Sumibiyaki Arashi

Sumibiyaki Arashi is a small yakitori counter at 363 East Broadway in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It earned a Michelin star in 2025 and is listed with one star in the 2026 Michelin Guide. Yakitori is the Japanese art of skewering and grilling chicken over charcoal, and sumibiyaki refers to cooking over charcoal, which gives the meat a clean smoky flavour and a crisp exterior while keeping the inside tender. The menu centres on charcoal-grilled yakitori skewers, and diners typically work through a succession of cuts, from breast and thigh to less common parts such as skin, heart and liver, along with vegetables, depending on what the kitchen is serving. Seasoning is usually either salt or a tare glaze, and the grill is tended continuously so that each skewer arrives hot. The room is compact, with seating arranged so guests can watch the grill, which gives the meal a focused, informal rhythm more like a Tokyo izakaya than a formal restaurant. Noise is moderate, conversation is easy, and dress is casual. Drinks commonly include sake, Japanese beer and highballs, which suit the smoky, savoury food. Prices are about CAD 90 to 180 per person, which is high for yakitori but reflects the multi-course format and the Michelin recognition. Because seating is limited and the restaurant has been starred, tables can be difficult to secure, and reservations are strongly recommended, ideally a couple of weeks ahead for weekend evenings. The restaurant's own website lists its current booking method. East Broadway is a busy transit corridor, and the Broadway-City Hall Canada Line station is within walking distance.