When you are a billionaire business magnate who has traveled to the edge of space and back, you generally have access to the finest culinary experiences the world has to offer. Yet, English entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson recently found his absolute favorite meal not in a Michelin-starred hotspot in London or Paris, but in a small, 14-seat coastal restaurant in northern British Columbia.
While on a cruise originating from Seattle, the Virgin Group co-founder made a memorable stop in Prince Rupert, B.C., where he dined at Fukasaku, a local culinary hidden gem.
“Hands Down, The Best”
Branson was so blown away by the food that he took to Instagram to share his high praise with his millions of followers. “This was, hands down, the best meal of my life,” Branson wrote. To mark the occasion, the billionaire snapped photos with the delighted kitchen and service staff and even left his personal stamp of approval by autographing the restaurant’s physical menu.
What Makes Fukasaku So Special?
Fukasaku is far from a sprawling corporate establishment. Operating for over a decade, it is an intimate, 14-seat seafood and sushi restaurant that prides itself on a hyper-local, sustainable philosophy. The Location: Situated right on the water at 215 Cow Bay Road in Prince Rupert.
The Ingredient Philosophy: The restaurant exclusively uses B.C. seafood, harvests, and local products. Every piece of fish served is caught by local fishers. Branson’s Standout Dishes: Branson specifically highlighted the Maple Miso Glazed Black Cod and the seafood ramen, calling the entire experience “utterly delicious” and adding that he “would recommend it to anyone who passes through.”
A Win for Sustainable Seafood
The team at Fukasaku was equally thrilled by the surprise visit, sharing their excitement on their own social media channels. For a restaurant dedicated to an eco-conscious supply chain, Branson’s praise was the ultimate validation.
“Not only did he enjoy every dish, he also left us this incredibly kind note on the menu,” Fukasaku shared on Instagram. “Moments like this remind us how special Prince Rupert and our local food community truly are — and how incredible sustainable seafood can be when it’s treated with care and respect.”
About Richard Branson
Branson, who originally made waves in the business world by founding Virgin Records in 1972, has built a massive empire under the Virgin Group umbrella. His ventures span everything from telecommunications and travel to space tourism via Virgin Galactic.
But despite his globe-trotting, high-flying lifestyle, his latest viral moment proves that sometimes the best things in life are simple, sustainable, and tucked away on the beautiful coast of British Columbia. Planning a visit? You can find Fukasaku at 215 Cow Bay Rd., Prince Rupert, B.C.—just make sure to book ahead, as those 14 seats are bound to get a lot more popular.
Harnaik Singh Rathor is the Founder, Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief of StudioX News Canada, Canada's multilingual digital news network serving diaspora communities across 44 languages. With a background in media production, public relations, and multicultural communications, he founded StudioX Film and TV Corporation to bridge the gap between mainstream Canadian media and the country's diverse immigrant communities. He is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ), RTDNA Canada, CPRS Vancouver, Unifor, NEPMCC, and the Canada Freelance Union. Based in Surrey, British Columbia. | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harnaiksinghrathor/ | Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/harnaiksinghrathor | Email: editor@studioxnews.ca
