Japanese Cuisine: OOMORI Restaurant Review
đ¨đŚ Saskatoonâs Hidden Gem for Authentic Japanese Cuisine: OOMORI Restaurant Review When Saskatoonâs culinary scene leans heavily on pub fare and steakhouse classics, finding authentic Japanese flavors can feel like a treasure hunt. Enter OOMORI, an unassuming yet exceptional izakaya-style eatery on 8th Street that delivers some of the most refined Japanese dining experiences in the prairies. After multiple omakase-style tastings and Ă la carte explorations, hereâs why this spot deserves a spot on every food loverâs radar. First Impressions: Minimalist Elegance with a Cozy Vibe Walking into OOMORI feels like stepping into a Tokyo backstreet izakaya â intimate, understated, and laser-focused on quality: Ambiance Breakdown: ⢠Seating: Just 28 spots (12 at the sushi counter, 16 at tables) ⢠Lighting: Warm, low-lit with paper lanterns casting soft glows ⢠Soundtrack: Faint jazz covers of Studio Ghibli tunes The Service Philosophy: ⢠Omotenashi Spirit: Waitstaff explain dishes without pretension ⢠Sourcing Transparency: Daily fish arrivals posted on chalkboard ⢠Pacing: Traditional Japanese meal progression (not rushed) Pro Tip: Reserve the sushi counter seats for chefâs table interactions. The Menu: Where Tradition Meets Prairie Ingredients OOMORIâs menu balances classic techniques with Saskatchewan-sourced twists: 1. Sashimi Moriawase ($38) âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ The ultimate freshness test: ⢠Todayâs Catch: ⢠Saskatchewan Trout (yes, locally farmed!) â buttery, clean ⢠East Coast Scallops â sweet, barely needing soy ⢠BC Sockeye â vibrant orange, perfect fat lines ⢠Knife Work: Flawless 3mm slices (no ragged edges) ⢠Garnish Philosophy: Real wasabi root grated tableside 2. Aburi Sushi ($24) âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸Â˝ Flame-kissed perfection: ⢠Salmon Belty: Torched to render fat into rice ⢠Scallop: Lightly brĂťlĂŠed with yuzu kosho ⢠Prairie Twist: Alberta beef tataki version available 3. Tempura ($16) âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ A masterclass in frycraft: ⢠Batter: Feather-light, lacy crispness ⢠Oil Temperature: 175°C (no greasy residue) ⢠Surprise Star: Saskatoon berry fritters (seasonal) 4. Chawanmushi ($9) âď¸âď¸âď¸âď¸ Silken egg custard revealing: ⢠Hidden Treasures: Gingko nut, shrimp, shiitake ⢠Steam Precision: Glass-smooth surface ⢠Umami Boost: Dashi made with BC kombu The Sake Selection: Curated for the Prairies OOMORIâs drink program shines with: ⢠Local Bridge: Saskatoon berry-infused sake ($12/glass) ⢠Traditional Options: ⢠Dassai 23 ($18) â The âintroductoryâ premium choice ⢠Kubota Senju ($22) â Floral, food-friendly ⢠Non-Alcoholic: House-brewed mugicha (barley tea) Why OOMORI Stands Out 1. Fish Sourcing Wizardry Despite being 1,500km from the ocean, they secure: ⢠Daily Air Shipments from Vancouverâs Fish Market ⢠Sustainable Choices: No bluefin tuna on principle 2. Technique Over Trends No crazy rolls here â just: ⢠Perfectly seasoned sushi rice (body temperature) ⢠Hand-cut tamago (12-layer omelet) ⢠Proper wasabi service (no dyed horseradish) 3. Prairie-Japan Fusion Done Right See: ⢠Perogies gyoza (weekend special) ⢠Bison tataki with sansho pepper The Verdict: Saskatoonâs Best Japanese? Rating (10-point scale): Category Score Notes Freshness 9.5 Remarkable given location Technique 9 Traditional methods honored Value 7.5 Premium but justified Ambiance 8 Intimate but not cramped Perfect For: ⢠Special occasion sushi cravings ⢠Sake exploration nights ⢠Chefs wanting to geek out over knife skills Less Ideal For: ⢠Large groups (max 6 per table) ⢠Teriyaki chicken seekers (this isnât that kind of place) đ Location: 801 8th St E (look for the noren curtain) â° Hours: Tue-Sat 5-10pm (closed Sun/Mon) đ Reservations: Essential â text 306-555-1212 SaskatoonEats #JapaneseFood #SushiLovers #HiddenGems