
Nubo Japanese Tapas (Douglas & Blanshard Location)
A modern Japanese izakaya offering creative tapas and sushi, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors in a stylish setting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Nubo Japanese Tapas (Douglas & Blanshard Location)

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern Japanese izakaya offering creative tapas and sushi, blending fresh local ingredients with global flavors in a stylish setting.
"The food is absolutely delicious with incredibly fresh fish, but their cocktail menu truly elevated the experience."
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.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese Tapas / Sushi
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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

Fusion of Flavors
Enjoy a unique blend of traditional Japanese cuisine with global influences, creating exciting and memorable dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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.
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
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
What People Dislike
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.
Many rave about the unique sushi rolls like the Cowboy Roll and Victoria Secret Roll, as well as the fresh sashimi.
Yes, the restaurant is accommodating and can update dishes to be gluten-free, providing delicious substitutions.
Yes, the stylish ambiance and delicious food make it a great choice for a date night.
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.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
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.
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.
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.
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.
11 Best Restaurants In Victoria
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.
The Best Local Restaurants in Victoria, BC
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.
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!
Top 10 Victoria Take-Out
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.
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.
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.
44 essential restaurants to experience in Victoria
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
Where to Get Sushi in Victoria
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.
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.
Podcast picks 15 of its favourite sushi spots in Greater Victoria
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.
Best Victoria BC Restaurants of 2023 | The Best Food, Stunning Views and Amazing Patios
If you’re looking for sushi, the best option in downtown Victoria (in my opinion) is Nubo. They offer delicious Japanese Tapas!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit