Sushi-ro – Cozy Vibes, Quality Rolls, and Clean Execution – Average EV Score: 8/10
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
Sushi-ro Restaurant Overview
1123 Wellington St. W, Ottawa, ON K1Y 2Y6
Sushi-ro is a quiet and cozy spot in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood. It has a warm, relaxed atmosphere that makes it a nice choice for a casual sushi night. The restaurant is quite small, with limited seating — about four or five small tables — so it isn’t the type of place you’d come to with a large group. The intimate size, however, does add to its charm.
There isn’t a dedicated parking lot, so you’ll need to rely on street parking in the area. Depending on the time of day, that can be hit or miss, though it’s manageable if you plan ahead. Because of the space constraints, Sushi-ro is actually a great spot for takeout. Many people in the neighbourhood seem to order their sushi to go, and the restaurant is well suited for that kind of quick, efficient service.
The menu has a wide selection of sushi, with a mix of specialty rolls, sashimi, and more traditional options. They also offer bento boxes, which are a nice way to sample a variety of items in one meal. Presentation is another area where they shine — the sushi is plated neatly, with attention to colour and arrangement, which makes it just as visually enjoyable as it is tasty.
The staff are friendly and approachable, and the service is quick without feeling rushed. On both visits, the food came out fairly fast, which works well for a restaurant of this size and style. It’s clear that they aim to keep things simple and efficient while still delivering quality.
Would return?: Yes.
Sushi – Tropicana Roll
😋 Enjoyment: 8/10
💰 Price Paid: $15
🎯 Benchmark Price: $15
📊 EV Score: 8/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
The Tropicana Roll was a pleasant surprise. It struck a great balance between sweet and spicy, which made it stand out from some of the more traditional rolls. The mango added a refreshing sweetness that cut through the spice and gave each bite a layered flavour. The rice was excellent — each grain distinct, seasoned well, and not clumpy.
The only slight drawback was the use of imitation crab. While that’s common in many rolls like this, having real crab would have elevated it from very good to excellent. Even so, it was a well-crafted roll that I’d happily order again.
Sushi – Rock’n Roll
😋 Enjoyment: 8/10
💰 Price Paid: $17
🎯 Benchmark Price: $17
📊 EV Score: 8/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This roll was the standout of the visit. The rice had the same excellent texture as the Tropicana Roll, and the lobster inside was cooked perfectly. Fresh, tender, and nicely seasoned, it gave the roll a richness without being overwhelming.
The addition of fish roe on top added a fun pop of texture and just the right amount of salty contrast. It’s a roll that felt carefully put together, with every element working in harmony. Definitely one of the highlights on their menu.
Final Thoughts
Sushi-ro may not have the space or polish of some of the larger Japanese restaurants in Ottawa, but it does a lot of things right. The limited seating — just a handful of small tables — makes it better suited for individuals, couples, or small groups. Larger parties would struggle to fit comfortably, so takeout becomes the best option for many. Thankfully, their efficiency and quick service make takeout an easy choice.
The food itself is solid, with a wide range of sushi rolls to choose from and well-priced bento boxes that offer variety and value. Presentation is consistently neat and appealing, which adds to the overall impression of care in preparation. The staff are friendly, the service is quick, and the food usually comes out without much delay, which makes it an easy and enjoyable experience.
While the restaurant doesn’t have every luxury — no dedicated parking lot, a very limited dining area, and no frills in terms of atmosphere — it makes up for it with quality sushi and straightforward service. For me, it’s not a destination restaurant I’d travel across town to visit, but if you’re already in Hintonburg or nearby, it’s a great choice for sushi that’s both satisfying and dependable.
Overall, Sushi-ro is a reliable, cozy spot for sushi lovers. It’s especially handy for takeout, but even when dining in, the small space feels intimate rather than cramped. With its combination of friendly staff, quick service, and well-prepared rolls, it’s a place I’ll return to when I’m in the area and craving sushi.