The day I went there it was super busy which I believe is the reason it effected the food quality for that day. That's why I'm still giving them a 5-star overall because I know if it wasn't so busy, then the food quality would have been as expected. The Pride parade was going on right outside the front door on the street, so lots of people were eating there at the same time and this scenario went on like this for hours. The place was so packed that we had to wait on a waitlist for more than 10 minutes.
Once inside, it was great. The atmosphere being modern, relaxed, and elegant. The place almost glistens. The decor truly made it feel like the authentic Japanese restaurant that it is. The staff being warm and friendly, taking care of lots of patrons and ensuring they're getting a fine dining experience. The seating itself was good. Glad there were padded seats because it makes the whole experience more comfortable! The seating arrangements of the tables made sense, too. No awkward table placements like some restaurants where you're staring at other patrons in your line of view from your seat! Try to get the window seating if you can. It makes the experience even more fun and gives you a feel of Vancouver. We got to see the Pride parade through the window.
I wasn't planning on doing a food review for this place because it was during my birthday. I wanted to relax and not focus on reviewing any places! Hence the lack of photos for this review.
As for the food, I ordered the DX Assorted Sushi Combo and shared it with my friend and I. This large combo can easily feed 2-3 people. Price points weren't that bad. About $33 Canadian, which converted to around $24 USD. That's a lot of sushi for a base price of $24. My only qualm with the quality of the sushi here is that I was expecting a more robust taste. It tasted flat as if it was rushed. I was kind of let down by this. However, as previously stated, the food quality for that day was most likely effected by the massive amounts of people they had to quickly serve. I'm definitely coming back here in the future to eat more sushi.
The one thing I really loved about Tom's Sushi is that they are on top of the game for people with gluten intolerance / Celiac. I'd say they are far ahead of many other businesses in the restaurant and sushi industries in this regard. The staff were super knowledgable on what contained gluten and what didn't. My friend and I were shocked and surprised (in a good way). I told them that I can't have gluten so the very kind staff lady got her tablet out and read off each roll that contained gluten and asked if I wanted to substitute it with a non-gluten ingredient. They even had gluten-free soy sauce! Do you know how awesome it was to finally be able to dip sushi in soy sauce and not worry about getting a severe headache afterward?? :) The only thing that irked me was that it cost about $5 each roll that needed a gluten-free substitute. That added up the total price quite significantly. I understand though, gluten-free substitutes are not cheap, they're some of the most expensive food items out there compared to their wheat, etc counterparts.
I'd recommend this place if you love ordering large combos for good pricing and if you have any type of gluten intolerance. You won't be...
Read moreVancouver city is a hotbed for exceptional sushi, sashimi and Jap-inspired fusion food, and yet this particular restaurant on Davie Street receives hearty praise from locals and visitors in a way that only restaurants with a measure of X-factor could. Put simply, Tom Sushi is a location-specific elevated dining experience that pays homage to both the Japanese source cuisine and fresh local West-Coast produce without emptying the wallets of its patrons.
Their open view kitchen with over 8 staff in the back corner was noticeable from the moment we entered. As the waiters walked up and down the room with a steady stream of dishes or take-out bags, there was a metronomic pace to the kitchen team’s work. The sheer scale of their output was utterly impressive.
Onto the dinner itself: we had a 10-pc Tempura Platter, two special rolls (Rainbow Roll and Forest Roll), an off-the-menu ‘House Roll’, and an aburi-style Salmon Jalapeño Hako. For drinks, we had a bottle of sweet Lychee Sake served from a champagne bottle cooler. Each dish was beautifully plated, and was as much a feast for the eyes with its colour and symmetry. The seafood was exceptionally fresh, with a fitting home in both the more traditional dishes and modern pieces. The Lychee Sake had a novelty flavour to match the novelty of our meal.
While we went all out, the price of this dining experience was priced around $45 per person which we admit is difficult to find elsewhere for food prepared at this high level.
The store takes no reservations and operates at a full-house capacity on an almost daily basis. The unseated either wait patiently for their turn or join the ordering line for take out, which is itself a busy operation. This is just another sign of a spot with enough of a good reputation whose food could justify a sizeable wait time. Our only tip for visitors is to have this in mind when arriving to avoid any misaligned...
Read moreA Remarkable Dining Experience at Tom Sushi
My friends and I had the pleasure of dining at Tom Sushi recently, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment we stepped through the door, we were greeted with warmth and professionalism, setting the tone for what was to be an unforgettable meal.
First and foremost, the customer service at Tom Sushi is truly outstanding. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that we felt welcomed and attended to throughout our entire visit. Their attentiveness, combined with their genuine friendliness, created a welcoming atmosphere that immediately put us at ease.
Now, onto the star of the show: the food. Each dish that graced our table was a testament to the chef's skill and dedication to quality. The sushi was impeccably fresh, with each piece bursting with flavor. From classic nigiri to inventive specialty rolls, every bite was a delight for the senses. The attention to detail in both presentation and taste was evident in every dish we sampled.
One aspect that particularly impressed us was the cleanliness and sharpness of the establishment. The restaurant exuded an air of cleanliness and precision, reflecting a commitment to excellence that extended beyond just the food. Additionally, the polite and attentive staff added to the overall ambiance, making our dining experience all the more enjoyable.
In conclusion, our visit to Tom Sushi was nothing short of spectacular. The combination of exceptional customer service, delectable cuisine, and inviting atmosphere left a lasting impression on us. I have no doubt that I will be returning, this time with my family in tow, to share in the culinary delights that Tom Sushi has to offer. If you're in search of a top-notch sushi experience, look no further...
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