Sushi Sama — Restaurant in Ottawa

There are few sushi places in west Ottawa and even fewer good ones. I usually go downtown for my sushi fix but with covid I rarely go there now so I was happy when I found out that this place had opened so close to where I live. I ordered a salmon pizza, a double salmon roll, and ikura nigiri. The bad: the salmon pizza was very cheap on the ingredients, there was barely any smoked salmon and tobiko. I wouldn't order this one again. The double salmon roll did not have any tobiko even though the menu stated it was included. The good: The ikura. I was REALLY excited when I saw that they offered ikura here as I rarely see it outside of sushi places closer to downtown. The ikura tasted good and the price per piece is fair. The quality of the raw salmon was also good. The rice is a bit bland and not as well made as my favourite places downtown but were still pleasant to eat. Although there were some duds I'm happy they're here and I'll go back whenever I crave more ikura and salmon. (If I could give half stars I'd give this...

I have been here 3 times; each time a different experience.

Food ordered at lunch, was reasonably quick and the quality was good. I enjoyed so I decided to return for supper some time soon.

Food ordered ahead of time, was 20 mins later than anticipated. Once we got home, it was obvious that they were having to rush too much. The rice was undercooked in many cases even... A bit disappointing.

Hoping the undercooked rice was just a fluke, I placed an order at 430 pm and was told it would be ready for 545. Was there on time and was asked to wait another 15 minutes. 15 minutes pass and I return to be told they had not started to make my order. At this point it's 620 and I decided to cancel the order.

If you are a die hard sushi fan without a any means of transportation and you live within walking distance of this place, I guess you could try your luck. Other than that, expect to be crammed in with 8 other disgruntled patrons in their tiny "waiting room" while they rush...

We ordered two 28 piece sushi platters. The service was really easy and quick, ordered online and picked up.

The sushi itself was really good and tasted fresh.

The only thing I would improve is the variety. If I have hosomakis with tamago, kappa, or kani in my platter I would prefer not having a maki/futomaki roll with those ingredients combined in the same platter. Because of that the sushi/ingredients felt a bit repetitive, esp with the lettuce as a "filler".

And, since there is no choice or set menu for the assorted plates, it's a surprise every time (which can be a good thing as well, like a budget takeout omakase lol).

However, the sushi did taste good overall and you get decent value for what you pay for. Also, customer service is 5/5, especially since they gave us a free roll with the order. Will come again and recommend for casual/quick...