I’ve lived near this restaurant for quite some time and have been wanting to try it out. I really like the other restaurants across/beside it like Gaya, It tea, and STEM, so I decided to give this place a go.My boyfriend and I decided to order take out and eat at a park nearby since it was nice out. We ordered two appetizers, 3 rolls, and a udon. I waited outside with my dog and I asked him if he could grab us cups of water for the dog and for us. When my boyfriend came out he said the water was only for “dine in only”, which I thought was fair. Then he told me that the owner wasn’t going to give us chopsticks, but because my boyfriend asked, he eventually gave us a pair. NO CUTLERY FOR A TAKE OUT??I then noticed we didn’t have any napkins so I went in to ask for a few, and the owner said “no napkins, only for customer”. I assumed he didn’t know I was with my bf, so I just nicely told him that I just ordered pick up and he interrupted me and rudely told me that he doesn’t give out napkins for take out.I was so keen on giving this place a chance, but after this service I have been really disappointed. Food was alright, but because of the way we were treated, I will NOT Be going back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Gerardo Garza Autrey
Not the best
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Ronnie Fuentes
A Gem Tucked Away in BurnabyThis past Friday night, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in Burnaby: Makoto, a charming little Japanese restaurant with a warm, family-run atmosphere. Stepping inside, the decor was unpretentious, focusing on clean lines and a comfortable ambiance. It became immediately clear that the focus here was purely on the food.Despite being a two-person operation, the service was surprisingly swift. The husband, who skillfully doubled as both bus boy and server, was incredibly efficient. While the wife worked her magic in the kitchen, he expertly handled the floor, his genuine warmth adding to the homey feel of the restaurant.Now, onto the star of the show: the food! I started with the agedashi tofu, a classic Japanese dish that can be a true test of a restaurant's skill. Makoto's rendition was nothing short of delightful. The tofu was perfectly cooked, achieving that delicate balance between soft and firm. The light, flavorful dashi broth it was bathed in was a symphony of umami, and the accompanying crisp panko crumbs added a delightful textural contrast.Next up were the crispy California rolls. I have to say, these are a must-try for any California roll enthusiast. The seaweed salad (a delightful surprise!) added a touch of freshness and a delightful crunch, while the avocado and cucumber offered a cool counterpoint to the savoury crab meat. The true star, however, was the tempura batter — perfectly light and airy, it encased the ingredients without overwhelming them.Finally, I couldn't resist the ten tama don, a dish featuring plump shrimp tempura and a perfectly cooked, fluffy egg. Each spoonful was a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the delicate sweetness of the egg and the savory pops of the shrimp.The entire meal was surprisingly affordable, which only added to the overall satisfaction. Makoto isn't a place where you go for fancy ambiance or a trendy scene. It's a place where you go for delicious, authentic Japanese food prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality. The husband-and-wife team at Makoto are clearly passionate about what they do, and it shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. I left feeling happy, content, and already planning my next visit. If you're looking for a hidden gem in Burnaby that offers fantastic Japanese food at a great price, Makoto is definitely worth checking out!
Recommended dishes: Tempura, California Roll, Agedashi Tofu
May Tkng
Authentic Japanese food ?❤️ We ordered sushi, it was very delicious! The service is very good too! The owner is kind and friendly! I totally recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Hadada
Our server Fernando was amazing. So good at his job.The food and the presentation was top notch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeffrey Francis
Really laid back Mon and Pop Japanese restaurant. Sushi is the big focus in the menu, but there are other things as well.The wife had a sushi combo (G), and I had teriyaki beef (with rice and salad). We started with gomae salad, and agedashi tofu.Everything was tasty, and I think we'll go back another time to try done other things.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Nikki Siu
I am a sucker for a mom and pop shop always. This owner and his wife run the show here, Tea and water is self serve and they have lunch specials bentos. The owner remembers his regular clients and their order. It's truly a hidden gem. Closing at two thirty every day before reopening for dinner, this restaurant really gives you a homemade feeling. Obviously, they don't score high on the atmosphere because it's not that type of establishment. You do not go here for nice decorations or fancy plating. You're here for the fresh sushi and the owner's 30 years of experience being a sushi chef. Prices are reasonable, not an extensive menu, but has all the staples and a few extra. Parking is relatively easy as it is street parking. Just be forewarned that around lunchtime, there might be a lot of students.Recommend to anyone looking for simply good sushi and no frills needed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Roll, Sushi
Dave Pauluzzi
Simple, but comfortable, surroundings, and delicious food served up by a hard-working, and friendly family team.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna & Salmon Don
Natalia Kim
I went here for my birthday with my family and got to try some pretty exotic Japanese dishes. I feel like this is one of the few authentic Japanese dishes in the area.Although they also had some typical Japanese such as California rolls and tempura, I decided to try something new this time. I can’t remember the name of all the dishes, but the black cod was pretty tasty (it was marinated for 3 days), mackerel sushi, deep fried California rolls and croquettes. The owner was very friendly (I think he was Japanese?) and it was easy to find street parking. I’ll definitely come back to try other exotic dishes this place has to offer.Kid-friendliness: They offer forks for children who don’t use chopsticks
Food was good.. however sunomono was soo tiny it was literally 2 bites. Portions are very small and it's very expensive. I was looking forward to a decent sized sunomono.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
eddie shu
Delicious food! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Chirashi Don, Fish
Anthony C
One man show, Japanese man. Excellent quality and service, thoroughly surprised having lived around the corner, will definite revisit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anthony
Food was okay. What was most off-putting was the rude old man who apparently does not like being spoken to.I also asked if I could pay with Amex. Then, seemingly frustrated, pointed to a small sign that had been blocked behind him. He then read it aloud slowly to me to embarass me in front of his other customers.Other than dining in, my other regret is staying polite to this miserable man.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
Ar Gar
I've been loving all the Sushi place all over Vancouver and other neighboring cities but this is the very first time I was treated so rudely by the owner, I just had to pay for my bill and standing in front of him because I do not know where I can tap my debit card, he told me can you please move away from me and because he's an elderly I didn't want to make a scene but that's not the end, after I got my receipt, I just have to sit down in the corner to wait for my order, again he's just so rude, he literally said go outside when there's other customers wants to eat here, I will never coming back here, if this is how they will treat their customers, they should not be running a business at all, we're all working so hard and no one deserve to be treated like this, I just want to thank my parents for teaching me to respect other people especially if that person is an elderly.
I’ve lived near this restaurant for quite some time and have been wanting to try it out. I really like the other restaurants across/beside it like Gaya, It tea, and STEM, so I decided to give this place a go.My boyfriend and I decided to order take out and eat at a park nearby since it was nice out. We ordered two appetizers, 3 rolls, and a udon. I waited outside with my dog and I asked him if he could grab us cups of water for the dog and for us. When my boyfriend came out he said the water was only for “dine in only”, which I thought was fair. Then he told me that the owner wasn’t going to give us chopsticks, but because my boyfriend asked, he eventually gave us a pair. NO CUTLERY FOR A TAKE OUT??I then noticed we didn’t have any napkins so I went in to ask for a few, and the owner said “no napkins, only for customer”. I assumed he didn’t know I was with my bf, so I just nicely told him that I just ordered pick up and he interrupted me and rudely told me that he doesn’t give out napkins for take out.I was so keen on giving this place a chance, but after this service I have been really disappointed. Food was alright, but because of the way we were treated, I will NOT Be going back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Not the best
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
A Gem Tucked Away in BurnabyThis past Friday night, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in Burnaby: Makoto, a charming little Japanese restaurant with a warm, family-run atmosphere. Stepping inside, the decor was unpretentious, focusing on clean lines and a comfortable ambiance. It became immediately clear that the focus here was purely on the food.Despite being a two-person operation, the service was surprisingly swift. The husband, who skillfully doubled as both bus boy and server, was incredibly efficient. While the wife worked her magic in the kitchen, he expertly handled the floor, his genuine warmth adding to the homey feel of the restaurant.Now, onto the star of the show: the food! I started with the agedashi tofu, a classic Japanese dish that can be a true test of a restaurant's skill. Makoto's rendition was nothing short of delightful. The tofu was perfectly cooked, achieving that delicate balance between soft and firm. The light, flavorful dashi broth it was bathed in was a symphony of umami, and the accompanying crisp panko crumbs added a delightful textural contrast.Next up were the crispy California rolls. I have to say, these are a must-try for any California roll enthusiast. The seaweed salad (a delightful surprise!) added a touch of freshness and a delightful crunch, while the avocado and cucumber offered a cool counterpoint to the savoury crab meat. The true star, however, was the tempura batter — perfectly light and airy, it encased the ingredients without overwhelming them.Finally, I couldn't resist the ten tama don, a dish featuring plump shrimp tempura and a perfectly cooked, fluffy egg. Each spoonful was a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the delicate sweetness of the egg and the savory pops of the shrimp.The entire meal was surprisingly affordable, which only added to the overall satisfaction. Makoto isn't a place where you go for fancy ambiance or a trendy scene. It's a place where you go for delicious, authentic Japanese food prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality. The husband-and-wife team at Makoto are clearly passionate about what they do, and it shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. I left feeling happy, content, and already planning my next visit. If you're looking for a hidden gem in Burnaby that offers fantastic Japanese food at a great price, Makoto is definitely worth checking out!
Recommended dishes: Tempura, California Roll, Agedashi Tofu
Authentic Japanese food ?❤️ We ordered sushi, it was very delicious! The service is very good too! The owner is kind and friendly! I totally recommend this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our server Fernando was amazing. So good at his job.The food and the presentation was top notch.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really laid back Mon and Pop Japanese restaurant. Sushi is the big focus in the menu, but there are other things as well.The wife had a sushi combo (G), and I had teriyaki beef (with rice and salad). We started with gomae salad, and agedashi tofu.Everything was tasty, and I think we'll go back another time to try done other things.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
I am a sucker for a mom and pop shop always. This owner and his wife run the show here, Tea and water is self serve and they have lunch specials bentos. The owner remembers his regular clients and their order. It's truly a hidden gem. Closing at two thirty every day before reopening for dinner, this restaurant really gives you a homemade feeling. Obviously, they don't score high on the atmosphere because it's not that type of establishment. You do not go here for nice decorations or fancy plating. You're here for the fresh sushi and the owner's 30 years of experience being a sushi chef. Prices are reasonable, not an extensive menu, but has all the staples and a few extra. Parking is relatively easy as it is street parking. Just be forewarned that around lunchtime, there might be a lot of students.Recommend to anyone looking for simply good sushi and no frills needed.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Roll, Sushi
Simple, but comfortable, surroundings, and delicious food served up by a hard-working, and friendly family team.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna & Salmon Don
I went here for my birthday with my family and got to try some pretty exotic Japanese dishes. I feel like this is one of the few authentic Japanese dishes in the area.Although they also had some typical Japanese such as California rolls and tempura, I decided to try something new this time. I can’t remember the name of all the dishes, but the black cod was pretty tasty (it was marinated for 3 days), mackerel sushi, deep fried California rolls and croquettes. The owner was very friendly (I think he was Japanese?) and it was easy to find street parking. I’ll definitely come back to try other exotic dishes this place has to offer.Kid-friendliness: They offer forks for children who don’t use chopsticks
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sashimi, California Roll, Nigiri, Roll, Fish, Poke Bowl
I'm sorry, but I didn't like my rolls. I was confused that my ginger and several rolls were in soy sauce, which was not my sauce?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was good.. however sunomono was soo tiny it was literally 2 bites. Portions are very small and it's very expensive. I was looking forward to a decent sized sunomono.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 3
Delicious food! Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Nigiri, Chirashi Don, Fish
One man show, Japanese man. Excellent quality and service, thoroughly surprised having lived around the corner, will definite revisit!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food was okay. What was most off-putting was the rude old man who apparently does not like being spoken to.I also asked if I could pay with Amex. Then, seemingly frustrated, pointed to a small sign that had been blocked behind him. He then read it aloud slowly to me to embarass me in front of his other customers.Other than dining in, my other regret is staying polite to this miserable man.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 1
I've been loving all the Sushi place all over Vancouver and other neighboring cities but this is the very first time I was treated so rudely by the owner, I just had to pay for my bill and standing in front of him because I do not know where I can tap my debit card, he told me can you please move away from me and because he's an elderly I didn't want to make a scene but that's not the end, after I got my receipt, I just have to sit down in the corner to wait for my order, again he's just so rude, he literally said go outside when there's other customers wants to eat here, I will never coming back here, if this is how they will treat their customers, they should not be running a business at all, we're all working so hard and no one deserve to be treated like this, I just want to thank my parents for teaching me to respect other people especially if that person is an elderly.
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1