No one should have to wander Kelowna’s streets searching for authentic Japanese cuisine. There’s the frustration of finding parking in a snow-dusted plaza, not to mention the realization that even your warmest layers can’t compete with Okanagan Valley’s January chill. In other words, you want exceptional sushi and ramen without the winter hassle. Given that, here are 12 Japanese restaurants so worth visiting, you’ll brave the cold—but just from your car to the door.
O-Zeki Japanese Restaurant
$$ | (250) 862-8860 | WEBSITE
Our experience with O-Zeki Japanese Restaurant has been mostly positive over the years – we’ve always enjoyed the cozy atmosphere and friendly service. That being said, the restaurant can get quite busy, and service sometimes slows down during peak hours. Still, the sushi is consistently fresh and delicious, especially the spicy salmon roll and grilled squid. Plus, the private booths provide plenty of comfortable space for groups.
And since the staff is so attentive to dietary needs and helpful with gluten-free options, you don’t even need to worry about special requests.
Maki Sushi Restaurant
$ | (250) 868-9200 | WEBSITE
The basic rolls at Maki Sushi Restaurant are clean and delicious, and pretty much designed for satisfying cravings. You can choose from their high-quality sushi options, with a consistent selection that includes yam tempura and rolls made with care. It’s a simple decision to make and they come at reasonable prices – so you better come with an appetite since you won’t be leaving any leftovers behind without them disappearing first.
Mizu Japanese Restaurant sushi
$ | (250) 862-8022 | WEBSITE
There are restaurants we visit mainly because they’re extremely convenient to reach, and then there are spots we’d go to even if we had to drive across town because our usual sushi place was closed. Mizu Japanese Restaurant, a casual Japanese eatery with fantastic sushi and excellent service, falls into the second category. Order the house special roll, and a bowl of the warm miso soup, which is like a hug for your soul.
Saisaki Japanese Restaurant
$ | (778) 753-6801 | WEBSITE
The good news is that Kelowna has plenty of parking. The bad news is that it also has plenty of overpriced, mediocre Japanese spots near said parking lots. But Saisaki is not one of them. This place has great food and a menu that, while kind of traditional, will appeal to a lot of people (make sure someone gets the tonkotsu ramen). Plus, the atmosphere is quiet and clean, with a comforting vibe that works for everything from family dinners to a solo meal.
If you’re tired of loud, impersonal chains, and would like to maximize the time you spend enjoying actual hospitality, this is a valuable spot to know about.
Kaede Sushi
$$ | (250) 868-8852 | WEBSITE
Kaede Sushi is tucked away in a spot you might miss if you’re not looking for it, which makes it a solid pick when you’re craving Japanese food, and if walking a few extra steps won’t ruin your day. Like other top spots in town, this place nails the vibe. It’s warmly lit with clean wooden tables and decorated with simple Japanese art and greenery. Menu-wise, focus on the rice bowls (the standout is the unagi bowl) and specialties like the Puri Puri Ebi Mayo.
But you should know this place is cozy and popular—so unless you want to be squeezed near the entrance, be sure to plan ahead.
Taki Japanese Grill
$ | (250) 765-8828 | WEBSITE
There are many sushi spots in Kelowna, but Taki Japanese Grill stands out as a consistent favorite. It’s a cozy, welcoming place that does one thing – fresh, delicious sushi – and does it very well. But we come here primarily for the rolls, which are just the right kind of exciting (i.e. creative but still balanced), like the signature Crispy Tuna and popular Explosion roll. After dinner here, that stretchy waistband will come in handy for the satisfied stroll home.
Wa Skew’R Sushi & Bar
$$ | (250) 762-4026 | WEBSITE
Wa Skew’R Sushi & Bar is a very useful spot to know about in Kelowna. First of all, unlike a lot of other Japanese restaurants in the area, this is a low-key option for sushi after work. Second, despite the cozy atmosphere and comfy seating with pillows on benches, it’s actually a fantastic restaurant as well (with creative dishes like garlic butter scallop skewers and a lunch box with miso soup that tastes like Japan).
In fact, the food here is better than what you’ll find at most of the nicer restaurants in the neighborhood. And it’s right there in the heart of Kelowna. In other words, we’re seeing if they offer takeout for those nights when we don’t want to leave home.
Dozo House
$ | (778) 484-3883 | WEBSITE
Dozo House is a Japanese restaurant in Kelowna with a really solid menu of dishes perfect for enjoying with friends. Like the Maki Combo C with Cali, Dyna, and Unagi rolls, and all of the sashimi. There are two vibes here – the main dining area, which is more upscale, and the sushi bar that’s casual and focused on quick bites. Both are in the same welcoming space, but when we’re in Kelowna with a bunch of people who want a full meal, we go for the table service version.
Kaya Sushi + Grill
$$ | (778) 753-7090 | WEBSITE
Kaya Sushi + Grill is a casual spot that serves excellent Japanese food, and let’s be honest, right now you’d much rather be strolling through Tokyo than the snow-dusted streets of Kelowna. This place has an extensive menu featuring fresh sushi, tempura, bento boxes, and six different specialty rolls. It’s tough to decide what to order, so there’s even a Bara Chirashi bowl that gives you a taste of everything, along with perfectly seasoned rice (or authentic broth for dipping).
Get that, and try to linger here till the weather warms up.
Momo Sushi Mission
$ | (778) 484-1555 | WEBSITE
Momo Sushi Mission is just off the main drag in Kelowna, and it’s one of our go-to Japanese spots in the whole Okanagan. You could close your eyes, point to any item on the menu, and be thrilled with whatever you ended up ordering. Like the special rolls, anything from the fresh sashimi selection, or the incredibly flavorful Ogopogo roll that might actually make you grateful you decided to dine in tonight.
Yama Kitchen
$ | (250) 762-6266 | WEBSITE
Yama Kitchen is one of our favorite spots in Kelowna for sushi. In fact, we’re tempted to make up fake cravings solely so we can eat here more often. And as a bonus, it’s very close to the main downtown area. The rookie move is trying to go during peak dinner hours – it’s a pain to find seating, and you’ll still have to wait for a table. Instead, visit during off-peak times, and head straight for the counter.
Once you’re actually inside Yama Kitchen, get the v5 roll, which is what sushi enthusiasts dream about, we’re pretty sure.
Sushi Sai
This sushi counter is conveniently located in Kelowna’s downtown core, and has some of our favorite avocado rolls in the Okanagan. There are other options here, like mango rolls and various sushi selections, and they’re perfectly fine – but the avocado rolls are what you want. They’re generous, beautifully presented, and served with fresh ingredients that never make them bland.
Overall, this place is perfect if you need to grab a bite after shopping (waiting in line elsewhere will put you outside for an entire extra minute, which, in January, is unacceptable).
