“ Rice Good: is the moistest, chewiest I’ve ever had, I love it Bad: there are some uncooked inside and I was surprised Dish: normal quality, a little bit overpriced but still acceptable All water are self serve, only one waiter at lunch section, he also working on the sushi bar, so don’t expect they can serve you fast Overall is ok but I think there’s still have more better options in Vancouver ”

“ I’ve been to Makoto many times over the years and it’s amazing how the owner’s been able to keep prices affordable despite the rise in cost of living in the city. His lunch specials are still an amazing deal with a variety of options to choose from - any 2 for 15. Bento boxes at 20-24 is amazing value for an authentic Japanese restaurant. The most amazing part of Makoto is the fact that the owner manages both the sushi bar and all of the front of house efforts as a one-man show. And he does it with a smile on his face and is kind to all his guests. A great authentic and affordable gem in South Burnaby! ”

“ Very delicious food and great service! Each dish came with lots of toppings and rice which was wonderful. We got the fried tofu, tuna poke, salmon sashimi and katsu don. There were all very delicious and our food came fairly fast ”

“ Makato Sushi is a true hidden gem in Burnaby! It’s a cozy little spot run by the sweetest Japanese couple, and you can truly feel the care and authenticity in everything they do. The man who served us was incredibly kind and welcoming—his warmth made the whole experience even better. What really made my day was finding real natto rolls on the menu! They’re so hard to come by, and these ones were absolutely delicious—perfectly balanced with great texture and flavor. You can tell the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is beautiful despite the casual, homey setting. I love supporting small, family-run businesses like this. Makato Sushi is definitely a place I’ll be returning to again and again. Highly recommend if you’re looking for genuine, delicious Japanese food made and served with heart. ”

“ This is a hidden gem of a Japanese restaurant. It's ran by just a wife & husband who have owned & operated this place for nearly 20 years. The food is made fresh to order and they offer rotating daily specials which are closer to a home-cooked meal rather than rolls. The husband is incredibly friendly and fun to talk with. Having been here a few times, I can honestly say the rolls are fresh which nicely cooked rice, the prices are decent for what you are getting, and the vibes are so welcoming and cozy. Free parking all on the street on/around the building! ”

“ Sure, the atmosphere isn't the most luxurious, the service can lean to the help-yourself, and the food is good without knocking your socks off: but the value is terrific, and the owner-operator works so hard (often front of house as well as chef) it would be churlish to award anything else. Sometimes you just want a good, quick bite of authentic Japanese food, and this is the place. It's popular with Japanese guests who I've heard chatting with the owner in that language, so I can also practice my eavesdropping and language skills (I've been learning Japanese for 5 years, badly and slowly). ”

“ A Gem Tucked Away in Burnaby This past Friday night, I stumbled upon a hidden gem in Burnaby: Makoto, a charming little Japanese restaurant with a warm, family-run atmosphere. Stepping inside, the decor was unpretentious, focusing on clean lines and a comfortable ambiance. It became immediately clear that the focus here was purely on the food. Despite being a two-person operation, the service was surprisingly swift. The husband, who skillfully doubled as both bus boy and server, was incredibly efficient. While the wife worked her magic in the kitchen, he expertly handled the floor, his genuine warmth adding to the homey feel of the restaurant. Now, onto the star of the show: the food! I started with the agedashi tofu, a classic Japanese dish that can be a true test of a restaurant's skill. Makoto's rendition was nothing short of delightful. The tofu was perfectly cooked, achieving that delicate balance between soft and firm. The light, flavorful dashi broth it was bathed in was a symphony of umami, and the accompanying crisp panko crumbs added a delightful textural contrast. Next up were the crispy California rolls. I have to say, these are a must-try for any California roll enthusiast. The seaweed salad (a delightful surprise!) added a touch of freshness and a delightful crunch, while the avocado and cucumber offered a cool counterpoint to the savoury crab meat. The true star, however, was the tempura batter — perfectly light and airy, it encased the ingredients without overwhelming them. Finally, I couldn't resist the ten tama don, a dish featuring plump shrimp tempura and a perfectly cooked, fluffy egg. Each spoonful was a delightful combination of textures and tastes, with the delicate sweetness of the egg and the savory pops of the shrimp. The entire meal was surprisingly affordable, which only added to the overall satisfaction. Makoto isn't a place where you go for fancy ambiance or a trendy scene. It's a place where you go for delicious, authentic Japanese food prepared with care and served with genuine hospitality. The husband-and-wife team at Makoto are clearly passionate about what they do, and it shines through in every aspect of the dining experience. I left feeling happy, content, and already planning my next visit. If you're looking for a hidden gem in Burnaby that offers fantastic Japanese food at a great price, Makoto is definitely worth checking out! ”

“ I went here for my birthday with my family and got to try some pretty exotic Japanese dishes. I feel like this is one of the few authentic Japanese dishes in the area. Although they also had some typical Japanese such as California rolls and tempura, I decided to try something new this time. I can’t remember the name of all the dishes, but the black cod was pretty tasty (it was marinated for 3 days), mackerel sushi, deep fried California rolls and croquettes. The owner was very friendly (I think he was Japanese?) and it was easy to find street parking. I’ll definitely come back to try other exotic dishes this place has to offer. ”