Miku Vancouver — Restaurant in Vancouver

Last Saturday, my friend and I had the pleasure of dining at Miku Vancouver for lunch, and it was a truly exceptional experience from start to finish. Known for its Aburi-style sushi and stunning waterfront location, Miku has long been a popular destination for sushi lovers in Vancouver. Our visit certainly lived up to its reputation, providing a perfect blend of high-quality food, excellent service, and breathtaking views.

Ambiance and Atmosphere

Miku’s location near the waterfront offers a spectacular setting for a meal. The natural light flooding through the large windows and the view of the harbor create a serene and inviting dining experience. The interior is stylish and modern, yet warm and welcoming, making it suitable for both casual lunches and special occasions.

One of the most memorable parts of our visit was the warm greeting we received from the chefs upon entering. This gesture added a personal and authentic touch, making us feel truly welcomed. The restaurant was busy, but the atmosphere remained relaxed, allowing us to enjoy our meal without feeling rushed.

Service

The service at Miku was outstanding. Our server was knowledgeable, professional, and attentive without being intrusive. One of the highlights was the way our server described each piece of sushi in detail, explaining the ingredients and the unique techniques used in their preparation. This level of attention and care enhanced our dining experience, allowing us to fully appreciate the craftsmanship behind each dish.

Food and Drinks

For our meal, my friend and I decided to share two sushi lunch sets: the Premium Sushi Lunch and the Traditional Sushi Lunch.

The Premium Sushi Lunch featured a selection of beautifully crafted sushi, including Miku’s famous flame-seared Aburi sushi. Each piece was fresh, flavorful, and expertly balanced. The smoky, slightly charred taste of the Aburi sushi added depth to the flavors, making it a standout dish. The combination of fresh seafood and high-quality sushi rice, along with delicate garnishes, showcased the chefs’ expertise.

The Traditional Sushi Lunch provided a more classic sushi experience, featuring a variety of nigiri and rolls made with the finest ingredients. The balance of flavors, textures, and presentation made it an excellent choice for those who appreciate traditional sushi styles.

To accompany our meal, my friend ordered a non-alcoholic cocktail, which was refreshing and well-crafted, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus flavors. I opted for a 9oz glass of white wine, which complemented the delicate flavors of the sushi beautifully. The wine was crisp and well-paired with the seafood, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Our lunch at Miku Vancouver was nothing short of exceptional. From the welcoming chefs to the stunning views, attentive service, and exquisite sushi, every aspect of our experience was top-notch. The restaurant effortlessly combines tradition with innovation, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality sushi in a breathtaking setting.

Whether you are a sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a memorable dining experience in Vancouver, Miku is a fantastic choice. We left feeling satisfied and eager to return for another meal. Highly...

Disappointing Experience. Overhyped and Overseasoned.

I was really looking forward to trying Miku after years of hearing all the hype, but unfortunately, it turned out to be just that; hype.

Nearly every dish across the menu was heavily seasoned with salt/sugar/MSG, masking the delicate flavors that define quality sushi. This approach feels more like tricking the palate than showcasing the art of balance & freshness.

One bright side, Nigiris were fresh.

Aburis were just a thin layer of heavily seasoned fish on a mound of again heavily seasoned rice. Zero beauty, just chugged on seasoning.

The spot prawn risotto was literally copy pasting the heavily seasoned aburi rice into a stew format. Tasted exactly the same, that overpowering flavor, just in a different form and color plus maybe butter.

Even the pickled veges, which SHOULD offer a refreshing contrast, were aggressively seasoned in exactly the same way. It was literally just all same taste, cold vs hot only.

The ceviche wasn't a ceviche and again, tasted identical to everything else.

We left several plates unfinished, which is rare for us. The food felt like a generic formula meant to wow people with a quick flavor rather than letting ingredients speak for themselves.

We sat at the sushi bar expecting a traditional bar experience where you can observe the chefs at work. But it was all closed off, and the table quality was proximal to that of a food court white long booth; and no visibility either (and surprisingly no Japanese chefs). The inner edges of the table wasn't clean to add to the disappointment.

The staff were friendly, but even that couldn’t save the experience. We ordered miso soup that never arrived, asked for it to be removed from the bill, and yet it was still there. I usually don't check on the receipt when paying but since the food was so bad, I felt compelled to check how much this vulgar dinner costed, and there it was.

This dinner felt like a waste of money and a waste of a weekend night. We walked out feeling misled by the hype. Vancouver has far better sushi restaurants that don’t rely on seasoning overkill to impress. We won’t...

One of Vancouver's top-rated sushi spots truly lives up to its ranking! We dined there for dinner service and were beyond satisfied with our experience. From the tasteful decor and scenic views to the unique menu selection and attentive service, every detail enhanced our time at this restaurant.

We indulged in a variety of dishes, including the Iwate Wagyu Carpaccio, Aburi Octopus, Sashimi Platter, the Miku Signature Selection, Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallops, a customized aburi roll with tuna (which we loved), and for dessert, the Green Tea Opera and the Honey Genmaicha Castella.

The Carpaccio was delicious and beautifully presented—it was almost too pretty to eat. The Aburi Octopus was charred perfectly; though slightly chewy, it was well-cooked and flavorful. The Sashimi Platter was exceptionally fresh, with each fish variety standing out on its own—definitely one of our favorites. The Salmon Aburi and Ebi Sushi from the Signature Selection were personal highlights.

However, the Pan-Seared Scallops were disappointing. The crema didn't pair well with the scallops, detracting from their flavor, and the scallops themselves were quite chewy and tasted slightly burnt. We would not recommend this dish.

The desserts, on the other hand, were outstanding. The Green Tea Opera is a must-try for matcha lovers, and the Honey Genmaicha Castella offers a unique experience for those who enjoy strawberries. Both desserts ended our meal on a sweet and satisfying note.

We appreciated the waitstaff's detailed explanations of each dish, which helped us understand the main ingredients and enhanced our overall dining experience. This thoughtful service aspect really stood out to us and demonstrated the restaurant's commitment to engaging with its patrons.

Overall, we loved our experience. The prices are high, but each dish is worth it for the high-quality ingredients and the passion and love evident in the preparation. We're excited to visit again when we're back in Vancouver.

Side Note: Descriptions are written in the order...