Best Korean

★ ZOOMAK

KOREAN TAVERN

52 Alexander St., Vancouver zoomakyvr.com

Gold winner Zoomak

Korean Tavern takes the crown for a second year running thanks to a truly delightful dining experience inspired by old-school Korean Gastown, but the à la carte options mix French and Korean flavours and techniques to create something unlike any menu in town—chadol doenjang miso and beef brisket stew alongside gochujang-tinged tartare. “It’s giving fusion a good name,” remarked one judge. Kook Korean BBQ takes silver, with quality meats and premium cuts that set the bar high—plus an impressive selection of banchan to match. Bronze winner Hanwoori Korean Restaurant may be located in a Metrotown strip mall, but it’s a legend for a reason: cozy around the tabletop grill and pass around spicy-soft tofu stew and you’re transported.

★ Kook Korean BBQ 2800 E 1st Ave., Vancouver kookbbq.ca

★ Hanwoori Korean Restaurant 5740 Imperial St., Burnaby hanwoori.ca

HONOURABLE MENTIONS

Wang Ga Ma 329 North Rd., Coquitlam wanggama .webflow.io

Joong Won 1329 Robson St., Vancouver 778-379-4222

Honourable mentions go to stars Wang Ga Ma (the restaurant’s name means “giant pot”) and Joong Won , Robson Street’s go-to for Chinese-style Korean dishes.

Incredible precision and thoughtful creativity make up the OMG-worthy omakase that earns Masayoshi the gold in this category. From masterful techniques (deftly executed knife skills) down to basic essentials (rice that is perfectly cooked and seasoned), chef Masayoshi Baba shows diners how it’s done at close range. Poached Royal Miyagi oysters are dressed with shirako paste, housemade mullet roe and yuzu peel before your eyes. “No false luxuries, nothing show-o ff y, no shortcuts,” remarked one of our judges.

Silver is awarded to Yuwa for a menu that demonstrates excellence, beauty and variety, from sockeye salmon tartare to sweet soy-braised steak to fluff y steamed manjuu—not to mention friendly, informed and elegant service.

★ Yuwa

Japanese Cuisine

2775 W 16th Ave., Vancouver yuwa.ca

★ Stem Japanese Eatery

5205 Rumble St., Burnaby stemjapanese.ca Sushi Hil

HONOURABLE MENTION

3330 Main St., Vancouver sushihil.com

Stem takes the bronze thanks to fresh, hyperseasonal dishes that are full on the palate and not so hard on the wallet (the five-course mini omakase is $95), and newcomer Sushi Hil (more on page 38) earns an honourable mention.