The 5 Best Japanese Restaurants in Ottawa
Craving some ramen and some tonkatsu? You’re in luck because, on this list, we’ll be reviewing the best Japanese restaurants in Ottawa.
How much do Japanese restaurants charge?
Before we go to our list, how about we check out the prices of the usual food that is served at these establishments?
This is so you have an idea of how much money you’ll have to shell out when eating at these restaurants.
1. Hanabi Japanese Cuisine
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Serving | ★★★★(4/5) |
Hanabi in Bank Street is a great choice for Japanese cuisine. The restaurant has a sleek and modern design while incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics
Its menu is also great with an extensive selection of sushi rolls, tempura dishes, ramen, and other Japanese dishes.
The pricing is also quite reasonable for the quality and level of service offered. We love that the portions of the food are very generous and the quality is top-notch.
Our favorite dishes were the nigiri. The menu is also quite versatile, adding fusion dishes that incorporate traditional Japanese flavors with exotic ingredients like mango or crab meat.
The sushi and other fish dishes are fresh and beautifully prepared. It’s a great place to celebrate a special occasion or just hang out with friends and family.
Unfortunately, the restaurant’s website is a bit glitchy and it’s hard to check out its menu from there.
It’s also worth noting that Hanabi doesn’t accept online orders, which is a shame since many of us want to try out Japanese cuisine in the comfort of our own homes.
Overall, because of the great selection of food and the affordable price, we still think that Hanabi is one of the best places to get high-quality Japanese cuisine in Ottawa.
Pros
- Less expensive than most
- Good serving
- Versatile menu
- Fresh
Cons
- Website is glitchy
- No online orders
Customer Reviews
Fresh options
“As a self-proclaimed sushi connoisseur, the sashimi was fresh and well sized. I was wow-ed by the cuts and playing of the plate. They were quick to serve and extremely friendly. I wish I could write more but it was a simple experience. Great food and service, I can’t wait to go back!” – Faiz H.
Very good food
“Service and food here was very good. Nigiri and Sashimi is super fresh and you must try their Hanabi House Roll with Scallop…..super delicious!!! We will definately be back” – Peter Chung
2. C’est Japon À Suisha Restaurant
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Serving | ★★★★★(5/5) |
C’est Japon À Suisha Restaurant may have a French name but it’s as Japanese as can be.
The restaurant features old-world private rooms and an extensive menu of rolls and entrees, including an array of sushi and sashimi, tempura, and other dishes.
Other than having your own rooms when eating, the C’est Japon À Suisha Restaurant also boasts gluten-free options for those who are on a specific diet.
The serving is also quite impressive and mostly matches the price being charged.
Because of the private rooms, C’est Japon À Suisha Restaurant is also available for meetings, gatherings, and other events.
We love the relaxing atmosphere that it offers, especially during the colder months when the air is crisp and cold.
The decor of the restaurant is simple but elegant. There are pictures of Japan on the walls and the wooden furniture adds to the overall ambiance of the place.
We also love the restaurant’s lounge where you can have a few drinks with your friends and colleagues.
Sadly, it isn’t open every day. It’s closed on both Sundays and Mondays, so if you plan on visiting, make sure you check the schedule beforehand.
C’est Japon À Suisha Restaurant also doesn’t offer takeout and delivery, so keep that in mind.
Overall, this restaurant is a must-visit if you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine.
Pros
- Gluten-free options
- Good serving
- Available for reservation for meetings, gatherings, and more
- Great location
Cons
- Doesn’t open everyday
- No takeout and delivery
Customer Reviews
Amazing
“Amazing place. Been a few times and it’s one of the best sushi places in Ottawa. Knowledgeable about gluten free and even have a separate menu. Om the pricier side, but worth it for the good service and great quality sushi. The photo is the fugetsu meal for 2, and it was the perfect size. Will be back!” – K.M.
Authentic and kid-friendly
“Authentic Japanese food with friendly staff. Took my family with two toddlers for dinner. We were a walk in and they were able to seat the four of us, but recommend a reservation if you are a bigger group since they are quite busy. They were very accommodating and also had a Japanese style children’s menu. Nice to see Asahi beer on tap with a bunch of other good Japanese beers. Clean, nice atmosphere and excellent quality of food. Mr. Arai and his team delivered a great experience! Will be definitely going back for the Omakase.” – Nozomi Kawamura
3. Japanese Village
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Serving | ★★★★(4/5) |
Another great restaurant for Japanese cuisine in Ottawa is Japanese Village. It has its own bar where customers can enjoy a variety of cocktails and beers.
Whether you are in the mood for fresh sushi or traditional dishes, this restaurant is for you.
We also love the aesthetic that it offers, giving it a homey vibe that makes you feel like you are in the Land of the Rising Sun.
What makes this restaurant unique is the fact that it accepts custom orders. You can ask the chefs to combine dishes that you think go well together and create something new and unique.
The restaurant also has teppanyaki tables where you sit and watch as your food is cooked in front of you.
It’s a fun experience for those who are looking to try something new and are passionate about food.
Unfortunately, Japanese Village’s prices could be better. If you are under a strict budget, this may not be the right restaurant to visit.
It’s also a shame that it isn’t open every day. For a place with such great food and service, you would think that it would want to accommodate its customers as much as possible.
Overall, because of the great choice of food and the overall vibe of the restaurant, we still think it’s worth visiting.
Pros
- Has its own bar
- Custom orders
- Teppanyaki options
Cons
- Pricey
- Doesn’t open every day
Customer Reviews
Delicious
“We have been going to Japanese Village for the last 20 years. Has the prices risen – yes. Is it still delicious – absolutely. With rice ask your chef for a side of steak sesame sauce and pour it all over your rice. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. It’s the best combo ! I love this place and always will. It’s fun and delicious everytime.” – Anonymous Review
The best
“Five of us went there to celebrate Mothers’s Day after a long Covid winter. It was delicious as always. Our chef was the best. They went over an above and gave each mother a carnation as they were leaving. We are glad you are back up and running!” – Elaine Murphy
4. Tomo Restaurant
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★ (4/5) |
| Location | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Serving | ★★★★(4/5) |
Tomo Restaurant is a good place to indulge in some Japanese cuisine.
The sushi here is definitely some of the best in town, but there are plenty of other Japanese options on the menu as the restaurant prides itself on offering something for everyone.
While eating, customers are joined by wonderful murals of traditional Japanese scenes. The restaurant itself has a very traditional feel with tatami mats and paper lanterns lining the walls.
Even the method of cooking some of the dishes in Tomo is quite traditional. For example, the tempura is fried in oil rather than baked in batter like in some of the other restaurants
around town.
We love that the restaurant has enough room for small events and gatherings. Reservations are possible even for corporate meetings or birthday parties.
We also appreciate the bar that offers a selection of wine and sake that are paired with the food.
The best things that Tomo has to offer are its takeout menu and delivery services. Unlike most Japanese restaurants in town, Tomo offers the option of having your food delivered straight to your door.
The only downside is the price list, which is a bit expensive. The restaurant is also often full, so make a reservation beforehand if you plan on visiting.
Overall, Tomo is a must-visit restaurant in Ottawa, especially if you are looking to try some authentic Japanese food.
Pros
- Offers delivery and takeout
- Traditional methods
- Accepts reservations for gatherings
- Has its own bar
- Quick waiting time
Cons
- Pricey
- Often full
Customer Reviews
Best in Ottawa
“BEST sushi in Ottawa so far! We’ve tried so many places and most of them are so hit and miss with a lot of rolls tasting similar but not at Tomo! Even though some showed similar ingredients, they tasted so different and bloody delicious!” – Koke
Delicious and served quickly
“Very delicious meals. The waiting time was quick, in less than 15 minutes all dishes were served. I loved the grilled squid, tomo chicken and the fried rice.!” – Carlota Daniel
5. J:unique Kitchen
| Criteria | Ratings |
| Rates | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Menu | ★★★★★(5/5) |
| Location | ★★★★(4/5) |
| Serving | ★★★★(4/5) |
If you’re interested in Western dishes mixed with Japanese flavors, Ottawa has J.unique Kitchen. This restaurant boasts fusion dishes and is one of the best places to get sushi in the city.
J:unique offers combo meals that can be shared by two or more people at a reasonable price. Its lunch combos typically consist of a soup or salad, an entrée, and a drink.
We also love the warm and friendly aesthetic of the restaurant and its outstanding crew. Once you enter, the staff greets you warmly and welcomes you to their establishment.
We are impressed with the big portions, yet the price is reasonable and affordable for the average family or individual. Some of our favorites include the soba noodles, sashimi platters, and ramen bowls.
Luckily, J:unique offers takeout options in case you don’t want to dine in. Some of its most popular items include its bento box lunches and salads.
The only downside with this establishment is the fact that it’s often full. If you plan on visiting, make sure that a reservation has been made beforehand to avoid the hassle of waiting in a queue for hours.
Overall, because of the affordable prices and the excellent food quality, we would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for delicious Japanese cuisine.
Pros
- Fusion meals
- Has combo meals
- Less expensive than most
- Big portions
- Offers takeout
Cons
- Often full
Customer Reviews
Addicted
“After hearing about this place from so many friends, I finally had the pleasure of trying it. I regret that decision. I’ve been back 3 times in the last two weeks so it’s safe to say I’m ADDICTED. Absolutely amazing sushi combined with warm and friendly service. I’ll be seeing you guys a lot more.” – Ibrahim
Casual but very good
“I’ve ordered takeouts from this restaurant for several times in the past two years. This is the first time I dine in. It is not a traditional Japanese restaurant. The atmosphere here is casual and comfortable. The seafood is very fresh. I admire the creativity of the chef. It is a great place for a night out with friends!” – Sylvia Pan
FAQs about Japanese Restaurants
And that’s it for the best Japanese restaurants in Ottawa!
If you’re looking for other adventurous places to eat, check out our article on the top dim sum restaurants in Ottawa!