Tanpopo Japanese Restaurant (1122 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC, phone 604-681-7777) serves “all you can eat” sushi in its downtown, West-End location. Lunch time prices are around $12 for the sushi buffet, and dinner (which features a greater selection) is around $22. Service was attentive, and the kitchen was fast, bringing our orders out quickly. The sushi tasted really good too. Tanpopo is just steps away from the English Bay beach and within walking distance of Stanley Park.

(update Jan 2, 08) Olivia writes:

Also noteworthy is the fact that you can order unlimited sashimi. I don’t eat raw fish, but for sashimi lovers, this is great news! ^_^

Pictured below are some of the items we ordered.

Pan fried gyoza

Ebi sunomono salad (with shrimp)

Salmon and tuna sashimi

California roll and salmon maki sushi

Salmon maki sushi

Chicken katsu (breaded chicken cutlet)

Christie’s Carriage House Pub (1739 Fort Street, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone 250-598-5333) is a popular pub in the Victoria area which is located in an authentic heritage house. Christie’s web site describes:

Christie’s Carriage House Pub recreates turn-of-the-century Victoria with flair, charm and comfort. The proprietor welcomes you to meet and share a pint in a comfortable atmosphere with fireplaces in cozy rooms, antique lighting and decor of the Queen Anne period.) At night the Pub is alive with more than the sound of music as friends gather to share the events of the day, team players slip off for a pint, or neighbours gather for a night cap waited on by the friendliest staff in town.

I was in the mood for something lighter so I ordered the Yellowfin Tuna Salad which was a large yellowfin tuna steak grilled medium rare, served with fresh greens, tropical salsa and avocado (pictured below, $12). I also tried the spicy beef lettuce wrap which was also yummy ($3, appetizer special). Click here for more info on Christie’s Carriage House including their menu.

Taking the ferries over to Victoria is a popular day-trip for visitors to the Vancouver area. The ferry terminal at Tsawassen (on the Vancouver side) has a marketplace with a variety of vendors serving delicious food, such as Taste of BC (web site) which serves fresh and smoked BC salmon. I ordered the Smoked Salmon bagel (pictured below, $6.95) which was served with fresh smoked BC Salmon, onions, capers, and cream cheese. This was a special treat while waiting in line for the ferry.

Smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese, capers, and onions ($6.95)