Here in Ottawa, we're in landlocked Ontario — not exactly the most synonymous place with high-end sushi. But that hasn't stopped local restaurateurs from giving it a wonderful go and churning out some amazing sushi restaurants despite our lack of access to an ocean.
This means that in Ottawa, you can't rely on freshness alone. Like all great seafood spots in Ottawa, sushi restaurants here need to source properly and often have a creative menu or concept that sets them apart. Japanese food in Ottawa is better than ever, you just need to know where to go.
The question then becomes, how do you figure out which spots are a cut above?
In my world, you go to the experts — so that's exactly what I did. These are seven of the best sushi spots in Ottawa, according to local chefs, restaurant owners and other foodies.
Shinka Sushi Bar
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 2900 Sheffield Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: For a long time, Shika was takeout only, and even with that hurdle they still managed to be BY FAR the most shouted-out sushi spot in my interviews with local chefs and foodies.
Now that Shinka has opened their new dine-in space, it only feels right to give them their flowers. This is peak execution when it comes to sushi in Ottawa. Just ask Al's Steakhouse GM Justin Merner, or head chef/owner of Lola's Kitchen, Kim Epino — they both shouted out Shinka as some of the best sushi in the city.
Shinka Sushi Bar Menu
Sushi-ro
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1123 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Sushi-ro is where I go for my takeout sushi needs. I bet y'all thought I was only going to higher-end sit-down joints for this list, but the truth is we all need a good takeout sushi spot every once in a while.
I'm going to be real with you: There's nothing like sushi as a hangover cure. Judge me all you want but the combination of sodium, carbs and healthy fats can heal anyone. Sushi Ro is my spot for that.
But this isn't about me, and you don't need to take it from me! Sushi Ro is also a favourite spot of Coco de Leo, head chef and co-owner of Dreamland Cafe. I can't tell you exactly what she recommends, but for me, it's one of the platters. Thank us both later.
Sushi-ro MenuSushi Umi
Price: 💸💸
Address: 1311 Wellington St. W., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: This article's title does say I'd refer to some local foodies for suggestions, so how about the wonderful and well-respected owners of Victoire Boutique, Katie Frappier and Regine Paquette?
These ladies know their food like they know their clothes, and their neighbourhood joint is Sushi Umi.
While Sushi Umi thrives as a takeout spot, it serves up dine-in quality bites across a variety of categories. Whether you're into rolls, nigiri, sashimi, bento boxes or everything in between, Sushi Umi has got you covered.
Sushi Umi MenuNagi Sushi
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 2208 St. Joseph Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: I was first put on to Nagi Sushi by Arup Jana, head chef and owner of Brassica. What I learned was stunning.
Nagi is a Japanese-owned sushi spot that leans heavily into Japanese tradition and focuses on quality of ingredients and upholding Japanese techniques. This commitment to a craft has a direct correlation to being an amazing spot, and people from all across the city agree with Jana — Nagi Sushi lives up to the hype.
Izakaya Shingen
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 201 Bank St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Izakaya Shingen is not exclusively a sushi place. In fact they probably even have more of a focus on other dishes than they do their sashimi, but this hasn't stopped them from putting out a quality product that more people should try.
Their focus is bringing a true slice of Japan to Ottawa, and doing so through technique, quality and care put into every bite of food.
As a result, it seems as though their little fishy bites are top-notch, or at least they are according to Che Saunders, sous-chef at Erling's Variety.
Saunders called out Shingen as his pick for the most underrated spot in the city of Ottawa, and from aesthetic alone I can see why.
All in all, this isn't the spot you go for sushi variety or maki rolls, but it is the spot you go for quality sashimi paired with a number of other dishes and a great Japanese-inspired beverage program.
J:Unique & Jfuse
Price: 💸💸 & 💸💸💸💸
Address: 381 Cooper St & 175 Main St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: These two sister restaurants are the pick of a local foodie with a lot of skin in the game. Someone who has really dedicated themselves to screaming about what Ottawa hospitality is all about... Yours truly.
J:Unique was one of the first elevated sushi restaurants I'd tried in Ottawa, and it still stands among the best. Its long-standing tenure in the city is a testament to its intimate vibe and excellent quality.
But earlier this year, the lovely folks of J:Unique opened up their sister restaurant, Jfuse — an aburi bar that leans more into the full dining out experience than the original spot.
For those who don't know, aburi is a type of torched sushi that's an absolute umami bomb compared to its raw, fresh cousin. While I haven't yet had the pleasure of dining at Jfuse yet, I've heard nothing but wonderful things. I actually watched the progression of the space being built as I drove by it every day on Main Street, growing continually more excited as I saw how beautiful the space was becoming.
This is another spot near the top of my ever-growing list, because if Jfuse is anything like J:Unique, it's bound to be a winner.
We might not be on the coast, but I think we're doing just fine.
