SYU Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar
[Restaurant Review]
Richmond, BC, December 25, 2023
SYU Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar had recently opened in the summer of 2023. With my mother-in-law visiting from overseas, we wanted to take her to somewhere nice on Christmas day that we hadn’t been to before. While most places were closed on Christmas day, SYU was one of the few that remained open, so we decided to give it a try.
Inside, the restaurant’s decor and design are simple and clean, giving off a very Japanese feel. We were seated in a cozy booth, each equipped with a privacy divider.
Kamasu (Barracuda) Sashimi
We had never tried Barracuda sashimi before, so when we saw it in the menu, we were intrigued. The Kamasu was beautifully presented, with four pieces served nigiri-style on sushi rice, while the rest were served as a raw sashimi, giving us the opportunity to enjoy it in two different ways. The dish also included the whole fish body, showcasing the chef’s meticulous attention to detail.
The barracuda was subtly sweet with a delicate yet firm texture that I found incredibly fresh and delicious. However, my wife thought it tasted a bit fishy. She preffered the nigiri style, which combines the firm texture of the barracuda with the soft and slightly sticky sushi rice. The slight tang from the vinegar complemented the sweetness of the barracuda, creating a more balanced and less fishy taste. After we finished the sashimi and nigiri, our server took the remaining fish back to fry them into a deliciously crispy form.
Assorted Sashimi Sampler
The assorted sashimi sampler was one of today’s special. It included a piece each of Chutoro, Otoro, Hamachi (yellow tail), and Salmon. The Otoro was so fatty and sweet that it practically melted in your mouth. The Chutoro was less fatty but still rich and buttery. The Hamachi was creamy with a subtle sweet and savory notes. Even the salmon, although not my favorite fish, was tender with hint of sweetness. All the fish were incredibly fresh and of high quality.
Grilled Black Cod Set
My mother-in-law chose the Grilled Black Cod Set from the set lunch menu. The black cod, marinated in miso and grilled, was served on top of the rice. This set also included side dishes like fried tempura and pickles, a few cuts of oranges and a bowl of miso soup.
She thoroughly enjoyed the flavors and texture of the Grilled black Cod. The fish has caramel exterior while remaining tender and flaky inside. However, the portion size felt a bit small for the $29 price tag, with only three small cuts of fish. While it’s a delicious dish, the serving size doesn’t quite meet expectations.
Gyu-don Set
I chose the Gyu-don Set, which is a Beef-on-rice Set, becuaseit featured wagyu beef. The wagyu beef slices were grilled and served over rice, topped with an onsen egg (a Japanese soft-cooked egg). It also included the same side dish as all the other lunch set menus.
I began by breaking the egg and mixing the soft yolk with the beef and rice. The wagyu beef slices were a delight – tender and juicy. The gyu-don sauce perfectly balanced the sweet and savory flavour The onsen egg on top added a creamy texture that beautifully complements the beef. However, the same complaints as the other set lunch dish, the portion size could be larger. Despite the deliciousness, the beef slices only covered the top layer, leaving the rest as just rice. This dish is even pricier than the Grilled Black Cod, coming in at a hefty $45.
The Conclusion
We enjoyed our meal at SYU Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar in Richmond. The food is definitely of high quality and beauftifully presented. However, the environment and atmoshpere are quite ordinary – Clean and functional, but nothing special. The service was good, though not particularly memorable.
What prevents us from returning frequently is the price. It’s priced like an upscale restaurant but lacks the corresponding amenities and service. Would we recommend it? Yes, if you want to try barracuda sashimi. However, for sushi and Japanese Cusisine, there are many other places that offer the same quality at a more reasonable price.