SUMO Grill
[Restaurant Review]
Vancouver, BC, June 20th, 2024
Normally, we head straight to Gyu-Kaku to satisfy our cravings for Japanese-yakiniku style BBQ. This time, however, my wife was hangry (angry from being hungry) and craving that smoky, savory delight of yakiniku grill. We were around Metrotown at the time, and we remembered that a new Japanese-style BBQ spot called SUMO Grill had recently opened nearby. We had driven past by it a couple of times and we always said we want to try it one day. So, in a moment of hungry spontaneity, we decided it was the perfect time to give SUMO Grill a try.
The Location
Sumo Grill is a relatively new restaurant located at 3340 Kingsway, near the border between Vancouver and Burnaby. It’s situated in the same bustling plaza as London Drugs on Kingsway, a popular spot that tends to be quite busy. Due to the shared parking lot with other businesses, finding a parking space can sometimes be a challenge, especially during dinner rush. There are also options for street parking, but keep in mind that these are paid spots.
If you’re familiar with this part of town, you might recall that the restaurant space previously housed Honolulu Cafe, a beloved Hong-Kong style cafe that unfortunately went out of business. Now, Sumo Grill has taken over the location, bringing a fresh new dining experience to the area.
The Vibe
Upon entering Sumo Grill, you’re immediately welcomed by an adorable Sumo man statue.
Inside, the restaurant is notably spacious and comfortable, blending contemporary Japanese style with modern touches that create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
We arrived during the busy dining hours around 6 PM but were pleasantly surprised to find plenty of available seating despite not having a reservation. We were seated right away without any wait.
The ordering process at Sumo Grill is particularly efficient and convenient. They use a self-order system via touch screen tablets. This modern approach allows you to browse the menu and place your order directly from your seat, making the dining experience smooth and enjoyable.
The Food
Sumo Grill serves Japanese cuisine with a delightful Korean infusion. While their menu includes a variety of sushi and sashimi dishes, we were particularly to try their yakiniku-style grill.
True to the Korean BBQ tradition, our meal came with a free assortment of side dishes. Though the variety wasn’t as extensive as what you might find at a traditional Korean BBQ, it still provided a nice complement to the main course. The meal was also accompanied by a selection of sauces, including the classic yakiniku sauce, miso, and a spicy chili powder for an added kick.
We were a family of three and decided to order six items from the menu:
- Beef Bibimbap
- Thin Cut Beef Tounge
- Pork Neck
- Koji Marinated Short Ribs
- Wild Boar Belly
- AB Short Plate
The meat quality at Sumo Grill is definitely on another level. Everything arrived fresh and beautifully presented. The beef tongue, in particular, was tender and flavorful, grilling quickly to a delightful crispness that melted in our mouths. It was undoubtedly one of our favorite dishes.
Instead of ordering plain rice, we decided to elevate our meal with a bowl of bibimbap. This flavorful dish not only satisfied our rice cravings but also added an extra layer of taste and texture.
The pork neck was another highlight, incredibly juicy and rich, with a perfect balance of fat and meat. Each item we ordered brought something unique to the table, making our dining experience at Sumo Grill diverse and thoroughly enjoyable.
The Service
The service was great and attentive. Everyone was genuinely friendly and accommodating since the time we came in. The staff frequently came by to change our grill, ensuring we had the best cooking experience. Our server went above and beyond by helping us mix our beef bibimbap and serving it into our bowls. Their attentiveness and willingness to enhance our dining experience truly stood out.
The Conclusion
In summary, our experience at Sumo Grill was exceptional. From the high-quality meats to the friendly staff, this restaurant has secured a place on our list of go-to spots for yakiniku-style BBQ.
SUMO Grill is offering premium quality BBQ with premium price. Our bill coming to around $150 before tip. However, the exceptional food quality and attentive service make it justifiable. We definitely think it’s worth it for the overall experience.
If you’re searching for a place in Vancouver to savor top-notch cuts of meat and authentic Japanese/Korean cuisine, Sumo Grill is definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared to indulge a bit for the full experience.