Sushi OH-OO — Restaurant in Sydney

Lured in by a mate’s photo of foie gras-dusted nigiri sushi, I recently checked out the curiously named Sushi Oh-Oo. You’ll find the modest, galley-like restaurant in Five Dock. The intimate restaurant is fronted by a small enclave of outdoor, curbside tables separated from Great North Road by a screen, and an orderly row of chairs for customers awaiting takeaway. There’s certainly no space for them inside!

Despite the tiny footprint, effort has been made to create an inviting space using natural materials. The kitchen is encased in wood and paper screens. Overhead there’s a dark bamboo ceiling and down one side, a textural stucco feature wall with leaves inset into the plaster that reminds me of a bamboo forest. Hanging ukiyo-e (pictures of the floating world) flags add a splash of bright colour to the otherwise neutrally toned room.

Staff use little stools to retrieve dishes over the high sushi counter that is decorated with fish scale tiles. While sushi is what I’m here to eat, I note that the illustrated menu also offers up an extensive array of hot dishes and bento boxes. First dish to arrive is the aforementioned Grilled Big Salmon Belly Nigiri with Foie Gras ($15/2 pieces). A small barrel of hand-shaped sushi rice is draped in a big, fatty swathe of salmon belly. It has been given a very light sear to activate the fat, and a good dusting of finely shaved foie gras. It’s rich, indulgent and extremely delicious.

I pull back with Avocado Nigiri ($4/2 pieces). It arrives as two gravity-defying pieces topped with fans of flawless, ripe avocado. Egg Nigiri ($4/2 pieces) here is delicately sweet and tender, rather than rubbery and flavourless as so many of them are. The topping to rice ratio is generous, secured firmly with little bands of nori.

Grilled Wagyu Beef Nigiri ($18/6 pieces) is the perfect way to finish. Each piece is tender with a big, flavoursome beef hit. They’re painted with sticky yakiniku sauce that’s used sparingly enough to just provide some caramelisation and sweetness, knocking out the need for soy sauce; though the fluffy wasabi is an asset against the rich meat.

Sushi Oh-Oo’s standout sushi will definitely drag me back - I don’t think I have eaten better sushi in...

My family have been to this Korean owned Japanese restaurant for 3 times. First time was ok, food was ok and service was good as it wasn't a busy time of the day. Second time just my hubby and I , food was as usual but service was bad. We were given a table for 2 along the right side of the restaurant. Both of us ordered the lunch set with tempura, sushi and udon. Initially the owner (Korean woman) asked if we wanted to move to another table (not telling the reason why and claimed it was JUST a suggestion), we preferred to stay where we were for more privacy. When the food came with the tray, another older waitress came and the tray didn't fit onto the table and she just dumped it on the table and looked at me to signal me to hold the tray then she was gone. The owner came and helped to put the dishes on the table and put away the tray with a very unfriendly remark," that's why I asked if you wanted to move to another table!". I was like What the hell? We were not told to move because the table was not big enough and we were not told that the set would be served on a tray that wasn't gonna fit on the table. Third time we came because we were in the area, this would be the last time for me at least. We waited for a table for a while as it was busy during lunch on a Saturday. This time I was smart not to order the tempura sushi udon set as we were sitting at the same table as the second time. I ordered the sushi udon set. My udon came WITHOUT the sushi. My hubby's order was complete. Half way through the udon, I asked that Owner waitress that my sushi still has not come. Without checking with the sushi chef, she said it's coming. All the sushi that were ready went to another table and they placed their order after ours. I just gave up. I finished the udon, told them the sushi never came, asked for a refund and...

I was tempted to gatekeep this one 😉. I’ve probably been here 5 times over the last 2 weeks - it’s blue fin tuna season so you have to enjoy it while you can. The sashimi is always fresh and beautifully presented. The mixed tempura is a must - included is 2 prawn tempura 🍤which is delicious right until the last bite and there was a variety of vegetable from mushrooms to broccoli and sweet potato (each time it was slightly different) but always the best crunch. We normally order the deluxe sushi platter as well and end with the udon and honestly it has never disappointed. We leave each time making a plan to come back soon and it’s always sooner than later.

The space is small and they don’t take reservations but during the weekdays it isn’t as busy as it is on a Friday or Saturday and they are now open Mondays as well. Ample parking behind and also at Coles which is a short walk away. It’s definitely a neighbourhood gem but we travel to eat here. It’s family owned and the service is always friendly. Highly...