Van-Ya is one of those non-descript Japanese restaurants that you could pass by without even realizing it. Actually, I’m pretty sure that I’ve passed by this restaurant many times without batting an eye. Since it’s located on a side street off of Kingsway, that’s not too surprising.
I have been there since I was a student 20 years ago, at that time not too many Japanese restaurant which was operated by Japanese chef, this is it. Today I visit again, not disappointed, food is still traditional & the taste is good, service is good too, the only thing that change is the chef, much more younger.
Raymond's Sushi Adventures
+4
Standing as a true testament to time is Van-Ya, an authentic Japanese restaurant located just off of Kingsway near Joyce-Collingwood Station. Van-Ya first opened its doors in 1988 and has received many positive reviews from various Vancouver food bloggers, prompting me to visit the restaurant myself. Somehow, my entire family ended up tagging along. We were lucky enough to see the Skytrain break down once again and get caught in the traffic jam that ensued.
I've been living in the Joyce area for more than six years and this place has been one of my favourites. Their grilled fish (mackerel, black cod, salmon) is consistently delicious! I'm moving away soon and I'll definitely miss having van ya close by!
This place is small but GREAT. Everything is good here
Great food. Have been coming for number of years. It is a small place with great food and great service. Feels like home made Japanese cooking.
Yummy udon. Udon soup base yummy, in fact i had 2 bowls
sushi is ok, looking forward to my next visit
It's not much to look at but the food is just like going to mom's house. It's good comfort food. There's something about home cooking that's typically different about restaurant food. I'd say this is as close as I can get to home cooking away from home. Simple, tasty, and makes me happy to be sipping my mug of tea when I'm done.
I've been going to Vanya since I was 4. They have the best agadashi tofu I have ever tasted, and tempoura made with just the right amount of batter. Every time I've been there I have been satisfied (and I eat there A LOT)
Love Vanya!. Although the ownership has recently changed, Van-ya has pretty much remained the same for about 20 years. This is one of the first restaurants I had sushi and sashimi at, and quality and authenticity is key here.
This was (and continues to be) owned and operated by a Japanese couple, and the current chefs were apprentices under the previous owner and chef. Go a couple times and you'll notice that there are locals who dine here frequently - for a reason!
The food is consistently fresh and good, and their takeout bento boxes have satisfied many a school kid / college student / young adult in our family. We've also had many a cousin gathering and (small) family gathering here as well. Their special roll is enough for lunch or dinner, and their summer time special cold noodle is deliciously appetizing.
Love this place, hope that the new management doesn't change it too much!
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