Tojo’s Restaurant is thrilled to announce its 36th anniversary this year, a momentous milestone that Chef Hidekazu Tojo is commemorating with a specially curated Classics Menu. This menu features a selection of timeless classics and signature dishes that highlight Chef Tojo’s extraordinary culinary journey.
A standout of the celebratory menu is the Baked Oyster course, which dates back to Chef Tojo’s early career at Maneki Restaurant in the early 1970s. This dish, featuring Vancouver Island oysters, shiitake mushrooms, and a creamy miso sauce quickly became a favourite for its rich and tangy flavours.
The House-smoked Wild Salmon Nigiri is another highlight, underscoring Chef Tojo’s innovation in Pacific Northwest cuisine. After learning a unique smoking technique on Quadra Island in the late 1980s, Tojo introduced smoked salmon to his dishes, perfecting a recipe that balances savory, umami, and sweet notes.
Chef Tojo’s southern Japanese roots are evident throughout the menu. Satsuma Age, a fish cake dish from Kagoshima is adapted with homegrown ingredients such as local seafood, yam and root vegetables. The Kuwayaki course, Chef Tojo’s take on the classic teriyaki dish, utilizes southern techniques to tenderize jidori (local chicken) and enhance its flavour.
“This year, I’ve found myself reflecting on my roots, my early years as a young chef, and all of the experiences that have shaped my long personal and culinary journey” says Chef Tojo. “I wanted to create a menu where each plate tells a story of innovation, tradition, and the importance of locality”
Tojo’s Restaurant invites everyone to join in celebrating 36 years of culinary excellence.
Additionally, the restaurant is currently featuring BC Spot Prawns for a limited time. Guests can enjoy Amaebi Nigiri, known for its sweet, crunchy texture paired perfectly with warm, lightly vinegared sushi rice. Another standout preparation is the Boiled Spot Prawn, served with a soy jalapeño vinaigrette that adds a mild heat and the perfect amount of kick.
Tojo’s is open for dinner service Mondays to Saturdays from 5:30PM to 10:30PM, with the last seating at 9:00PM.
