Victoria Sushi is a neighbourhood sushi restaurant in New Westminster. Hidden at the base of a residential building, you really can’t get more local than this.

On their menu is the typical fare you would find at a sushi restaurant: rolls, nigiri, sashimi, rice bowls, and noodles. However, the reason why I go back time and time again is for their aburi oshi sushi. These plates feature pressed sushi that is torched for extra flavour. You can get it with salmon, ebi (shrimp) or saba (mackerel). After trying them all, my favourite is the mackerel with the salmon a close second. The natural fattiness of the mackerel lends itself really well to being torched and the fish just melts in your mouth in the most delicious and flavourful way. If you’re dining with someone else, the combo for two provides good value as it comes with a selection of their best sellers.

The only difficulty is getting to the restaurant as it’s not very convenient by public transit and there is limited parking in the neighbourhood. Also, food can be slow to come out especially when they’re busy. However, if you do go, the trek and wait is worth every bite.