YAM magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards 2023 celebrates Greater Victoria, B.C.’s exciting food scene and are judged by an independent panel of chefs and food experts. 

BY CINDA CHAVICH | PHOTOS BY JEFFREY BOSDET

YAM magazine’s Best Restaurant Awards 2023 celebrates Greater Victoria, B.C.’s exciting food scene and are judged by an independent panel of chefs and food experts.
At Nubo Japanese Tapas, the menu goes far beyond sushi.

Best East Asian – Nubo Japanese Tapas

739 Pandora Avenue | nubotapas.com

The Nubo Group has the local Japanese and Korean category covered with its two Nubo locations, Nubo Sushi Roll & Roll and E:Ne Raw Food and Sake Bar all spread out along Pandora Avenue downtown.

Nubo Japanese Tapas, with E:Ne next door, is their original base, and Nubo Kitchen + Bar is a few blocks away in the harbourside Janion Building. Nubo has a traditional and Japanese fusion izakaya menu, with fresh takes on sushi, ramen and sashimi, alongside modern cocktails. E:Ne boasts Canada’s largest selection of sake, with Japanese cocktails and small bites. The menu is extensive, but beyond sushi, Nubo is also popular for its tapas and noodle dishes (think kung pao cauliflower or spicy tan tan men) and teishoku set menu lunch.

Runners-up

Uchida Eatery/Shokudo, a Japanese gem with a hyper-local takeout lunch menu; and the stylish Yua Bistro, which features beautiful sashimi platters and layered oju boxes filled with tasty surprises.