OOTA-YA — Restaurant in Victoria

Some of the best sushi I’ve had in my entire LIFE. Top 3 for sure. This is coming from a girl who has tried HUNDREDS of sushi restaurants in her 22 years of life. I have yet to go to Japan, but I can assure you this is most authentic sushi in town.

The owner is an absolute GEM. He is so kind, generous, and sweet. I believe his name is Teddy. :) You can really tell that he wants to provide an as authentic as possible Japanese cuisine experience, and this is replicated as well in his customer service. Upon my first visit this afternoon, he gave me a miso soup, and 2 pieces of the most DELICIOUS oshi, free of charge. He said he wanted to see what I thought about his oshi. He really, truly, genuinely cares about his craft. It’s so refreshing.

I have never had such large, fresh fish portions in a sushi roll in my entire life. The miso soup was so tasty as well. I’m not sure what was at the bottom, some sort of very thinly sliced translucent root vegetable, (tasted similar to potato), but it was a very nice touch.

I will be a returning customer and I can’t wait to tell my friends about this sushi place and bring them too. Thank you Teddy!!!!...

What a great hidden gem in the Public Market! This place was recommended to us by friends and I now pass on my recommendation to those reading this. The sushi offered here is simple and straightforward which allows the taste and freshness of the ingredients to shine through. The miso soup is one of the best I've had; the daikon, seaweed and shimeji mushrooms go well together and made the soup very comforting. Ordering ahead is highly recommended as the place is currently solely operated by the owner and can get busy during lunch time. Despite how busy it can get, Chef Teddy remains attentive, kind and levelheaded. Definitely will be ordering from here again. Thank...

I highly recommend Oota-ya it has been my best sushi experience in Victoria, having moved from Vancouver two years ago. The seafood is so fresh and every bite took me back to Japan. I usually judge the quality of a Japanese establishment on the taste/texture of the sushi rice and I was impressed with the rice. :) The owner takes so much pride in his craft that when he filled my order, he wasn't happy with the presentation of one of the rolls and he apologized and gave us something extra. The messiness wouldn't have mattered - I would have smashed my lunch - it was so good and authentic.

Please give Ootaya -Ya a try, you won't regret it. Yoroshiku...