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Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro Reviews List

Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro

We offer traditional Japanese cuisine with contemporary flair; the freshest ingredients available, extensive offerings of super premium dai ginjo sake, creative cocktails and a thoughtful selection of wine that pairs well with Japanese cuisine. Our knowledgeable and attentive staff will guide you through your experience in a fun and helpful way. An interior featuring warm colours & Japanese architectural art bathed in muted light await you.
Chef Yoshinobu Ando has extensive training in the very best restaurants of Nagoya. Ando delights in the availability of extremely fresh ingredients and works his magic both on the set menu and through daily features.
You could describe the menu as ‘sushi-sushi' style. A vibrant menu designed for fun! On the menu you will find small plates, plates for sharing and exquisite plates for passionate Japanese food lovers. On the feature sheets; fresh finds, seasonal items and traditional Japanese offerings valued by our Japanese guests.
See more Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro details
83 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(83 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 83 reviews
5 stars
(23)
4 stars
(48)
3 stars
(11)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(44)
  • neighborhood gem(25)
  • good for groups(21)
  • great for lunch(18)
  • hot spot(17)
  • late-night find(15)
Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro Reviews List
Review 1 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

a big hit

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/12/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Always walk away with a big smile"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

seemed to have gone downhill

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/01/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Dinner was okay, Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro seemed to have gone downhill from the last time we were there. Loved the Sofia Coppola sparkling white wine that comes in a can though."
Dined on 5/01/2013
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Review 3 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The best!!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 4/29/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Shuraku is the best Japanese restaurant in Vancouver if you are looking for high quality tapas and sushi. Have been to this restaurant numerous times and everything we have tried on the menu has been perfect. Just try this place and you will agree!"
Dined on 4/29/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 4 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Good food, fun feel

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great downtown Japanese restaurant, casual yet classy. Mostly younger clientele, but definitely a mix. You can talk; you're not drowned out by screeching music. But don't tell anybody - we don't want it to get more crowded than it is!"
Dined on 27/04/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 5 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Being that it is only a few

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Being that it is only a few steps away, I would highly recommend Shuraku as "the" place to go before a show at the Commodore. The service was fast, friendly and knowledgable. The food was great, perhaps a little under seasoned compared to some other well known Izakaya restaurants in town. Overall, I would definitely recommend this restaurant as a place to try on your night out to a show."
Dined on 24/04/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find
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Review 6 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Nice spread of Japanese food,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Nice spread of Japanese food, with a little bit of everything for everyone (izakaya type foods, sushi, sashimi, even one ramen offering and a few donburi bowls). However, as with all restaurants that do a bit of everything, some stuff fades as a product. Everything we had was good, not sure anything was "spectacular". The lunch box sets were very good value, and are nice way to have an affordable selection of Japanese food for lunch. There was nice ambiance, but it was quite loud at lunch."
Dined on 24/04/2013
 2011
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 7 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I like the food and the ambiance.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I like the food and the ambiance. Their variety of sushi are the best I've tasted so far."
Dined on 19/04/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 8 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Good, fresh sashimi

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We ate here early on a Thursday evening and the place was already buzzing. It quickly filled up in the few minutes while we waited for our food. Our server was really good - very informative had the knack of showing up just when you needed him to be there. We ordered the tempura (always my acid test) and it was very good - certainly not the best I've ever tasted, but it was light and flavourful.
I ordered the 5 types of sashimi and was really pleased with my selection. The fish was fresh and although there was nothing unusual on the plate, it was well presented. My husband ordered a cone combo which he declared to be delicious - it certainly looked interesting!
Enjoyable meal!
"
Dined on 18/04/2013
 2007
Special Features: hot spot
0points
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Review 9 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great menu only thing missing

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great menu only thing missing was option of brown rice"
Dined on 28/03/2013
 2013
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Review 10 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The fish was so fresh!! Large

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The fish was so fresh!! Large Sake list. For the first time in my life I notice that ALL the staff said bye when we left the restaurant, that was funny :)"
Dined on 17/03/2013
 2010
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 11 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

All the dishes are tasty especially

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"All the dishes are tasty especially the bbq ribs. The maki rolls are great as well. Some dishes the portion is quite small."
Dined on 12/03/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 12 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I have been to Shuraku many

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I have been to Shuraku many times and the quality of food and service is always to the highest standard. The food is genuine and beautifully presented-not just the regular sushi you get on every corner. I highly recommend trying the salmon tartar, and the beef asparagus."
Dined on 08/03/2013
 2012
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Review 13 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Be careful not to order all

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Be careful not to order all your items at once. Everything will come at the same time. Food is terrific."
Dined on 02/03/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

It was very fresh, the plating

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was very fresh, the plating was lovely, and there were some really original dishes. We will definitely be back."
Dined on 23/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Variety of menu other than

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Variety of menu other than sushi is good . Sushi is well prepared, fresh and authentic if you go with nigiri. All kinds of rolls are also good. Staff very attentive and accommodating."
Dined on 21/02/2013
 2002
Special Features: kid-friendly
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Review 16 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I was even more impressed

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I highly rate this restaurant. This was my second time here and I was even more impressed than the first time I dined here. The service was warm, attentive and fast.
The menu choices were very interesting and unique, everything was delicious... loved my meal! See you soon
"
Dined on 19/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 17 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

BRIGHT,CONTEMPORARY SPACE........We

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"BRIGHT,CONTEMPORARY SPACE........We were welcomed warmly and seated quickly.Service was friendly,eficient, and very accomodating. The food all tasted fresh.....the gomae was the best I've ever had(VERY fresh)and the grilled ling cod was delicious."
Dined on 12/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 18 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Simply fantastic dining experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Simply fantastic dining experience. Very happy to have had a 7:30pm Saturday night reservation, otherwise, there would have been no chance at being seated as a walk-in. The restaurant was packed and the food delicious. Sample a little bit of everything. Very good sake selection. The waitstaff worked well to balance each other (water, busboy, waitress, etc.) but not be overly intrusive. The food was delicious. Highly recommend!"
Dined on 16/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 19 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Alright experience at Shuraku

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Alright experience at Shuraku tonight. Liked the wide variety of sake available! Food was alright- although Vancouver has better sushi and izakaya places to offer better food. Oyster special after 9pm was a bonus though. Overall I will come back for drinks but probably not for the food."
Dined on 08/02/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, notable wine list
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Review 20 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food portions were a bit small

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food portions were a bit small -- I know it was small platter style, but it there's a limit to how small a portion you can give without making it seem chintzy."
Dined on 05/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loud Waiters

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Best sushi I have had in Vancouver yet! And the service was prompt and courteous.
Only negative comment is that our assigned table was near the kitchen door, and the waiters were LOUD in calling out the orders, disturbing our meal and our conversation..."
Dined on 04/02/2013
 2012
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Review 22 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great specials everyday.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great specials everyday. Well priced japanese food in the downtown core. Enjoy having casual business lunches here.
Food is great too!"
Dined on 04/02/2013
 2007
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 23 for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service needs improvement

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food was average, pricey sushi for what you can get at ebisu (and taste much better). Service was underwhelming, had at least 7 empty on our table before a server noticed and came to clean our table. I would come back if I had to, but would generally choose other izakayas instead."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Shuraku Sake Bar & Bistro
Based on the average of (60) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Ambiance 
3.8 / 5
(Very Good) 3.8 / 5
Noise Level
2.4 / 3
Energetic