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Wa's Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Sushi Bars Japanese, Sushi Bars [Edit]
1721 Centre St NWCalgary, AB T2E 2S3
(403) 277-2077
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
19 reviews for Wa's Japanese Restaurant
19 reviews in English
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Review from Angelo T.
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
What the blutz? Why haven't I written a review Wa's ever before?
Ridiculous. Anytime someone asks me to reccomend them a place to eat and their description includes "hole-in-the-wall", "down-to-earth, "great price/taste ratio", "place I can go to almost impress people", and "I need a bowl or ramen" I immediately force them into Wa's
Really, much love goes to Wa's. I'm not sure if I'll ever see Japan in this lifetime, but this place comes close. They don't have much for fancy original rolls, but they make up for it with amazing dishes. I suggest the following dishes:
-Chirashi sushi, they are quite generous with their fresh sashimi
-Ramen, different from other places like Shibuya or Muku, but just as great, more compact in ingredients
-Tonkatsu pork. Comfort food at a five start samurai level, I'm serious and wouldn't lie to you
Over all Wa's is a great place to hang out with friends, parent, family....
maybe casual dates...unless you have a history of being a "sushi snob" where the sight of someone performing chopstick surgery on a piece of gorgeously assembled sushi, thereby insulting a whole nation of...*deep breath*
:P
29/30 -
Review from Kelly Z.
4/27/2012
Itadakimasu!
I've been carefully avoiding Japanese food since I moved home from Japan a few months ago since I knew it would only end in disappointment, but the time finally came one hungry night in Calgary. My husband had read good things about Wa's, so we headed over and were seated immediately on a Sunday evening.
We only ordered nigiri sushi and maki, so my review is only on that, and I have to say I was quite pleased. For those ordering by the piece, note that unlike most sushi-yas in Japan, the prices are by the piece, not for a two piece set of nigiri. Also, be sure to check the chalkboard for the day's specials. Fresh fish of any kind should dominate your choices for the day, even above favourites.
The fish was fresh and flavourful, for the most part. The best item was the scallop, which we ordered more of immediately. The salmon left us wanting, which is not the case, but it was not as fatty as we like. The anago was tender and soft, yet very flavourful. Definitely recommend that.
As far as rice (shari), which is the real hallmark of a good sushi joint (let's face it, in today's global world, good fish is just an airplane shipment away), it was a bit dry and grainy - not as pillowy as I wanted. But it was well seasoned and not gummy or completely falling apart, so it was acceptable.
The maki rolls were imaginative, but some were not well executed. The "Flames" roll was a bit too spicy and overwhelmed the fish. The tempura in another roll was really excellent, and enough to make me consider ordering some on my next visit. But the nori was fresh on all of them, and proved that they had been rolled to order, or atleast not too long before they were served.
The service was up and down. We did not receive a "Irrashaimase!!" from the staff upon entering the restaurant like all the other patrons, and unlike all the other tables, we did not get hashioki for our chopsticks. They questioned if we knew the difference between anago and unagi twice... but the food spoke for itself, so I am willing to put up with some slanted service if they think we are sushi newbs.
When I lived in Japan I loved saying "This is pretty good...for Japan." on western dishes. Now that I'm home, I find I say "This is pretty good...for Canada." Wa's definitely qualifies, especially with it's better than average nihon-shu selection. It's good, but God help you if you need to find truly excellent sushi on the prairies. Best to book a flight to Narita... -
Review from Kenneth E.
Vancouver, BC
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Compared to Vancouver standards though I was in the craving so this pretty well is a nicer one with the decor, and Japanese-operated which is always a bonus. Comffy decor.
Ordered the dynamite roll, which had a bit too much rice but tasted good w/ the prawn , avocado & mayo.
The tontakso pork ramen is more recommended, lots noodles and tasty soup base. Just one slice of pork. Good amount of onions & bamboo.
Egg tamago also nicely made in-house, not too sweet.
Nice that it has its own 6 spaces for parking.
I'll return. -
Review from Gabe A.
2/16/2011
Tucked away in the middle of nowhere, with seemingly no signs and no adverts aside from glowing word of mouth, this is the best sushi I've had in Calgary so far. I've been here twice and both times the flavor and bang-for-your-buck has been off the charts. The sushi chef operates on the side of the tiny restaurant (maybe 40 seats), and is fully focused and dedicated to his craft of offering the freshest fish.
The first time I came here directly after work with my friends, still dressed in my finest white shirt and dress pants. I felt somewhat out of place, but as soon as the food arrived, I knew I was in good company. I ordered the katsu don (the litmus test of any Japanese restaurant), which was prepared perfectly, and the five of us shared the special unagi roll, which was like a giant snake of barbequed eel, very tasty. And of course the smoked salmon was as it should be.
The second time I went with my wife, and we both loved it; she ordered an army of smoked salmon and the katsu don, and I tried the Sunshine roll: a huge piece with two pieces of salmon with alternating dollops of avocado and cream cheese. It was huge, and the flavor was even bigger, a smoked salmon roll on 'roids. Needless to say, we nearly redlined and went away very satisfied, though a little wiser as to the quantities we should order in the future.
The prices are average (not too high but not dirt cheap), but the quality of the food, and the friendliness of the service, make the trip well worth your while.Listed in: Gat Top 10
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Review from Jay K.
5/27/2011 2 photos
Enjoyed a very nice dinner here.
Parking lot's small and tight. Restaurant's equally "cozy."
Decent array of menu items including a specials board to the right of the sushi bar. On our evening specials included oysters on the half-shell 6 ($15), Amberjack sashimi ($30), Aji tataki ($20) and black sesame ice cream ($5).
Enjoyed the deluxe chirashi ($28) which included a scallop, dollop of krab salad, spot prawn, tuna, whitefish unknown x2, salmon x2, hamachi x2, albacore, smattering of ikura, egg omelet slice, shiso leaves x2 and two slivers of uni. A very good representation, and I'd recommend shelling out the few extra bucks for the better fish selection. Comes with gomokuzushi-style rice. They will fry the botan ebi head for you; I'd ask for it at the outset rather than when you're done dining.
Sampled the scallop handrolls - heavy on rice, chewy nori, could have used a touch more scallop. I'd recommend the creamy scallop over the spicy scallop (too much sriracha).
Tempura is well done and fairly "authentic" as far as the coating goes. Oil tasted a touch on the old side. Shrimp texture could have been a touch firmer. I'm just quibbling though, because once you've eaten at shops that specialize in tempura in Japan, it's hard to compare.
If they've got the black sesame ice cream, I'd recommend giving it a try. It's quite popular in Japan, and Wa's rendition (don't know if it's house made) is quite good and hits the spot. Not too sweet. The strawberry wafer they include is a bit off though; It appears to be the same strawberry-flavored wafers you get out of those giant square tins sold in Chinatown supermarkets. Doesn't really mesh with the dessert. Perhaps they were trying to replicate the Japanese-style Gaufre wafers which are more delicate and a better fit.
There are some fairly-priced menu items, and some that seem just outrageous. Most of the specials seem highly overpriced and that $20 spider roll'd better be soft-shelled Dungeness (why doesn't that exist?).
Servers are courteous and attentive.
A really nice Japanese restaurant and quite close to downtown. I'd definitely recommend it. -
Review from Joey N.
Calgary, AB
6/14/2011
We had a bit of time so we decided to sit and chat and enjoy our meal. But that didn't happen.
We ordered some sushi, and was thinking about ordering another round but the sushi was not very fresh (a bit expensive for the quality we got). What ruined it was the table right behind us was talking very very loud (this is a very small restaurant...even if you sat at the far end you would still hear them). To be fair, the noise was not the restaurant's fault, but we went on Friday evening dinner time and the quality of the fish was pretty disappointing. We ended up leaving early (coz I was having a headache from the noise) with half-empty stomachs and went to McDonalds after. -
Review from Linda C.
11/17/2010
After my lunch here this weekend, I thought I'd check yelp to see the star rating and was surprised by the high stars. I guess my review will be against the crowd then.
My lunch here with my mom was not great. I was suspect of how fresh their fish was (and also the cross contamination factor as I am allergic to shrimp) so we didn't order the sushi. Instead we got their yakiniku, and fried halibut lunch combos. Both come with miso soup, salad, & 2 sides: japanese pickles and what looked to be korean japjae. The beef yakiniku was sooo tough and hard to chew. The quantity was large but who cares when it's tough. The halibut was overcooked so the edges were dry and hard. As far as the menu goes, I found it limited and some things stuck out for being extra pricey for what it is. -
Review from Philip S.
Calgary, AB
11/15/2008
Having moved here from Los Angeles via Sydney via Hong Kong, let's just say that my first 5 month foray into Asian food in Calgary has been one rife with disappointment.
Having said that, one cold evening (yesterday) I went with my three small children and dined at Wa's even though it was a fair distance away.
Well worth the effort. Sashimi Moraiwase, and particularly amaebi was good. Tempura was the best in Calgary and finished off with some tonkotsu udon and some saba shioyaki.
Service was friendly, and the sushi chefs efficient. The only disappointment was that the first uni I had in six months, was not fresh at all.
Still, after Towa, Globefish, Blowfish, Wa's is somehow the best of all. -
Review from Thomas M.
1/25/2012
this is my favorite sushi place in the city.
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Review from Trish L.
Calgary, AB
9/12/2008
This is my favourite Japanese restaurant in Calgary. The owner is Japanese and the food is very authentic. There are actually a lot of Japanese who frequent this restaurant.
Their agedashi tofu is fabulous! It is served with very traditional Japanese condiments like shaved radish, seaweed, etc. It is one of the best agedashi tofu I've ever had... even better than most places in Vancouver. And to top it off, it is consistent, time after time.
Wa's tempura is top-notch. It is very delicate and flaky... and unlike most tempura at most other Japanese restaurants in Calgary. IMHO it ranks in the same league as some of the top Japanese places in Vancouver and even in asia.
The raw oysters are very good and presented with very asian-style mignonettes. They are definitely one of my favourite.
I quite enjoy their udon noodles as well. They are served with in a traditional Japanese broth along with traditional condiments such as tongarashi and toasted sesame seeds.
The sushi and rolls are made with great care. And the seaweed for the rolls is quite crisp.
This is definitely a place for people who can appreciate very authentic and high quality Japanese food.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Louise S.
Calgary, AB
11/28/2009
I have been going to Wa's for years. It was recommended to me by my acupuncturist who spent 7 years in Japan who was married to a Japanese lady. He said it was the most authentic place in town. (unlike other sushi places who actually have Korean sushi chefs).
The service is always attentive, the menu is varied enough to please the most adventurous and cautious. I really like all the wonderful food served on the unique stoneware dishes. the Sake and beer always tastes better in a cup that I get to pick! -
Review from Katie C.
Calgary, AB
11/28/2009
I love, love, love Wa's. They serve delicious and fresh tempura, and the squid tempura/ika karaage comes with this amazing mayo/sweet sauce that is addictive! It is crispy and not-greasy and just generally delicious.
The nigiri and the fish are very tasty, although I must admit I prefer some others on that front. It is definitely still small, and bite-sized and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
The restaurant is super small, and it is located beside a business that has been closed for sometime. Like clockwork, I'll be heading there for dinner, glance over as we drive by and have a heart attack when I see the closed sign. Then we'll pull into the tiny parking lot and peer in - an lo and behold Wa's is still open!
It is a good idea to make a reservation before coming (on any night of the week), because the place is always packed full and during busy times it can take a while to get a seat. It's a small place, so I wouldn't bring any more than about six people. They have a mix of booths, tables and the bar, and the atmosphere is pretty romantic. Low lighting, cozy tables and slightly oriental decoration make it a great place to meet with friends or go on a date.Listed in: DEELISH!
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Review from Arc P.
As someone who lived in rural-ish Japan for 3 years, Wa's is the closest to authentic "normal" Japanese cuisine in Calgary. The menu contains the kinds of dishes one could order at your average restaurant in your average Japanese city/town. The decor reminds me of some of the frequented restaurants I ate at during my time in Japan. Love it here, it takes me back! I would recommend the Tonkatsu Teishoku (Tonkatsu Lunch Set). Tonkatsu is breaded pork cutlet and the set may include rice, miso soup, tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and a small salad. This restaurant truly has the taste and feel of Japan.
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Review from E Y.
Calgary, AB
2/16/2011
This is my favorite Japanese restaurant in Calgary!
They may not have the best sushi.
They may not have the best variety.
They probably not have the best price.
But my wife and I just keep coming back to this place, for I think almost the last 10 years. We just think there's something special about this place: the coziness, the friendly service, the smiling sushi chefs, and of course, the good food.
Appetizers are very good, we particularly like the grilled tuna belly.
Sushi are fresh and in decent sizes.
The hot dishes are not very special, but I do like the tempura.
They also have a different lunch menu which I think is also delicious and at a very good price.
Reservation recommended. -
Review from Cornelius V.
Calgary, AB
6/2/2010
I concur with the other reviews citing the quality of this place. All I can add is that the building looks like complete crap, but inside it is very pleasant. This place is a secret hidden away from those who base their dining decisions solely on Gilchrist.
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Review from Christine L.
Vancouver, BC
1/11/2011
Love this place! However, I think Wa's does fresh fish the best. I tried both hot food and sushi and would really recommend any of their sashimi (red tuna, salmon, scallop, octopus). Lunch is a bargain - particularly sashimi set. Drool! High quality fish in Calgary!!!
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Review from Ken I.
Calgary, AB
12/24/2009
The food here is as authentic and delicious with a menu that is progressive and simple. However, everything is overpriced. The Saba no battera costs about 20 dollars. A couple of years ago I remember it being about $12. How could prices inflate by that much? I love this place but I don't think I'll be visiting very often.
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Review from J j.
3/14/2010
Always good, Wa's had been around for many years, at least 10 years! it had been always the same owner, same taste and same quality. Restaurant had been running for this long gotta have a reason. I think this is one of the best Japanese restaurant in the city, there's not weird looking fusion rolls or weird blend that many other Jap restaurant trying to impress you with. This is a place for traditional, consistency Japanese cusine and service.. For some reason, I found their food to be a bit of "ho-hum", maybe I have been here too many times and it's always pretty good. Nonetheless, I guess it's a compliement to be called ho -hum!! and there's always room for improvement, keep it up Wa's!! :D
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Review from Spencer C.
Calgary, AB
1/19/2010
Best sushi in Calgary! I'm not usually a big fan of rolls but the Flames roll is really good and the simple salmon roles are classic. Nigiri is the most consistent of anywhere I've been. I'm mostly all about the nigiri so that is pretty key. They have a really great unagi special dish which is very good.
I love salmon the most and I wish they would put wild salmon on the menu consistently. Its a special sometimes but not always. Otherwise no complaints. I'd give it 5 stars if they had wild sockeye or wild coho.
Price is reasonable, more expensive than some but fitting for the quality and atmosphere.
