Vancouver’s Sushi Masuda Earns Coveted Michelin Star: A Culinary Triumph

Vancouver’s culinary scene continues to impress with the addition of Sushi Masuda to the prestigious Michelin-starred list. This intimate, five-seat sushi counter, tucked away inside another restaurant, is the latest to receive a Michelin star, marking a significant achievement for the city’s diverse food landscape. At an annual ceremony held on Thursday, Sushi Masuda became the only new Vancouver restaurant to earn the highly sought-after distinction, solidifying its place among the best dining experiences on Canada’s west coast.

Michelin’s anonymous inspector praised Sushi Masuda for defying expectations with its understated design and highlighted the mastery of Chef Yoji Masuda. “The simple, minimalistic setting comes alive with Chef Masuda’s intricate omakase sushi creations, reflecting his experience at top sushi counters in Tokyo, but with his own personal touch,” the inspector noted. This recognition underscores the importance of the chef’s attention to detail and commitment to the art of sushi, a hallmark of the Michelin star standard.

With Sushi Masuda joining the ranks, Vancouver now boasts 10 one-star Michelin restaurants, which are celebrated for their "high-quality cooking" and are "worth a stop." Other notable establishments include the French-inspired St. Lawrence, modern cuisine at Published on Main, and the iconic Chinese dining experience at iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House. Despite these accolades, Vancouver is still waiting to see its first two- or three-star Michelin restaurant, which denote "excellent cooking, worth a detour" and "exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey," respectively.

The Michelin guide also introduced a new “Bib Gourmand” recipient, Gary’s, a French-inspired eatery where diners can enjoy exceptional food at an affordable price. The inspector described it as having a "rustic, approachable vibe" with hearty dishes that evoke French country cooking. Earlier recognized eateries include Sushi Hil, the family-run Vietnamese spot Anh and Chi, and Mexican favorite Chupito, each offering unique flavors that add to Vancouver’s rich culinary tapestry.

First arriving in Canada in 2022, the Michelin guide has quickly expanded its influence across the country, with guides now covering Toronto and Vancouver. The next stop for Michelin? Quebec, where the culinary excellence of the region is sure to shine. Michelin’s reach also extended further across the Toronto area, awarding stars to four additional restaurants in regions like Hamilton, Niagara Falls, and Collingwood. Toronto currently holds 15 one-star restaurants and one two-star restaurant, Sushi Masaki Saito.

Vancouver’s food scene is clearly making waves, and with the continuous rise of Michelin-starred restaurants, the city is firmly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for food lovers around the globe. Keep an eye out for more culinary gems as Michelin’s presence in Canada continues to grow.