Sapporo Sushi Ottawa Review – Fresh, Comforting Sushi with a Few Creative Risks – Average EV Score: 7.6/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
Sapporo Sushi Restaurant Overview
1671 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1C4
Sapporo Sushi is a well-established sushi restaurant located on Carling Avenue in Ottawa. One of the immediate advantages of dining here is convenience — parking is available in the back, which makes it far less stressful than many sushi spots where street parking is the only option.
The interior has nice decor, clean and modern without being over-the-top. It feels polished but still comfortable. There’s a decent number of tables, making it suitable for both smaller dinners and larger groups. During our visit, the restaurant had a steady flow of customers without feeling overcrowded.
The staff were friendly and welcoming, and service was efficient. Dishes arrived at a reasonable pace, and the overall experience felt smooth from start to finish.
Sapporo Sushi doesn’t position itself as a high-end omakase-style destination. Instead, it offers a reliable and approachable sushi experience with a mix of classic rolls and a few more creative options.
Would return? Yes.
Chirashi Sushi
Menu description: Assorted fresh fish, seafood and vegetable on a bed of rice
Enjoyment: 8.5/10
Price Paid: $30
Benchmark Price: $30
EV Score: 8.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Chirashi Sushi from Sapporo Sushi was one of the highlights of the meal.
At first glance, the bowl looked vibrant and inviting — a colourful assortment of fresh fish and seafood layered over seasoned rice. Each piece of fish was a good size, which immediately made it feel satisfying rather than skimpy.
The seafood tasted fresh, and the rice underneath was well prepared — not overly vinegary, not dry. It provided a balanced base that didn’t overpower the toppings.
One surprising element was the mushrooms, which had a distinct sweetness that stood out in a pleasant way. That subtle sweetness added depth and variety to the bowl.
Overall, this was a very refreshing and comforting dish. It felt clean and well executed — exactly what you want from chirashi.
Dragon Roll
Menu description: Avocado on California
Enjoyment: 8/10
Price Paid: $15
Benchmark Price: $15
EV Score: 8/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Dragon Roll from Sapporo Sushi was simple and straightforward.
It’s essentially a California roll topped generously with avocado. The amount of avocado was excellent — creamy, fresh, and evenly layered across the top.
Sometimes simple rolls are overlooked in favour of flashy specialty rolls, but this one delivered exactly what it was meant to. No gimmicks, just a clean, reliable roll.
If you enjoy avocado-forward sushi, this is a safe and satisfying choice.
French Kiss
Menu description: California with sliced apple, tempura bits, shrimp, avocado on top
Enjoyment: 6/10
Price Paid: $23
Benchmark Price: $20
EV Score: 5.2/10
Order Again? Yes.
The French Kiss was the most experimental roll we ordered — and the one I was most hesitant about.
The inclusion of sliced apple immediately stood out. While I was curious, I wasn’t fully convinced it would work in sushi.
After trying it, I can say it wasn’t my favourite. The apple added a sweetness and texture that didn’t quite align with what I personally look for in sushi. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it didn’t enhance the roll for me.
Additionally, the sauce on top wasn’t particularly memorable. It didn’t elevate the roll in a meaningful way.
This roll might appeal to someone who enjoys sweeter, more fusion-style combinations, but for me, it didn’t quite land.
Spider Roll
Menu description: Deep-fried soft shell crab, spring mix & mayo
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $24
Benchmark Price: $20
EV Score: 6.3/10
Order Again? No.
The Spider Roll from Sapporo Sushi was another strong item.
The deep-fried soft shell crab was done very well. It was crispy without being hard — and that distinction matters. Sometimes soft shell crab ends up overly crunchy in a way that feels tough. This one had just the right texture.
The only element I didn’t love was the spring mix inside the roll. It added freshness, but it slightly disrupted the overall texture for me. I prefer a more traditional filling composition in spider rolls.
Still, the crab itself carried the dish, making it a solid choice overall.
Spicy Salmon Roll
Enjoyment: 7.5/10
Price Paid: $11
Benchmark Price: $11
EV Score: 7.5/10
Order Again? Yes.
The Spicy Salmon Roll from Sapporo Sushi was exactly what it needed to be: reliable and good.
It’s a classic for a reason. The salmon was fresh, the spice level was balanced, and the roll was assembled cleanly.
There’s not much to critique here. It’s dependable and consistently enjoyable.
Overall Experience
Sapporo Sushi strikes a nice balance between classic comfort and mild creativity. The chirashi bowl showcased freshness and quality. The dragon roll delivered simplicity done right. The spider roll stood out thanks to properly executed soft shell crab.
The French Kiss roll didn’t fully win me over due to the apple and sauce combination, but it’s nice to see a restaurant willing to experiment a bit.
The decor is pleasant, parking is convenient, and service is friendly — all important factors when choosing a go-to sushi spot.
Final Thoughts
Sapporo Sushi on Carling is a solid, dependable sushi restaurant in Ottawa.
The Chirashi Sushi was refreshing and comforting, easily one of the best items ordered. The Dragon Roll and Spicy Salmon were reliable choices, while the Spider Roll impressed with its properly fried crab.
While not every creative roll may suit everyone’s taste, the overall quality is consistent.
If you’re looking for approachable sushi in a comfortable setting with convenient parking and friendly service, Sapporo Sushi is a good option worth considering.
If you’re looking for another great sushi restaurant, check out Sushi-ro.