Kadoya Sushi

August 16th, 2006 · 6 Comments

kadoyaKadoya Sushi
Address: 1036 Davie
Tel:604-608-1115

Kadoya Sushi

By Dan Fishman
Eat Vancouver Columnist
Wednesday, August 14th, 2006

** (of four stars)

I recently celebrated my 25th birthday, and what a day. First the Chairman treated me to New India Buffet, which was a delight, and then Ratbag suggested that we check out his new favorite sushi restaurant, Kadoya, on Davie St. We showed up around 6:30, and had no trouble getting a table, although the restaurant was mostly full. The décor was nothing special, typical sushi restaurant stuff, except that the walls are covered with cards featuring comments from previous customers. Personally I don’t see why anyone would care about what someone else thinks about a restaurant, but maybe some do (that’s a joke—you should care deeply about what other people think, especially if that other people is me).

dragonKadoya offers a full menu with your typical rolls, sashimi, teriyaki, etc. offered at a reasonable price, but the highlight of the menu is without a doubt the wide range of Chef’s special rolls which range in price from $6-8 for eight large pieces. These creative rolls are a great change of pace if you find yourself bored with regular sushi, and they are beautifully presented. Ratbag and I tried the Spider (crab and yam), Dragon (prawn and eel), and Maple (various salmon) rolls, and all three were very tasty. The Spider roll especially is a must try, with the warm yam tempura providing a great contrast to the softshell crab.

Ratbag and I also tried the house (or, more accurately, only) white wine, which was cheap but not overly good. Quaffable is probably the appropriate word.

I was so impressed with Kadoya that we decided to go back again the next weekend, trying a few of the same rolls and a few new ones, including the Jumping roll, a tempting dessert roll made with flambéed bananas, whipped cream, and pop rocks. I also tried a regular tuna roll, a seeming deal at $2 for 6 pieces, although it was really nothing special—I would stick to the specialty rolls.

Although I was initially very taken with Kadoya, after spending nearly $20 twice in a week, I have started to rethink my initial infatuation. Don’t get me wrong, the specialty rolls are very tasty, and definitely worth trying, but given the price Kadoya may be no better an option than some of the nicer sushi restaurants which serve more typical dishes but do them better. All in all, I would definitely recommend giving Kadoya a try, but stick to the Chef’s specialty rolls, and don’t go out of your way if you just want some cheap basic maki.

Dan Fishman is a PhD student at the University of British Columbia studying Psychology.

Kadoya Japanese on Urbanspoon

Tags: Japanese

6 responses so far ↓

  • 1 upset customer // Dec 8, 2007 at 12:59 am

    I have repeatedly been let down by the lack of professionalism with the Kadoya service staff. It’s really too bad because I love the food. I have been suggesting this restaurant to friends and I dont think I can any longer. Food is good ……. customer service is key!!!

  • 2 William Scott // Jan 7, 2008 at 11:58 am

    I went to kadoya last night and got fish poisoning, too bad, It was one of my favorites places for sushi, I won’t recomend it again,

  • 3 Trista Lee // Apr 28, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    The special rolls in Kadoya are so good! yumm! But the service is so bad. The waitresses there are very annoying and have very bad attitude. Last time I went there I felt like punching in her face. But the sushi was great!!!! All in all, great sushi, but ugly bitchy waitresses. You choose.

  • 4 Jason // Apr 28, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    the classic tradeoff

  • 5 Olga // May 10, 2008 at 8:54 pm

    I agree sushi and rolls are tasty,although i can say it was better 1 year ago .But waiters are rude and impolite.I will NEVER come again becouse of them.Why i need to feel any inconvenience IF
    Sumurai at the same street and service is better)))

  • 6 Sb // May 8, 2009 at 12:06 am

    I have been here many times, and though I’ve seen some indifference from the staff, I’ve also seen the staff being treated horribly by patrons. Either way, the food is fantastic and the new renovations are amazing. Loyal forever!

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