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Nubo Japanese Tapas (Douglas & Blanshard Location)

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A modern Japanese izakaya offering creative tapas and sushi, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors in a stylish setting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Karaage with Okazu

Nubo Japanese Tapas (Douglas & Blanshard Location)

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A modern Japanese izakaya offering creative tapas and sushi, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors in a stylish setting.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The food is absolutely delicious with incredibly fresh fish, but their cocktail menu truly elevated the experience."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as tables fill up quickly. Walk-ins may be possible during off-peak times.

Visit for Lunch

Consider the lunch special for an unbeatable variety of fresh, well-prepared dishes at a great price.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Japanese Tapas / Sushi

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+1 778-265-9909

Address

739 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N9, Canada

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Innovative Sushi Rolls

Innovative Sushi Rolls

Experience creative sushi rolls with unique flavor combinations and beautiful presentations, a true delight for sushi enthusiasts.

18 Best Restaurants in Victoria, British Columbia Right NowGoogle Review
Exceptional Sashimi

Exceptional Sashimi

Savor incredibly fresh, high-quality sashimi that rivals top sushi spots, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality.

12 Best Sushi Spots In Victoria BC To Satisfy Your Sushi CravingsGoogle Review
Fusion of Flavors

Fusion of Flavors

Enjoy a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with global influences, creating exciting and memorable dishes.

11 Best Restaurants In VictoriaTop 10 Victoria Take-Out
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍NUBO, victoria a must visit for sushi lovers🤍 #pov #viralvideos #videoviral #foryoupage #tbt #fyp #foryoupage #reels #reelsinstagram #foll️owforfollow #followformorevideo #trendingnow #reelitfeelit #explorepage✨ #shortsfeed #trendingreels #mustwatch #contentcreator #dailyreels #instatrends #tikt #dontmissout #instagood #igreels #instafit #reelka...
@curated_byfatima
40 likes • 1.4K views

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as tables fill up quickly. Walk-ins may be possible during off-peak times.

Visit for Lunch

Consider the lunch special for an unbeatable variety of fresh, well-prepared dishes at a great price.

New fave sushi spot in Downtown Victoria. Fresh and affordable 🥰 📍 Nubo Sushi
@alishadsouzaa
12 likes • 387 views

Explore the Menu

Don't shy away from unique flavor combinations and creative presentations; many dishes are perfect for sharing.

Weekday Lunch Timing

Arrive before 2 PM on weekdays to avoid potential rushed experiences due to early kitchen closures.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as tables fill up quickly. Walk-ins may be possible during off-peak times.

Visit for Lunch

Consider the lunch special for an unbeatable variety of fresh, well-prepared dishes at a great price.

Explore the Menu

Don't shy away from unique flavor combinations and creative presentations; many dishes are perfect for sharing.

Weekday Lunch Timing

Arrive before 2 PM on weekdays to avoid potential rushed experiences due to early kitchen closures.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nubo Japanese Tapas is highly praised for its exceptionally fresh and delicious sushi and sashimi, offering a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine. Diners frequently highlight the innovative rolls and the quality of the ingredients, complemented by warm and professional service. While the food is a consistent hit, some mention that reservations are essential, and the surrounding neighborhood can be a concern for some.

"Amazing Find!! The food is ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!! You immediately feel welcomed when coming in. I ate there twice in 2 days because I didn’t have enough the 1st time. 1,000% recommend!!"

Virginie Charbonneau

"We came here for lunch, and they had a set menu called teishoku. We each ordered a different item, but both of the lunch specials were delicious with many different sides. My wife asked for gluten-free options and they completely updated her lunch to make sure that there was no gluten and did replacements for other things. Overall, we had a great lunch and the service and atmosphere was very nice."

Jeff

"The food is absolutely amazing, but if your expectations are to make a reservation the day of, you will be disappointed. There sometimes is tables available for walk in.

Must haves:
The 1980 Monkey, Cowboy Roll, Salmon L Jackson, Victoria Secret Roll, Lucky Strike Roll

It pains me to share this as they only have 5 orders a day available, it is the best kept secret in any restaurant in Victoria but it’s the 4 hour braised beef short ribs. Holy Guacamole, this is amazing! You can pick the meat off the bones with your chop sticks.

I highly recommend this place for food. The service is hit and miss. When it’s good, it feels like you made best friends.

If you want to impress your partner or go on a nice date. Check them out. You CAN make a reso, just not the day of."

Dave Best

What People Like

Incredibly fresh and beautifully presented sushi
Unique and innovative flavor combinations
Warm and professional service

What People Dislike

Difficulty getting reservations on short notice
Concerns about the surrounding neighborhood

Frequently Asked Questions

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant is very popular. Walk-ins may be accommodated during quieter times.

18 Best Restaurants in Victoria, British Columbia Right NowGoogle Review

Many rave about the unique sushi rolls like the Cowboy Roll and Victoria Secret Roll, as well as the fresh sashimi.

Google Review

Yes, the restaurant is accommodating and can update dishes to be gluten-free, providing delicious substitutions.

Google Review

Yes, the stylish ambiance and delicious food make it a great choice for a date night.

11 Best Restaurants In VictoriaGoogle Review

For a less rushed experience, aim to arrive before 2 PM on weekdays, as the kitchen may close early.

Yes, it's mentioned as one of the best takeout sushi restaurants in the city, offering carefully created small plates.

The Best Sushi Restaurants in Victoria!Top 10 Victoria Take-Out

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18 Best Restaurants in Victoria, British Columbia Right Now

Japanese tapas translates to an izakaya-style restaurant with craziness like the “avovado” (tempura-fried whole avocado) and sushi silliness like the Victorian secret and yoga flame rolls. Don’t let the names fool you—the food is spectacular. Getting a table is tough, but it is worth it to say you tried the Tamago spam musubi (Hawaiians would understand) or the maguro eruption—marinated tuna you sizzle yourself on a hot stone.

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Taste the Island: Top 10 Restaurants on Vancouver Island

Nubo Japanese Tapas, located in downtown Victoria, offers a modern twist on traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and innovative presentations. Owned by the Tanaka family, Nubo has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike for its vibrant atmosphere and creative menu. The restaurant combines the flavors of Japanese tapas with the artistry of sushi, creating a unique dining experience that’s perfect for sharing.

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12 Best Sushi Spots In Victoria BC To Satisfy Your Sushi Cravings

Famous for its innovative new-style Japanese cuisine, Nubo Japanese Tapas is where you’ll experience the one-of-a-kind fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine with South American flavours by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa. So, whenever you demand something extraordinary and want to dine at one of the best restaurants in Victoria for a special occasion, think of Nubo. Since the very first day, the Seafood Togarashi has been Nubo’s favorite dish.

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Best Japanese restaurants in Victoria [2024]

Address: 739 Pandora Ave, Victoria, BC V8W 1N9, CanadaPhone:+1 (778) 265-9909Website:nubotapas.com/#nubo-japanese-tapasDetails: $$, Authentic Japanese restaurant. Located in Victoria, Nubo Japanese Tapas is a must-visit restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience. As you step into this cozy establishment, you’ll be greeted by a friendly and efficient staff, ensuring that your visit is nothing short of exceptional.

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Starting with the décor, it gives the feel of New York because it’s like a modern chic restaurant even though it’s like a very old building of brick on the inside, giving a very loving kind feeling. Step a bit more, and you will discover a speakeasy-style eatery that serves up delicious cocktails and tapas pairings. This chic restaurant is known for fusion food blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients.

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Lunch & Dinner | 739 Pandora Avenue | 20-min walk from Black Ball’s Victoria terminal. NUBO is a popular dining spot known for its innovative fusion of Japanese flavors and tapas-style dining. The restaurant offers a unique culinary experience, featuring small plates with a Japanese twist, from sushi to creative small bites, in a stylish and contemporary setting, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts in Victoria.

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The Best Sushi Restaurants in Victoria!

This small, modern restaurant is great for a casual date night and one of the best takeout sushi restaurants in the city!. Inspired by the casual Japanese tapas style dining called Izakaya, at Nubo you’ll find carefully created small plates, perfect for sharing. Using both traditional Japanese flavours and techniques and globally inspired flavour combinations, this menu is sure to impress!

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This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Japanese take-out restaurant. Inspired by the casual Japanese tapas style dining called Izakaya, you’ll find carefully created small plates that are inspired by Japanese flavours combined seamlessly with global cooking methods. Thai is a menu that is perfect for sharing or creating your own feast of high-quality, flavourful dishes.

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Victoria-Dinner – Page 2

Their designer maki rolls certainly looked very tantalizing, making this place worth visiting again for that alone!. But when I noticed that I’ve seen similar elsewhere (especially after having sushi in four different cities), well, perhaps they are not?. I was seeking a taste of the old country — traditional — and this place certainly delivers.

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The Best Ramen in Victoria

For the longest time after Nubo opened, I kind of ignored it as some sort of new age place that I would most likely be disappointed by. This is yet another lesson in life that I need to always check my assumptions. While the menu is mostly focused on small Izakaya items, they do have ramen.

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Nubo Japanese Tapas has the best balance of Japanese fine dining and authentic cuisine. From tapas, rolls, sashimi, and salads to sake, draught beers, ciders, cocktails, and wines, Nubo is equal parts quality and craftsmanship. Where: 739 Pandora Avenue, Victoria

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If you've had a productive day and you feel like treating yourself (or if you just feel like treating yourself) Nubo's trendy-yet-intimate environment is the perfect place to enjoy traditional-meets-edgy Japanese cuisine.

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Victoria's Best Restaurant Award Winner 2023: Best East Asian

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.

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You can pick your main, which is going to be either sashimi, nigiri or sushi rolls. It also includes tempura prawns and yam, salad, miso soup, and then a couple of rotating side dishes.

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If you’re looking for sushi, the best option in downtown Victoria (in my opinion) is Nubo. They offer delicious Japanese Tapas!

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