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Even though Kelowna is located 7,783 kilometers away from Japan we are fortunate to have an abundance of great sushi bars and Japanese restaurants to choose from!
On the whole, Japanese food tends to be simple, balanced and healthy but it is still a surprise to some that not all Japanese food is raw fish. In addition to sashimi (sliced raw fish without rice), nigiri (pieces of fish, shellfish or roe served over rice balls), and the ever popular maki (rolls) Kelowna's Japanese restaurants offer many cooked options that will stick to your ribs like teriyaki beef and chicken, tempura prawns, karage and katsu.
Kelowna’s young sushi and Japanese restaurant scene has exploded since the mid-90s and to help you explore it here are the Best of Kelowna. Enjoy or "Tanoshimimasu"!
Momo Sushi Café
Photo credit: Momosushi.ca
Momo has two locations in Kelowna, one downtown on Bernard and the other in the heart of the Lower Mission shopping district. Momo also has a third West Kelowna location on Gossett Road. Momo’s unique “Ogopogo Dragon Roll” is a must try. Pictured is Momo’s "Love Sushi Party Tray", great for sharing. Pro tip: when sharing sushi from a communal tray use the broad end of your chopsticks to select your sushi with then use the narrow ends to eat from your plate.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Momo’s downtown location, contact and website information.
Bluetail Sushi and Bistro
Photo Credit: Julia Erb of inspireonenessyoga.com
Bluetail boasts a high end stylish interior, chill ambience and fantastic food. You might want to try their “Godzilla Role” or the “Green Dragon Roll”. Instagrammer "inspireoneness" proclaimed, “Bluetail is the best!”.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Bluetail’s location, contact and website information.
O-Zeki Japanese Restaurant
Photo credit: Adeva Wong
Open since 1993, O-Zeki claims the title of being the longest standing Japanese restaurant in Kelowna. Here you'll find the option of table service, a sushi bar and traditional japanese seating, sans shoes of course!
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Bluetail’s location, contact and website information.
Runners up:
Dozo House
Photo credit: Dozo House
According to Dozo House, the key to the perfect “Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll” is a balance between spice and crunch. Fresh chopped tuna mixed with green onion, rice and seaweed are perfectly matched with the crispy outside and house made spicy mayo.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Dozo House's location, contact and website information.
West Sakura Teriyaki Restaurant
Photo credit: West Sakura
Pictured is West Sakura’s “Volcano Roll” with crispy salmon, avocado, tobiko eggs, green onion, spicy mayo and signature teriyaki sauce.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for West Sakura’s location, contact and website information.
Wasabi Izakaya
Photo credit: Wasabi Izakaya
Wasabi Izakaya’s most popular dish is their “Yuzi Chili Pepper Ramen with Pork Chashu”. This ramen is unique to Wasabi Izakaya and is made with a creamy chicken based soup base and hand crafted ramen noodles.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Wasabi Izakaya’s location, contact and website information.
Yamato Asian Restaurant
Photo credit: Yamato Asian Restaurant
Shown is Yamato’s “Rainbow Sushi Pizza Special” (front left), sashimi and “Yamato Special roll”.
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Yamato’s location, contact and website information.
Mabui Sushi-Izakaya
Photo credit: Mabui Sushi-Izakaya
Mabui’s menu is designed to be Japanese tapas style. Two of their most popular dishes are the “Puri Puri Ebi Mayo” - jumbo tiger prawns lightly coated in their house made spicy mayo and the “Orange Bay Scallop” – tempura Hokkaido scallops, chilled and tossed with tobiko, fresh orange and Mabui Ali-oli. Yep, the scallops are served in an orange to boot!
See the KelownaNow Business Directory for Mabui’s location, contact and website information.
As you can see Kelowna has an enviable selection of Japanese restaurants to choose from!
Best of Kelowna is operated by KelownaNow.com. Between April 6 and May 17, 2015 nominations and voting took place with promotional support from Bell Media, the Capital News and KelownaNow.com. Best of Kelowna has become an annual tradition and is sponsored by Excel Personnel. See the full Best of Kelowna 2015 winner list here.
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