Sushiyama - Vancouver

We were recommended to come here by a friend who was Vancouver. We were told it was the Sushi Stop of Canada. Since we both love Sushi Stop because it's cheap and satisfies us every time we were very happy to try it out. I was quite surprised when they brought us both tea and miso soup right when we arrived. This reminded me of the Japanese restaurants I went to in Japan and the traditional restaurant that was in the city I grew up in. The service was very impressive. All the servers were very happy to help you and were very industrious, zipping from one side of the restraint to the other, where they were in plain view the whole time to get you help immediately. On top if that they were incredibly accommodating to vegan and vegetarian questions. They were very honest when they were not sure what was vegan and made it very easy for me to order. I found out that the miso was not vegan. The vegetable tempura was also not vegan. I was still able to get the vegetable gyoza, the yam roll, avocado roll, the teriyaki tofu, and the sombae ? salad not sure of spelling . Between the tea and the wide array of options I left very full, taken care of, and leaving happier than when I first arrived. My partner was also very happy. I actually liked this place better than sushi stop because there were so many more vegan options. It was incredible!

First time back to Sushi Yama since the COVID restrictions have been removed. It is once again under new management. The place has been renovated throughout and looked great. That was the positive. With new management, came a new menu. We came for the sushi pizza and it was totally different than what they had served in the past...also more expensive with a smaller portion size. The sushi pizza was still quite tasty. The roll combos have also all changed and nothing special about the presentation of the roll combo we ordered. They have also added several Korean dishes to the menu which we did not get an opportunity to try. While the place is cleaner and brighter, we have no plans to return.

I had been here before and had a good experience, this time not so great. The portion were about half the size that I would expect. The salmon tasted funny.

If you want affordable, fast and a vast menu for Japanese food then Sushi Yama fits the bill. I have been to Sushi Yama a few times and again yesterday for dinner. I came for the affordable food and understood quality is not at the top of the list. I know what I am stepping into. Here is what I like and didn't like from yesterday: Liked: Unagi Don: the sweet soya sauce was ladled perfectly over the grilled eel fillets. The rice was warm and soaked up the sweet sauce and eel nicely. Rolls: East of Eden, Sunset and Kings Gate. Pleasantly presented and good amount of fillings. However, don't expect the typical sushi rice flavours. Didn't like: Takoyaki: arrived cold as if it was made an hour ago. Oshitashi Spinch: totally bland and lacked the umami flavours and sauce. Very disappointed as I had this before and it was delicious with the subtle flavours bursting through. Carrot Cake: it was dry and hard. Enough said. I noticed many locals came for take-out between 6-7pm so that cause the servers to be more busy at the front desk but also missed the attention of those dining in. We received our bill immediately after the servers cleared the table and didn't bother to ask if we wanted dessert or anything else. My friend wanted dessert and when asked, the server had a surprised look and took the bill away. I won't make the extra effort to track to Sushi Yama but maybe give it another shot in the distance future when I am in the neighborhood. Consistency needs to be at the very top of the list.

My partner and I order and come here a lot. Unfortunately, this time we had a bad experience. Given side plates with a dirty bandaid with dried blood on it. The server apologized and replaced the plate, but obviously you get turned off from your food seeing that.