Yiho Sushi Café
126 Sherbrook St.

“Sushi” and “café” aren’t two words you’d usually think to put together, but for Yiho Sushi Café the odd juxtaposition works just fine.

Yiho is a charming, renovated two-story with wide street-facing windows that has a pool table on the second floor and offers free Wi-Fi. (Although it still feels too much like a restaurant to pull out your laptop and textbook, that option is definitely open).

The menu is varied and appealing, if not particularly exotic.

With more than 50 different rolls to choose from, as well as a few noodle dishes and starters and sides, there’s bound to be something to please everyone.

Prices are reasonable, with nothing over $15 and plenty to choose from in the $4-$8 range – your wallet will be thanking you along with your stomach.

Between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day you can order the lunch special bento boxes ($8.99 to $11.99) as well.

The rolls (from $2.99 to $8.99 for an average of six pieces) aren’t especially unique, but are flavourful and prepared with some of the best sushi rice I’ve ever had.

The calamari roll ($5.99) was typical of the rolls ordered – well balanced with the calamari, and fresh and subtle enough to not overpower the other ingredients.

The California roll ($3.99) was more disappointing. It was uninspired and lacked crab. There are many other restaurants that do it better.

“ The appropriately named Wolseley roll was delightfully flavourful and refreshing, with the avocado and sweet bean curd on top offering contrast to the crunch of the cucumbers

There are also some creative house rolls to choose from.

The red dragon roll ($10.99) topped with salmon sashimi was a good combination of temperatures and textures, and the sweet chilli-esque house sauce for dipping that accompanied it was a nice touch.

Appropriate for its West Broadway location, one of Yiho’s best features is its extensive vegan and vegetarian choices.

The appropriately named Wolseley roll ($5.99) was delightfully flavourful and refreshing, with the avocado and sweet bean curd on top offering contrast to the crunch of the cucumbers.

Offerings like the asparagus maki ($3.99) and the veggie caterpillar roll with zucchini ($10.99) are about as traditional as the décor but looked delicious as well.

The service was excellent. We were seated promptly and with a smile, well attended to (my water glass was never less than half-full) and served less than 10 minutes after placing our orders.

There’s no pressure to clear your table, reinforcing the café feel. We continued to be waited on well after we’d finished our rolls until we chose to move to the counter to pay.

While Yiho might not replace Starbucks as your new favourite studying spot, if you’re looking for well-prepared, affordable sushi in a nice atmosphere, you’re in luck.

Published in Volume 65, Number 7 of The Uniter (October 14, 2010)