Sushi Town

Got back late from a meeting today and really didn't feel like cooking. Considered the regular places, but they seemed a bit boring. Decided to try Sushi Town, which is on Hastings in Burnaby North. It was only a 5 minute drive for me, very nice. The restaurant is a bit non-descriptive on the outside, one could drive right past if you weren't looking for it. Inside, it's quite typical of a small Japanese restaurant - tables close to each other, and a sushi bar bustling with activity. The restaurant is quite busy, so it is quite common to wait for a table. Best to get takeout if you hate waiting.

We ordered the salmon sashimi (9 pcs for $7.95), and the slices were huge, easily double of what you find anywhere else. Also it was very fresh, and tasty. Next, we had the Dragon roll and the Mangodise roll (8 pcs @ $4.95 each). The Dragon roll had avocado on the inside and a nice helping of unagi on the outside. The Mangodise roll had mango on the inside and shrimp on the outside. Both rolls were very tasty and are definitely fitting the trend of the nouveau-type of sushi rolls becoming more common these days. However, they were small compared to those at Tomoya and Toyotomi. The Unagi Roll and the Spicy Scallop Roll were good too. Only criticism is that the rolls are a bit loose. Tried the assorted tempura, and I have to declare that this is one of best tempura I've ever had up until now. I can honestly say this with confidence since I've tried quite a few versions of tempura in my lifetime. The tempura batter was light and crispy - not laid on too thick either. The prawn was juicy and sweet. The yam was just excellent, soft and sweet on the inside, but crisp on the outside.

Also ordered an udon, which was very good as well - the noodles were a bit chewy; yet not soggy and the broth was well-balanced (not too salty). The service at Sushi Town is efficient, but it's definitely indifferent. You order and you probably won't see the waitress until the food comes out and when you need to pay the bill. However, you're not expecting too much at these prices. Seating is tight, so you will be really close to the people beside you; in fact, we were conversing with our neighbouring table all throughout the meal. We actually enjoy that, but for some shy folk, they might feel uneasy.

The Good:
- Reasonable prices
- Food tastes good
- Decent portions

The Bad:
- Very tight quarters
- Just adequate service (staff seems a bit overworked)
- Very busy, waits are common

Sushi Town
5935 Hastings Street
Burnaby, BC
V5B 1R7
(604) 294-6155