Japan Food Series: Damairu Sushizen – Restaurant Overview

Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa

Damairu Sushizen Restaurant Overview

Japan, 〒060-0005 Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo Ward, Kita 5 Jonishi, 4 Chome, 大丸札幌店 8階

Being able to try all sorts of sushi restaurants while in Japan was the main point of this trip. One of the sushi restaurants we went to was Damairu Sushizen.

Damairu Sushizen is a well-established sushi restaurant in Sapporo that focuses on quality ingredients and traditional execution rather than theatrics. It feels refined but not intimidating, making it approachable even if you’re not deeply familiar with Japanese sushi culture. The atmosphere is calm and comfortable, the kind of place where the food clearly takes priority over flashy presentation.

Like many good sushi restaurants in Japan, Damairu Sushizen emphasizes balance—between fish and rice, seasoning and restraint, simplicity and precision. This was another stop on my Japan Food Series and, while very different from my usual Ottawa restaurant reviews, it reinforced just how high the baseline for sushi is in Japan compared to back home.

Would return? Yes.

Menu – Lunch Special

Suzuran (10-Piece Sushi Set with Soup)

This was an excellent sushi set and a great way to experience what Damairu Sushizen does well. The assortment covered a range of flavours and textures, allowing each piece to stand on its own without feeling repetitive.

One thing that immediately stood out was the use of real wasabi, which by this point in my trip had become something I started to expect—but still appreciate. It added a gentle heat and complexity that enhanced the fish instead of overpowering it. The wasabi felt integrated into each piece rather than being something you added afterward as an afterthought.

The rice deserves special mention. It was seasoned beautifully with vinegar, salt, and sugar, striking a perfect balance that complemented the fish rather than competing with it. Each piece held together well but still felt light, and the temperature of the rice was spot on—not cold, not warm, just right.

Overall, the Suzuran set felt thoughtfully composed and consistently executed. Nothing felt rushed or careless. It was simply very good sushi, done properly.

Order again? Yes.

Chirashi (Seafood on Sushi Rice)

The chirashi was another standout dish. I’m already a fan of kaisen-don, which typically features seafood served over plain rice, but this version elevated the experience by using sushi rice instead. That seasoning made a noticeable difference.

The vinegar-forward rice brought brightness and depth to the dish, tying all the seafood together in a way plain rice simply doesn’t. Each bite felt more complete, with the rice contributing just as much to the experience as the fish itself.

The seafood was fresh, well-cut, and generous. Nothing felt like filler. Each component had its own texture and flavour, and together they created a dish that felt both satisfying and refined. This was one of those meals where you keep taking bites a little slower near the end—not because you’re full, but because you want it to last.

Order again? Yes.

Final Thoughts

Damairu Sushizen delivered exactly what I was hoping for: high-quality sushi made with care, precision, and respect for the ingredients. There was no need for gimmicks or excessive presentation. The focus was squarely on good fish, excellent rice, and proper technique.

Compared to sushi experiences in Ottawa, this meal highlighted just how much rice quality and seasoning matter. The difference between plain rice and properly seasoned sushi rice is huge, especially in dishes like chirashi where rice plays a central role. Add in real wasabi and expertly prepared seafood, and the entire experience feels elevated without trying too hard.

As part of my Japan Food Series, Damairu Sushizen represents the kind of restaurant that quietly sets the standard. It’s not about chasing trends or Instagram appeal—it’s about delivering consistently excellent sushi. If you’re visiting Sapporo and want a reliable, high-quality sushi experience, this is absolutely a place worth considering.