SYU Kitsilano Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar

I love Japanese food and when SYU reached out to me to do a review I was definitely excited to try out this new spot located in Kitsilano at 1508 Yew Street. Just up the street from the iconic Kits Beach.

My first impression was a feeling of tranquility in a calm and pleasant atmosphere, very much a traditional, although slightly less formal establishment, serving their own take on Japanese cuisine. The decor is decidedly Japanese with the use of light woods and efficient use of space. The restaurant offers bar space where you can watch the magic happen or the choice of booths that provide a touch of privacy and intimacy to your experience.

We were seated in one of the booth areas where the privacy comes from beveled glass panels and wooden backdrops. Again mirroring the feeling of tranquility and modern design.

Our visit was on a Friday night that saw a steady stream of diners occupying the booths and the seating at the bar, still the atmosphere was calm and quiet making for a most pleasant evening for two.

Although we have specific tastes and usually order the same type of menu items when we go to a Japanese restaurnt, instead for this visit I wanted to know what the restaurant would present as their “go to” dishes. This was the right decision because we dined on dishes we had never tried before, such a treat to be delighted with each new dish.

Here is what we had:

an appetizer to start 

TORO TAKU YUKKE

Bluefin tuna belly tartare with pickled daikon, onsen quail egg and crispy nori tempura

Spicey and sweet both at the same time. We both loved the crunchy exterior. The flavours complimented the finishing slow burn in your mouth. I especially loved the Nori fried in a light tempura batter. This dish really hit the spot with its mixture of sweetness and spice. Just delicious. I would definitely order this one again.

something special

HOKKAIDO SNOW CRAB YUZU CREAM CHEESE

real snow crab blended with Yuzu cream cheese, served with crunchy taro chips

This dish could be quite filling but so worth it. Rich Yuzu cream cheese enhancing the delicate flavour of the fresh snow crab with the tantalizing citrus flavours that bring everything together in such a complimentary manner. The taro chips were ideal, crispy and light, the perfect accompaniment to the outstanding blend of deliciousness of the snow crab and cream cheese. I would absolutely order this again. So yum.

also from the appetizer menu

HAMACHI CARPACCIO

chef’s selection of thinly sliced fish with a vinaigrette, pickled beets and fresh greens

Absolutely a sight for the eye with fresh mixed greens enhanced by a light ginger vinaigrette with thinly sliced pickled beets and yellowtail tuna. The tuna was very thinly sliced, different than Sashimi in texture with the same wonderful flavours. The vinaigrette added surprising but welcome peppery notes that elevated this dish. I would have this again anytime in place of just Sashimi, it was a much more elegant dish that is supremely satisfying for any seafood lovers.

LOBSTER ROLL

Lobster tempura with fresh greens and avocado, finished with a house made spicy mango sauce

Another incredibly delicious dish. Super rich and super good. I loved this dish too. What can you say about lobster, it’s Lobster! The Lobster rolls were a special treat and one I am going to be ordering again and again. Warning: the slices were a generous size, so hopefully you are more apt at chop sticks than I am. No judgement here please, I did manage to get every bite of divine roll into my mouth. And as an extra treat I also gnawed on the crispy lobster shell, it was so good.

ONSEN SALMON

sous vide Sockeye salmon delicately cooked for 20 minutes served with with creamy garlic scapes sauce

The salmon is cooked in a consequently gentle manner at a low temperature. 20 minutes produces a salmon that is cooked lightly, preserving it’s delicate texture. This results in moist, soft flakes of Sockeye salmon that melt in your mouth. This dish may also be cured which accounts for the salty tang. Adorned with salmon roe, sprouts and finely sliced pickle, it is a standout dish.The salmon is rich and delicate but holds its shape well. Quite a filling dish and quite spectacular in both its presentation and technique.

Both of us have small appetites and after five excellently executed dishes we were well satisfied. We would have been satisfied with four dishes,  but I wouldn’t want to choose which four,  as all the dishes were excellent. I am definitely not going to able to pick just one dish to be my favourite. Every dish was something special all on its own. Combined, the dishes were nothing short of wonderful. A treat for the eye and the appetite.

We enjoyed Sake (Brewmaster’s Choice) for him and Sandhill Pinot Gris for me. Next time I think I will try pairing with a Japanese beer. The menu includes a selection of three Japanese beer, Shoch0, Japanese whiskey, Japanese craft gin. Plum wine and a number of tasty cocktails.

Menu descriptions (in italics) courtesy of the restaurant. Images: MyVanCity. All in the cost for two was just under $200. for five dishes and drinks. Service and all the dishes were top notch. Due to our lighter appetites we didn’t have dessert although the selections sounded very desirable, maybe next time. We will definitely be returning. Note that SYU is also open for lunch and take-out is available. Our dinner, including drinks, was complimentary to facilitate this feature. A gratuity of 20% of the total cost of food and drinks was left for the SYU team who did a great job.

SYU (pronounced shoe) Kitsilano