ABOUT US
 

Located in the heart of the vibrant Commercial Drive neighborhood, our little restaurant has been

serving thoughtful, creative Japanese cuisine since 2011. We’re an intimant, welcoming space powered by

a close-knit team and a tiny-but-mighty kitchen, where traditional Japanese techniques

meet local West Coast ingredients in ways that feel both exciting and approachable.

 

Led by award-winning Chef Akira Kishimoto, our kitchen is known for going beyond the expected.

Chef Kishimoto brings deep respect for Japanese culinary tradition while creating dishes that reflect the seasons, local abundance, and his own distinctive style. Signature dishes like our oshizushi, chirashi, okonomiyaki, udon, seasonal tempura and house-made desserts have become guest favorites, alongside

ever-evolving seasonal offerings that showcase our creativity and passion for exceptional ingredients.

 

Over the years, we’ve been honored with numerous awards, including Gold for Best Japanese in the

Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards 2024 and Silver at Great Kitchen Party Vancouver 2023,

the regional qualifier for the Canadian Culinary Championship. While these recognitions mean a lot to us,

what matters most is continuing to follow our heart, and create food that feels genuine and memorable.

 

Our atmosphere is casual, cozy, and inviting—an extension of the vibrant, artistic spirit of Commercial Drive. Whether you’re joining us after exploring the neighborhood’s cafés, shops, and culture, or gathering

for a special meal, we aim to create a space that feels warm, relaxed, and thoughtfully crafted.

 

We proudly work with local farms, foragers, and purveyors for wild produce, organic vegetables and mushrooms, natural meats, and sustainable seafood, while also sourcing premium rice, fresh seafood,

wagyu, and specialty ingredients from Japan throughout the week. This balance allows us to stay

rooted in Japanese tradition while celebrating the incredible ingredients of British Columbia.

 

To complement the menu, we offer a small, thoughtful selection of BC wines,

locally made craft sake, and Japanese imports.

 

We’re proud to be part of the Commercial Drive community—a neighborhood full of character,

diversity, and creativity. Our goal has always been simple: to serve honest, beautifully crafted food

in a welcoming space, where every meal reflects the care, passion, and unique vision of Chef Akira.

Thank you for choosing Kishimoto to celebrate your special moments for the last 15 years!
We look forward to welcoming you for many more.
We are also excited to announce our brand new kitchen at
TimeOut Market in Oakridge Park, opening May 28th, 2026!

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- Chef Akira, Jyan, and the Kishimoto team