White Rock’s sushi scene revolves around four brilliant restaurants that match anything you’ll find in Vancouver.
We’ve found Kappa Japanese Restaurant (4.7 stars) and Takas (4.6 stars) get you seated quickly without cutting corners on quality.
Sushi Iwa gives you that local spot vibe where the staff know what you usually order.
Nami stands out for their tempura and commitment to local ingredients.
You’ll get fresh, locally-caught sashimi and inventive signature rolls at each place that make this coastal town worth your time.
Top-Rated Sushi Establishments in White Rock

White Rock delivers four exceptional sushi spots that prove this coastal town knows its fish. We’ve tested them all repeatedly, and Kappa Japanese Restaurant leads our rankings with its 4.7-star rating. Takas sits right behind at 4.6 stars, whilst Sushi Iwa creates that perfect neighbourhood feel where staff remember your usual order. Nami rounds out the group with excellent tempura dishes. What sets these Japanese restaurants apart is their understanding of what locals want: fresh ingredients, fair pricing, and staff who genuinely care about your dining experience.
Dining Experience and Atmosphere at Local Japanese Restaurants

White Rock’s sushi scene looks small, but each restaurant has built something special that keeps drawing us back. Takas and Kappa hit the right balance—you get seated fast without any drop in quality, which works perfectly when you need dependable comfort food. The crew at Sushi Iwa makes us feel like regulars, particularly when we order online for collection. Nami steps things up with genuine service and their focus on local sourcing. What gets us most is how these places handle everything from random weeknight meals to celebrating your big wins, shifting effortlessly to match whatever occasion brings you in.
Menu Highlights and Specialty Rolls

We’ve spent many evenings checking out White Rock’s sushi restaurants, and what makes these places special goes beyond their waterfront views—it’s how they create unique signature rolls you won’t get elsewhere. From Sushi Iwa’s perfectly torched aburi dishes to the creative specialty rolls at each spot, we’ve seen these chefs turn fresh sashimi into beautiful presentations. Each place has developed its own style, whether it’s Nami’s use of local ingredients or the consistently great cuts at Takas and Kappa.
Signature Roll Creations
What makes White Rock’s sushi scene special isn’t the oceanfront location alone—it’s the signature rolls that have become neighbourhood favourites. We’ve seen chefs at Sushi Iwa create rolls that blend traditional techniques with fresh ideas, using fish caught in our local waters. Takas keeps us guessing with their beautiful presentations, whilst Kappa’s clever flavour pairings have built a loyal following. These signature creations show off our community’s refined taste—rolls you won’t find anywhere else. They’re more than just food; they’re part of what makes White Rock’s food culture distinct and keeps us returning for more.
Fresh Sashimi Selection
Living right on White Rock’s coast means we get fish that’s truly fresh, caught yesterday and on your plate today. Our sashimi highlights the Pacific’s best in their simplest, purest form. Sushi Iwa consistently brings us premium cuts that show what real ocean-to-table dining looks like.
Their local sourcing approach gives you fish at its peak:
- Wild salmon with a rich, buttery texture that dissolves on your tongue
- Premium tuna showing deep crimson marbling throughout
- Seasonal catches, including local halibut and spot prawns
Their knife skills stand out—each cut shows proper traditional technique, whilst their aburi style brings that West Coast twist we love here.
Aburi Sushi Specialties
Aburi Sushi Specialities
The exceptional raw fish is just the start. We’ve seen how Sushi Iwa’s aburi technique transforms familiar favourites into something distinctly West Coast. You’ll watch their chefs torch premium cuts right at your table, creating that signature char that locals rave about. This isn’t typical Vancouver-style aburi—it’s uniquely White Rock.

Their specialty rolls seamlessly incorporate this technique, transforming traditional nigiri into something that feels both familiar and revolutionary. You’re seeing aburi’s evolution here—it’s become our calling card.
Operating Hours and Reservation Information

Operating Hours and Reservation Information
Finding great sushi in White Rock requires smart timing. We’ve seen too many disappointed faces at fully booked restaurants.
Timing is everything when hunting for exceptional sushi—nothing ruins a craving like staring at a “fully booked” sign.
Sushi Iwa’s timings are Monday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm. You can grab takeout or order delivery. Nami stays open every day from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
Taka’s Sushi timings are 11:30 am – 9:30 pm Monday to Sunday.
Kappa Japanese Restaurant is open for dine-in only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Last call is 8 p.m. For takeout orders, they can be called in from noon on Thursday to Saturday and picked up between 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
What we’ve learnt works:
- Ring Sushi Iwa, the moment you decide to go, their small space gets packed, especially on weekends.
- Place your Nami takeout order before the evening rush hits.
- Use delivery when you want quality sushi at home. Restaurants that offer delivery: Taka’s Sushi, Sushi Iwa, and Nami.
Location Details and Accessibility

You’ll find Sushi Iwa at 14959 Marine Drive. With parking right by the beach—brilliant when the main strip gets crowded. Nami’s is located on Roper Avenue, easily accessible whether you’re local or visiting, and is about a 5-minute drive to the beach. Both sushi restaurants are right near White Rock’s waterfront, perfect for your walks on the beach.
Taka’s Sushi is on Pacific Avenue, under a 5-minute drive from the beach. Kappa Japanese Restaurant, situated on George Street, offers a cozy and authentic dining experience.
We particularly like how both spots put you steps away from the pier and promenade. After your meal, you can stroll down for sunset views or check out the weekend markets. This walkable feel gives White Rock’s sushi scene its genuine neighbourhood character.
Customer Reviews and Quality Ratings

The ratings show exactly what you’d expect from White Rock’s sushi scene—places worth your time and money that locals actually visit repeatedly. When we look at the numbers, they match what your palate will tell you.
White Rock’s sushi ratings tell the real story—these are spots where locals return again and again for good reason.
- Kappa Japanese Restaurant sits at 4.7/5 stars, with customers praising their authentic Japanese atmosphere.
- Takas scores 4.6/5 stars, though they’re shut today
- Sushi Iwa maintains 4.2/5 stars thanks to a welcoming service that brings people back
Even Nami’s 3.6/5 rating includes mentions of cozy atmosphere and genuine care for guests. We’ve seen these scores reflect reality—fresh ingredients and proper service aren’t just empty promises at these spots.
Questions Often Asked
Do White Rock Sushi Restaurants Offer Vegetarian or Vegan Options?
Yes, White Rock sushi restaurants offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options for you.
We’ve found most local spots cater well to plant-based diners! You’ll find fantastic veggie rolls, tofu options, and creative vegan sushi downtown. Our favourites near the pier consistently deliver fresh alternatives that’ll satisfy your dietary needs.
What Is the Average Price Range for Dinner at These Establishments?
Dinner prices at these Marine Drive spots typically range from $20 to $35 per person. We’ve noticed the oceanview tables come with a premium, but you should plan on about $27 for good quality rolls and fresh sashimi at our favourite places.
Do Any Restaurants Provide Sushi-Making Classes or Culinary Workshops?
Yes, restaurants do offer sushi-making classes, though options vary by location.
We’ve discovered that most White Rock sushi restaurants don’t run formal workshops, but you can learn from the pros if you know how to approach them. At spots like Shiro or Samurai, the chefs are often happy to show you their techniques when things slow down in the evening. Just be polite when you ask—most chefs enjoy sharing their skills with genuinely interested customers.
Are There Gluten-Free Menu Options Available for Customers With Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, gluten-free options are widely available at most sushi restaurants for your dietary needs.
Most sushi places we visit offer gluten-free choices! We regularly see chefs using tamari instead of soy sauce and preparing rice-based rolls. Our local restaurants typically handle dietary requests well—you won’t miss out when dining with friends.
Do Restaurants Offer Takeout, Delivery, or Catering Services for Events?
Yes, most restaurants in this area offer takeout and delivery through apps like DoorDash. Many also provide catering services – we’ve organized them for birthday parties and office events. You’ll want to ring ahead since some require minimum orders for catering.