth perfectly! I love how I can enjoy the food without having to bite 3x on a single sushi roll! I really recommend getting the Mentaiko Fried Rice. I would go back again and again for it!

We will definitely come back and try their other menu!

I love supporting local/family owned businesses, so I wish this restaurant well! Glenda looks like a very genuine person, so I hope she and her husband get more customers and diners at their restaurant 🙏🏼

This is my first thoughtful review out of all the restaurants I've done a review for because I really liked my family's interaction with our server, which we later learned, owns the restaurant. And how the quality of their food and service reflects how they value...