Hachibei — Restaurant in Vancouver

Even with owner changed, 12 yrs, I still love to go there to have food, even though now I live in the tri-city area, when ever a new friend come to visit, I would still like to take them there to eat.

The first time I went to Hachibei was a classmate of mine who too is a Japanese student, she took me there because I live there for a year in Japan, and I love Japanese food. When I order their authentic fish dish, I can't stop smiling, and have my happy food face on, that's what my husband call it. I felt as if I was back in Japan, eating a yummy meal from Japan, bring me back memories of the wonderful time. I always order the authentic fish dish, because I can eat sushi any where. I love the most is their simmer mackerel, as I write this, I can't help but drooling and think the tasty and soft fish. My routine is always, when going to Hachibei early around 5-5:30pm(very small space,), don't eat anything and be very hungry, then once there eat the dinner, then go take a little walk and wait till 7pm then to " Cheese cake etc" on Granville street for a piece of cheese cake, then drive 45min back home. Anyway, They are the only reason I would miss living around that area. hope you will take my advice and go for their authentic dishes. Enjoy!

Update: September 1st, 2025 I can't believe it's been 9 years since I came . I went in on Aug 29th, because I had appointment near by. This time I came at 11:30am right around when they just open for lunch. I thought they only serve dinner. It was still fantastic and warm welcoming staff, this is another perfect time to come not much people. And from what I understand, the staff said evening is super busy. I didn't order other food but my usual mackerel teshoku. And one order of chicken yakitori. So wonderful to come...

I made a visit after a while and couldn't help notice everything from the atmosphere to quality of food has gone down significantly. It appears that owner/cook is not Japanese anymore and that is okay because there are always changes in the business, but when taking over the place like Hachibei -- one of the few authentic Japaneses in Vancouver -- it requires rigorous efforts to provide original tastes and service, but it wasn't happening when I went there. I would like to leave some tips on how to improve the operation.

The owner should be getting advice from the previous owner or do more research on how real Japanese dishes were made from ingredients to the portions. I know it is tough for every business to acquire high quality food due to inflation, but with such a high price -- Katsu Curry set being $18 -- the quality and portions must be improved overall.

The counter is a giant wall that doesn't want to show the kitchen and workers because they are afraid of showing what might not be pleasant to look as customers. When I needed some help, I could barely see the head of the waitress. Be more open to guests for a vibrant atmosphere.

Bring back some of the old Hachibei menus like Hamburger Steak set as well as weekly and daily specials for reasonable prices like happy hours. The lunch menu is still expensive despite the fact that it is supposed to be cheaper than regular menu.

I know it is not fair for us to give 1 or 2 stars when they provide what it seems to be decent as a Japanese dish in Vancouver unless we compare them to the old Hachibei taste or ones in Japan, but I do not want the owners/workers to close the restaurant that was loved by hundreds of...

I don’t say this often in my reviews, maybe just a couple times throughout the entirety.

You must not miss this place.

Hachibei has been around for 30 years. I first heard about it 2 decades ago but never really found the chance to try it.

Today, i finally decided to try this place specifically by visiting it after a particularly tiring day. 1:30 pm and the place was still packed.

It was everything i imagined when my friend told me about it 20 years ago - ‘one of the last standing japanese warrior eateries!’ meaning it’s old school and authentic in her opinion.

Everything was great, no complaints.

Quality ingredients, masterful cooking techniques and the price is very reasonable.

Also it is a small place - around maybe 15-18 seats.

Japanese servers, chefs and even many of the eaters are japanese which truly is a testament to its authenticity. Japanese authenticity in restaurants is quite rare these days as many are run by chinese, vietnamese or koreans and the food is not authentic japanese but something of a fusion, westernized profile.

Many people who have lived in vancouver for decades probably have heard of hi genki, seto, washoku (downtown), l’ orangerie and a few other hole in the wall super authentic japanese places that have come and go throughout the decades. Some are still here (ie: hachibei, seto) but many have closed not because of lack of business but due to old age retirement.

If you want to try one of the longer remaining japanese places still standing, visit hachibei asap!!

Will...