Best Sushi in Ottawa
Ottawa's sushi scene covers the full range, from a 16-course omakase in the ByWard Market to all-you-can-eat in Nepean. Here are 5 spots for every budget and occasion.
Ottawa's sushi scene has quietly grown into something worth paying attention to. You can get a 16-course omakase with A5 Wagyu, creative Vancouver-style rolls, traditional nigiri from a chef with 30 years of practice, or a solid all-you-can-eat spread. Here are 5 spots that cover every budget and occasion.
1. J:unique Kitchen — The Creative One
J:unique Kitchen on Cooper Street brings Vancouver-style sushi to Ottawa. The rolls are inventive, the fish is fresh, and the presentation is a step above. It's dinner only and closed Mondays, which adds to the feel of a place that takes its time.
What to order: The chef's special rolls. Ask what's fresh. The nigiri is clean and well-cut.
Good to know: Dinner only. Tue-Thu 5pm, Fri-Sun 4:30pm. Reservations recommended.
Price: $$$
2. Shinka Sushi Bar — The Hidden Gem
Shinka is tucked away on Sheffield Road in an area you wouldn't expect great sushi. That's what makes it a hidden gem. The fish is premium quality, the room is small and intimate, and the chef knows what they're doing. One of Ottawa's best-kept sushi secrets.
What to order: Ask the chef what's best today. The sashimi is where the quality shines brightest.
Good to know: Wed-Sun 4:45pm-9pm only. Book via OpenTable. Small space fills up.
Price: $$$
3. TOMO — The Omakase Experience
TOMO in the ByWard Market has been around for nearly a decade, but Chef Hikaru Yokoyama's 16-course omakase has taken it to another level. Exquisite sashimi, ten pieces of premium nigiri, a hand roll, A5 Japanese Wagyu, soup, tamago, and dessert. It's a full experience.
What to order: The omakase. That's why you're here. Starting at ~$135/person.
Good to know: Reservations required for omakase. Book via OpenTable or their website.
Price: $$$$
4. Nagi Sushi — The Traditional One
Nagi Sushi in Orléans is run by Chef Moriyuki Hiroha, who spent over 30 years at C'est Japon à Suisha before opening his own place. The sushi is traditional Japanese — clean cuts, fresh fish, no gimmicks. Three decades of practice in every piece.
What to order: Nigiri combo or sashimi platter. Let the experience speak for itself.
Good to know: Tue-Sat lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday & Monday. Worth the drive to Orléans.
Price: $$
5. Sushi Kan — The All-You-Can-Eat
Sushi Kan is the go-to when you want quantity and quality in the same meal. The AYCE menu covers sushi, rolls, sashimi, and cooked dishes. Multiple locations across Ottawa. Dinner AYCE opens up the full menu with more premium options.
What to order: AYCE dinner for the full menu. Try multiple specialty rolls. Don't sleep on the cooked dishes.
Good to know: Baseline Road location. Reservations recommended for dinner weekends.
Price: $$
The Quick Comparison
| Spot | Style | Best For | Area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| J:unique Kitchen | Creative/Vancouver | Date night | Centretown | $$$ |
| Shinka Sushi Bar | Premium | Hidden gem seekers | East end | $$$ |
| TOMO | Omakase | Special occasion | ByWard Market | $$$$ |
| Nagi Sushi | Traditional | Purists | Orléans | $$ |
| Sushi Kan | AYCE | Value + variety | Nepean | $$ |
Tips
- TOMO is closed Mondays. Omakase requires a reservation. Fri-Sat open until 2am
- Shinka is hard to find. It's in an industrial area on Sheffield Road. Trust your GPS
- Nagi Sushi is worth the drive to Orléans if you care about traditional technique
- Sushi Kan AYCE dinner is the better deal over lunch — bigger menu, more options
- J:unique is dinner only. Plan accordingly
🍴Featured Restaurants
J:unique Kitchen
A Vancouver-style sushi spot on Cooper Street with creative rolls and expertly crafted nigiri. Dinner only, closed Mondays. One of Ottawa's most acclaimed sushi restaurants.
Shinka Sushi Bar
A hidden gem on Sheffield Road with some of the freshest fish in Ottawa. Small, intimate dining room with premium-quality sushi. Reservations strongly recommended. Open Wed-Sun only.
TOMO Restaurant
Ottawa's premier omakase experience in the ByWard Market. Chef Hikaru Yokoyama serves a 16-course experience featuring premium sashimi, ten pieces of nigiri, A5 Japanese Wagyu, and more. A decade-long ByWard Market staple.
Nagi Sushi
Traditional Japanese sushi in Orléans by Chef Moriyuki Hiroha, who spent 30+ years at C'est Japon à Suisha. Fresh, authentic sushi crafted with decades of experience. Open Tue-Sat.
Sushi Kan
One of Ottawa's best all-you-can-eat sushi spots with multiple locations. Good variety, fair prices, and consistent quality. The AYCE menu covers sushi, rolls, and cooked dishes.
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