A new Chinese buffet restaurant is preparing to move into a well-known downtown Victoria location previously occupied by a longtime sushi staple.
Driftwood Chinese Buffet is taking over the former home of Azuma Sushi at the corner of Yates and Broad streets, which quietly closed its doors in 2025 after more than two decades in business.
Signage recently installed in the restaurant’s front window advertises a dinner buffet, with prices ranging from $9.95 to $32.95, depending on selection. A senior rate of $29.95 for diners aged 65 and older is also listed.
The downtown location, just steps from The Bay Centre, has sat empty since Azuma’s closure. The restaurant had served locals and visitors since 2001 and was widely regarded as one of Victoria’s busiest sushi spots.
Driftwood is not new to Vancouver Island. The restaurant group currently operates five other locations across Vancouver Island and is known for its large-format Chinese buffet dining.
According to the company’s website, Driftwood offers a wide selection of hot dishes, seafood, stir-fries, and classic Chinese-Canadian favourites.
The window display also promotes the restaurant’s buffet-style dining with the tagline “One Dinner. Endless Choices,” highlighting a mix of classic Chinese flavours and modern favourites.
Victoria Buzz has reached out to Driftwood Chinese Buffet to learn more about its plans for the downtown space, including renovation timelines and an official opening date.
No additional details have been confirmed as of publication.
Azuma Sushi’s closure marked the end of an era for the downtown core. The restaurant shut down without a public announcement, with only a handwritten sign posted to the door thanking customers for their support.
Prior to closing, the business had been listed for sale for $50,000. The listing described a 2,637-square-foot space featuring two sushi bars, a cocktail bar, a full commercial kitchen, and seating for up to 180 guests.
The listing was later removed, suggesting a sale did not go through. Monthly rent for the space was advertised at $23,000.
More information is expected to be released in the coming weeks as plans for the downtown location move forward.
