A major Vancouver commuter route was closed down Wednesday morning as a fire blazed through a Japanese restaurant on West Broadway, and damaged four others.

The fire, which broke out at Japas Bistro between Ash and Cambie streets, sparked around 6:20 a.m.

Smoke could be seen pouring from the roof of the restaurant, which is flanked by other restaurants on both sides.

Firefighters had to open up the ceiling of the bistro to find the flames, but by then the fire had travelled east through two other businesses, Sha Lin Noodle House and Loving Hut Green Cuisine.

In Pictures: Broadway restaurant fires

Captain Gabe Roder said the fire was accidental and likely caused by an electrical problem.

"It was a difficult fire to fight, as the fire was traveling in the attic area, but firefighters did a great job in minimizing the amount of damage," he said.

Japas Bistro and Sha Lin Noodle House suffered extensive damage. Three others suffered some smoke damage.

It is expected the businesses will be able to rebuild. No one was in the restaurants at the time.

Bus service, including the #9, #50 and #99 B-Line, was re-routed until approximately 10 a.m.