Shi Zen Ya

Shizenya describes itself as the first Japanese restaurant in North America to serve sushi with only organic brown rice. It is also a proud partner of Ocean Wise and serves salad with organic vegetables.

Yes, the menu is vegetarian friendly and includes vegan options such as agedashi tofu, deep fried eggplant, and cauliflower bites. The kitchen also offers gluten free selections on request.

Popular rolls include the Sakura Blossom Roll, the aburi salmon roll, and the Shizenya Greens Roll, which is vegan. Tako sunomono and the spicy tuna roll also appear on customer favorite lists.

Shizenya sits in the moderate price range. The room is small and cozy, and both walk ins and online reservations are accepted.

The restaurant has a premium sake menu and a selection of Japanese beers, including sweet potato amber ale and yuzu ale. Yuzu margaritas and ginger drinks are also on offer.

Shizenya is at 965 Hornby Street in downtown Vancouver. It opened its first restaurant in December 2009 and is part of the Shizenya Restaurant Group.