Sushi Bar Maumi

The story

Sushi Bar Maumi: Vancouver Michelin-Recommended Edo-style Omakase Nigiri

An Authentic Edo-style Sushi Experience in Vancouver

At a quiet spot on Robson Street, Sushi Bar Maumi offers a singular vision of Japanese sushi. Chef Maumi Ozaki, with over 33 years of experience, personally prepares each piece of nigiri using traditional Edo-style techniques. This Vancouver restaurant has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for its unwavering dedication to the craft.

The restaurant’s philosophy rests on the “aesthetic of subtraction” – aging, marinating, and curing fish to enhance natural umami rather than masking it. Fish is imported daily from Japan, and the chef decides whether to serve it fresh or cured to bring out its best flavour. Every detail is calibrated: the temperature of the rice, the ratio of fresh wasabi from Izu, Shizuoka, and the pressure used when forming each piece.

A Counter Built for Focus

Sushi Bar Maumi seats just 17 guests in a single seating, creating a calm, uninterrupted atmosphere. The sushi counter itself is crafted from Yoshino cypress by Japanese artisans. There are no rolls on the menu – only omakase nigiri sushi. Guests begin with a 13-piece course and signature miso soup, then may order additional nigiri from a separate menu. The chef serves each piece directly over the counter, ensuring it is eaten at its peak.

Three house-made sauces accompany the sushi: a strong and regular nikiri shoyu made with bonito, kelp, mirin, and sake; and tsume, a sweet-savoury glaze from barbecued conger eel head. A seaweed salt called mojio is used for certain seafood like spot prawns.

A Family-Run Labour of Love

Chef Maumi runs the restaurant with his wife as a family business, allowing them to offer fair pricing while sourcing top-grade seafood from Japan. The nori comes from Tsukiji Market, and the soy sauce is a custom blend designed to complement the rice and fish. Over 30 varieties of sake, many hard to find even in Japan, are available to pair with the meal.

Sushi Bar Maumi was the first in Vancouver to specialize in counter-based omakase focusing solely on Edo-style nigiri sushi. The restaurant does not serve children under 19, and reservations are required. It is a space where the sushi itself – refined, minimalist, and deeply respectful of tradition – takes centre stage.