Gyo-o is no ordinary Japanese restaurant. You won’t find any of the typical rolls and nigiri here. Gyo-o, located in Continental Plaza in Richmond, serves up Japanese seafood in the form of rice bowls, hot and cold ramen and udon noodle bowls. They also have a small selection of side dishes commonly found at Japanese izakayas like takoyaki, gyoza and tempura. Its name Gyo-o means “fish king” in Japanese and that is exactly what they specialize in.

Most of what is on the menu is unique and can’t be found elsewhere in Vancouver. The menu of rice bowls and noodle options is quite extensive with a variety of fish available with each. My pick is the seafood yukke don which comes with chopped spicy tuna, salmon, squid, prawn, fish cake, and tako wasabi in a sweet soy sauce with half boiled egg on rice. Avoid the cold udon seafood salad as it does not come with much seafood and stick to the seafood yukke don if you’re after fish. A visit to Gyo-o means an adventure and trying something different. With a Japanese chef at its helm, you’re in good hands. Just remember, the restaurant is cash only so prepare accordingly.