A Japanese Oasis in Gastown
If you find yourself famished in downtown Vancouver, head to Momo Sushi in Gastown for quick, authentic Japanese food. Like many of the city’s sushi bars, Momo keeps patrons coming because of its fresh ingredients, speedy service, and decent-sized servings. Although located right on cobblestone Water Street, not far from the tourist mobs, Momo feels authentic, local and very Japanese, with chefs and servers heartily yelling “Irasshaimase,” or “welcome” to every visiting guest.

The Momo Look
Inside Momo, there’s usually a small line-up of hungry patrons waiting in the cramped foyer for a table or for take-out. Watch the chefs at work beside the counter, or sip some tea and read papers while you wait your turn. Once you get a table, you’ll see that Momo is bigger than it looks from the outside. It’ll seat about 35 to 40 people, either on the teeny-tiny main level or on the larger lower level, which is down a small flight of stairs. If you’re wondering about the neon signage on the walls, it’s because Momo is a converted soda shop (check out the red booths).

Momo Meals
Momo Sushi serves typical Japanese food, but it excels with its lunch boxes — which are a great bargain — and its tempura, with its light-as-air batter. Service is prompt and polite and very friendly. Momo is popular with the downtown lunch crowd, so come early to nab a table. If you’re planning on getting take-out, call ahead to pre-order.