A tiny Vancouver restaurant in a "plain" spare room was just awarded a Michelin star
A tiny Vancouver restaurant, tucked away in a spare room beside a print shop, has just been awarded a Michelin star, in a move the anonymous inspectors say reminds us all not to judge a book by its cover.
On Thursday, October 3, Vancouver's Michelin Guide was updated to feature several new restaurants. Four spots were added to the guide's list of must-try eateries, with one restaurant earning the prestigious Bib Gourmand award. However, Sushi Masuda, a humble five-seat restaurant, stole the spotlight by being the only new establishment to receive a Michelin star.
Sushi Masuda, a counter-style restaurant run by Chef Yoji Masuda, stands out for its modest location and minimalist atmosphere. The restaurant, hidden behind the glass doors of a print shop, is described by Michelin inspectors as a "plain, spare room" that contrasts sharply with the artistry of the food served within.
Despite its humble setting, the inspectors were quick to praise the precision and care evident in Chef Masuda's creations, which reflect his training at a top counter in Tokyo.
According to the Michelin Guide, some of the standout dishes at Sushi Masuda include a rich and savoury monkfish liver "pudding" and a delicately cooked beltfish, braised in sake and kombu. These dishes, along with an array of impeccably prepared nigiri, showcase Masuda's ability to transform simple ingredients into elegant, refined bites.
The inspectors noted the chef's mastery of traditional Japanese techniques and emphasized his unique personal touch in each dish.
A Michelin star is awarded based on five key criteria: the quality of the ingredients, mastery of flavours and techniques, the chef's personality as expressed through their cuisine, value for money, and consistency between visits.
Receiving one star indicates that a restaurant offers very good cooking in its category, while two stars represent excellent cooking that is worth a detour, and three stars are reserved for exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
Sushi Masuda's achievement is particularly noteworthy given its size and location. With only five seats, it is one of the smallest sit-down restaurants ever to receive a Michelin star, creating an intimate and highly curated dining experience.
Chef Masuda works closely with his wife, Akari, who oversees the front of house, offering warm, personalized hospitality that complements the precision of the food. This partnership creates an experience the Michelin Guide describes as "graceful," moving seamlessly from one course to the next.
Born and raised in the city, Masuda was inspired to become a sushi chef after a childhood trip to Tokyo, where he sat at a sushi counter and watched the chef craft sushi right in front of him. That experience sparked a lifelong passion, leading him to start his culinary career in Vancouver before moving to Sapporo, Hokkaido, and later Tokyo’s Ginza district, where he apprenticed under a master sushi chef.
After years of rigorous training, Masuda returned to Vancouver to open Sushi Masuda in March 2024.
This recognition now places Sushi Masuda alongside an elite group of Michelin-starred restaurants in Vancouver. Other establishments with star status include:
- AnnaLena (Cuisine: Contemporary)
- Barbara (Cuisine: Contemporary)
- Burdock & Co (Cuisine: Contemporary)
- iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House (Cuisine: Chinese)
- Kissa Tanto (Cuisine: Fusion)
- Masayoshi (Cuisine: Japanese)
- Okeya Kyujiro (Cuisine: Japanese)
- Published on Main (Cuisine: Contemporary)
- St. Lawrence (Cuisine: French)
This year's guide also recognized Gary's, a new French restaurant, with the Bib Gourmand designation, which honours establishments that offer high-quality food at an affordable price. Michelin inspectors praised Gary's for its "rustic and approachable" French country-inspired cuisine, noting that it perfectly matches the restaurant's relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Michelin first entered the Canadian dining scene in 2022 with guides for Toronto and Vancouver and has announced plans to expand into Quebec next year.
Sushi Masuda
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: Japanese
Address: 1066 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC
Why You Need To Go: Sushi Masuda promises an ultra-exclusive, intimate dining experience where every dish is meticulously prepared by one of the city's finest sushi chefs, making it a rare opportunity to experience Michelin-starred perfection in a quiet, humble setting.
With its limited seating of just five spots, reservations at Sushi Masuda are required—unsurprisingly, given the restaurant's size and its new Michelin status.
