Toshi Sushi

No review. [...]

Toshi Sushi : Children Not welcome.

One of the things I love about living along Main Street is the great collection of stores, shops, restaurants and the diversity of the people and cultures. I have always been pleased at the way the businesses in the area have added positively to this environment - until recently. Toshi Sushi 181 East 16th Avenue, is a small popular neighbourhood sushi place that seems to have placed the squeezing of extra dollars above common respect. Om March 6th 2008 my wife and two children (6yrs and 4 yrs old) were waiting in Line to get a table as I headed over to meet them there from work. My wife asked for a table for 4 and after some wait (it was busy) was seated. She was ready to order, she was not waiting for me to arrive since she knows what I like, however the waitress refused to take the order. She asked my wife where the 4th person was and the waitress was informed that I was on my way and she would order for me. The response was "you said you were a party of 4 and you are only 3, it is our policy that you entire party must be here". My wife stated she "will order for 4", but it was against policy.

My wife's options were to leave or get back into line and wait for my arrival. As the waitress was looking at the children and then back at the line of hungry adults in line it was clear that she was doing the math in her head, namely "4 hungry adults on a Friday Night = more money, than a 6 yr old+ 4 yr old + woman (and soon to arrive husband)". In the end after my wife's protests she went to the manager and was allowed to "make an exception this time" . At this point my wife was quite insulted and left. This is the worst treatment any family member of mine has received in Vancouver. I suggest to anyone with children, or who loves children to avoid the restaurant. PS there are much better sushi restaurants in Vancouver with respect to food quality as well (e.g. Shijos on west 4th) and there everyone is welcome!