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Sushi

What: The Northwest is awash in tuna, salmon, crab, and other fresh seafood, so it should come as no surprise that Vancouver, with its large Japanese population and health-conscious vibe, is a city awash in sushi joints. Any local will point you toward their personal favorite; this well-regarded place is the one that was recommended to us.

Where: Tojo’s (1133 West Broadway, map), a spacious, elegant, pricey restaurant helmed by award-winning sushi master Hidekazu Tojo, who emphasizes innovation (pictured above is the CAD$26 Golden Roll: crab, scallop, salmon, and sweet shrimp rolled in an egg crepe) and regional seafood (such as wild albacore, Dungeness crab, salmon, and sablefish).

When: Mon-Sat, from 5pm (last seatings usually around 9-9:30pm); reserve by phone only.

Order: Try some of the highly creative rolls here, like the inside-out Tojo Roll (Dungeness crab, avocado, spinach, and egg; $14) or  the Great BC Roll (barbecued salmon skin and cucumber topped with salmon; $24). Or jump in with both feet (and a full wallet) by ordering the chef’s choice tasting menu, omakase, which generally includes both cooked and raw selections (vegetarian available; $70-$200).

Alternatively: In Richmond, near the airport, tiny Sushi Hachi (604-207-2882; 8888 Odlin Crescent, map) is celebrated for its uber-fresh sashimi (reservations are recommended); in Kitsilano, the omakase ($60-$100) at Octopus’ Garden (1995 Cornwall Ave., map) comes highly recommended.