A long-standing chapter in Kitsilano’s dining history has entered a new era.
Syu Kitsilano quietly opened in August 2025 at 1508 Yew Street, taking over the intimate space that housed Kibune Sushi for more than 40 years. Rather than wiping the slate clean, the new restaurant embraces a thoughtful transition—one that honours the legacy of a beloved neighbourhood institution while refining it for the next generation.
The name Syu (修) reflects that philosophy. In Japanese, the character conveys the idea of refining, cultivating, and elevating—an approach that guides everything from the menu to the atmosphere. When founder Xiubo Sun and chef Kouichi Fujioka stepped into the Yew Street space, they inherited more than a lease. Longtime Kibune owners Julie-san and Endo-san passed on decades of knowledge, care, and devotion to Japanese hospitality—what the Syu team describes as “40 years of blessings.”
That sense of continuity is visible the moment you walk inside. Syu has preserved the soul of the original restaurant, including its distinctive marble floors and furnishings, while introducing subtle refinements. The result is a calm, understated 32-seat dining room where tradition and modernity coexist, and where long-time regulars may still recognize the room they once knew.
The restaurant is also expanding how guests can experience that space. Beginning this Sunday, Syu Kitsilano will introduce lunch service, offering a bento-style set priced between $23 and $39—making the refined approach more accessible during the day.
At the sushi bar, Chef Fujioka brings more than 30 years of culinary experience. His background spans Japanese tradition alongside French, Italian, and Korean influences developed during his time at Vancouver’s Hapa Izakaya and at his own Squamish restaurant, Oryzae. In 2025, Fujioka gained international attention after winning the Sushi California Roll Clash Championship in Boston—an achievement now reflected on Syu’s menu through his signature red and green championship rolls.
Every detail at Syu is intentional. Seasonal ingredients, carefully selected tableware, and warm, considered lighting all tie back to the meaning of 修: continuous improvement rooted in genuine craftsmanship. For Kitsilano, Syu represents not just a new place to eat, but a respectful evolution of a space many locals have cherished for decades.
In a neighbourhood where change is constant, Syu’s arrival is a reminder that some stories don’t end—they’re simply refined.
Last modified: January 15, 2026
