Ottawa’s Japanese and sushi scene has grown up fast. Five years ago your options were pretty limited. Now the city has everything from proper ramen joints to solid sushi counters to Korean-Japanese fusion spots β and the quality has risen across the board. Here’s where to start.
The Sushi Spots Worth Knowing
Sushi Lab has become one of the most talked-about Japanese restaurants in the city β the quality of fish is noticeably better than most Ottawa sushi spots and the plating is taken seriously. Sushi Sama in Riverside South has built a loyal following in the south end. Kuma Takumi in Kanata is worth the drive west if you’re in that end of the city.
Ramen in Ottawa
Ramen has properly arrived in Ottawa. Koichi Ramen West in Westboro does a rich tonkotsu that holds up to anything in Toronto. Izakaya Kob brings a more casual izakaya atmosphere. Fragrant Noodles (ιΌι¦ι’ι¦) is a go-to for the noodle crowd in the east end. If you’re a serious ramen person, Westboro is your best starting neighbourhood.
Beyond Sushi and Ramen
Daldongnae Korean BBQ has become one of the most visited restaurants in the entire OttawaEats directory. The all-you-can-eat format and consistent quality makes it a reliable group dinner option in ByWard Market.
What to Order If You’re New to Japanese Food
Start with miso soup, some edamame, and a salmon or tuna roll to calibrate the restaurant. A good sign: the rice in nigiri is warm and seasoned, not cold and dry. For ramen, go tonkotsu if you want rich and filling, shoyu if you want something lighter and cleaner.