When out-of-towners visit, you're the first to tell them the best places to stay, shop and play. But when they ask you for a downtown upscale sushi spot, you're left more stumped than a fanny-pack wearing tourist.

Put down the Zagat and head to Hapa Umi, grown-up sibling to the fantastic Hapa Izakaya restaurants. Decidedly adult in both look and feel (think dark wood decor and large lounge area), the Japanese menu is both fresh and inventive. We stopped in for lunch and tried the featured bento box (grilled lamb, homemade potato salad, crab sunomono, beef tataki and vegetable roll) served with miso soup and rice with mixed mushrooms ($19). We meticulously made our way through each compartment and left nary a grain of rice behind.

'Cause that's how we roll.

Hapa Umi, 110-909 W. Cordova St., Vancouver, 604-420-4272, www.hapaumi.com

Third time's the charm? If you love Hapa Izakaya, then yes, yes and yes.

The newly unveiled Japanese restaurant buzzes with energy,  the service is seamless and the offerings include favourites like the Ebi Mayo (tempura prawns tossed in spicy mayo, $7.75) and the hot stone Ishi-Yaki rice bowl mixed right at your table ($8.80), plus an extensive fresh sheet  (pictured) with dishes like Tai Herb Salad (cured Japanese snapper on a mikuni salad with citrus dressing). For a dressed-up sake cocktail, we recommend the not-too-sweet Pear Sake Tini ($9).

Finish off dinner with a  scoop of Black Sesame Ice Cream ($4), and you've got yourself a Hapa ending.

Hapa Izakaya, 1193 Hamilton St., Vancouver, 604-681-4272, www.hapaizakaya.com

Lunches getting lonesome (just you and the desk)?

Splurge for a lunch-on-the-town in honour of the Cherry Blossom Festival at new downtown Japanese restaurant Miku.

Specializing in Aburi-style sushi that is seared with a blowtorch (and all the rage among young Tokyo hipsters,) the tasting plates and Japanese-style tapas make for an upmarket lunchbreak in a big, bright room. 

Do try the chocolate, coffee and green tea macaroons with ice cream from the resto’s famed pastry chef. 

Then back to your (crumb-free) desk it is.

Sukura-Zen (Cherry Blossom) menu ($25) available now through April 24 at Miku, 1055 W. Hasting St., Vancouver, 604-568-3900, www.mikurestaurant.com