Sushi is one of my favourite things to eat but, as other sushi fans will know, it can be expensive when you’re feeding large groups (or teenagers—I have two of those). One of the great things about Tokyo 1 is that they have an all-you-can-eat system where you pay a set price for lunch (about $18/person) or dinner (about $26/person) and order as much as you want, including being able to order multiple times if you’re still hungry.
There are a few differences between the lunch and dinner menu, with the main one being that the most expensive items (sashimi, crab legs, etc.) are reserved for the dinner menu. This is not a buffet-style restaurant and thank goodness for that because sushi that sits out is not sushi I want to eat. Instead, every table is equipped with an Ipad that displays pictures and descriptions of the food. The menu is extensive and the portions (aside from rolls) are very small so they aren’t really meant for sharing, but you can order as many as you want.
There are many other Asian-inspired dishes that are not sushi, so even your non-sushi-loving friends and family members can enjoy a meal here. There are Chinese, Japanese, and Thai inspired items on the all-you-can-eat menu such as Asian curries, skewered meats, dumplings (gyoza and dim sum), various noodle dishes (pad thai, etc.), different types of fried rice, salads, soups, desserts, and more!
There are plenty of vegetarian items on the menu as well but if you are ordering them specifically because you are a vegetarian be sure to let them know or they might put veggie items on the same plate as fish items, for example. They are happy to keep them separate if you ask, though.
Things of note:
- There is dedicated parking so you’ll be able to find a spot nearby.
- There are no steps into or inside the restaurant.
- The bathrooms are wheelchair accessible.
- The tables are a combination of booths, bench seats along the wall, and sturdy chairs (without arms) that pull away from the tables. Any of the tables that aren’t booths can be moved around to accommodate large parties, larger people, or people with mobility devices.
- There is plenty of room to get around in this large restaurant.
- Chopsticks are automatically provided. If you’re unable to use them for any reason, you’ll have to request additional utensils.
Now for the really important stuff…the food!
Above: Edamame and assorted vegetable tempura.
Above: Agedashi tofu.
Above: Seaweed salad (I love the crunch of this stuff).
Above: Salmon nigiri. Salmon nigiri and tuna tataki are two of my all-time favourite foods. Unfortunately, tuna tataki is not offered at Tokyo 1. Fortunately, Kaiso in West Kelowna makes my favourite tuna tataki so I go there to get my fix. Nom! All those fantastic, healthy, tasty fish fats and proteins. The nigiri here is buttery and melts in your mouth, exactly the way it’s supposed to!
Above: Sakura Roll (spicy salmon, tobiko, avocado, tempura flakes, spicy mayo).
Above: White Dragon Roll: Prawn, cucumber, avocado, tuna, tobiko, crab, spicy mayo.
The rolls were quite good but usually I skip them to make room for more nigiri. I wanted to try some different menu items, though, and share them here. I wish I was eating some salmon nigiri right now, but I pretty much always wish that.
If you’re looking to try something new give Tokyo 1 a try and let me know what you think about their food in the comments.