Ogawa — Restaurant in Morgantown

Update: 01-12-2023

OMG my absolute favorite Japanese Restaurant. Noel and I try to go here when we are in Morgantown WV. This is our second time at this lovely restaurant. To be truthful a little dark outside but inside absolutely beautiful.

We were greeted and seated immediately. Our hostess was also our waitress and so very nice. Loved our table in the back. The interior was very (authentic decorative Japanese in my opinion since never in Japan). Lots of Reds, Dark Colors with Black & Gold...love it!! Only thing missing is some low oriental music for ambience.

Noel and I were given complementary Miso Soup (delicious and slurp-able...heard it was an insult NOT to slurp, but I can't bring myself to do it) I ordered Unsweetened Iced Tea and Noel went with Sprite...the Un-Cola Option!!

We ordered the Shumai which is a Shrimp style Deep Fried Puff or small dumpling about size of a tater tot and Gyoza which is a pork, seaweed with a tiny thin rice noodle made into a stuffing and put into the dumpling and deep fried. It was served with like a thin slightly salty Eel Sauce but not as salty as Soy Sauce. Very Very Good!!!!

Noel went with the Seafood Roll which included Shrimp, Crab and Raw Tuna with Avocado rolled in seaweed & sticky Rice and she requested a Spicy Mayo Dipping Sauce. I ordered the Boston Roll which was Shrimp, Cucumber & Avocado rolled in Seaweed & Sticky Rice and I requested the Manga & Spicy Eel Fish Sauce for dipping. It was thick, sweet & Spicy about the color of Soy Sauce.... absolutely love it.

The price with taxes and 18% tip was $45 Definitely recommend and definitely going back again. I need more practice with my chopsticks 🥢 but Noel is an expert. I do a lot of stabbing.... don't laugh!!! You got to go!!!

Previous Review: My daughter Noel and I wanted to have Sushi for dinner and this was advertised as the Best Japanese Restaurant and Best Sushi in Morgantown WV, so we decided to check them out

We found them easily with Google Maps only about 10 minutes from our Hotel the La Quinta Inn and Suites. We located the parking off University Ave on corner of Harding Street, a quick easy walk to Restaurant front entrance.

It was small and not so appealing from the outside BUT OMG The interior is Gorgeous and down right romantic. Very Eye Pleasing!!! The restaurant is very lovely and staff so friendly. We were greeted and seated immediately.

We placed our drink orders of Unsweetened Iced Tea for me and a Sprite for her. When our very friendly waiter brought our drinks he also gave us complimentary Bowls of Miso Soup. I ordered an appetizer to share, Shumai which is lightly deep fried shrimp dumplings with a terakyi dipping sauce. Then we ordered the Spicy California Roll with Crab, Avocado and Cucumber wrapped in seaweed and sticky rice along with a Baja California Roll with Crab, Avocado, pineapple and Mango with a Baja Sauce drizzle over the seaweed and sticky rice wrap. Noel asked for Yum Yum Sauce and I got the Eel Sauce for dipping. The food was terrific!!! Highly Recommend if you're in the area. Next time, I want to try the Bok-um Bop Bowl. Definitely going back again!! Our waiter was awesome left him a 35% tip...just for his friendly manner and helpful suggestions. You just got to give...

Atmosphere – 4/5 From the outside, Ogawa is easy to overlook—it’s located in a nondescript brick building with a small sign, and at first glance, you might just drive right by. There are a couple of parking spots in the front, but the main parking lot is located behind the building, across the street, and is clearly marked. Once you step inside, though, it feels like you’ve discovered a hidden gem. The interior is beautifully decorated, clean, and welcoming, with two sushi chefs constantly working at the counter. It’s a well-laid-out space with plenty of seating. The only drawback during my visit was the lack of air conditioning—it was almost unbearably hot inside, which unfortunately took away from the overall experience.

Service – 4/5 Our server was attentive, friendly, and handled everything smoothly despite the heat. She was clearly doing her best to provide good service in tough conditions, and it showed.

Food – 4/5 Ogawa is well known for its sushi, and based on the buzz from others and what I saw around the dining room, it’s a big reason why people come here. While I’m not much of a sushi eater, I’m a fan of ramen—and their ramen did not disappoint. The mild chicken ramen was flavorful and satisfying. We also ordered the yakisoba (stir-fried noodles with vegetables and chicken), which was nicely done, and the spicy noodle bokkeum, a dish of thick noodles with chicken, vegetables, and a spicy sauce that definitely packs a punch. Between the heat from the dish and the temperature inside, I was sweating—but the flavor made it worth it.

To start, we tried the fried pork and vegetable gyoza. They were just okay—crispy, but I’ve had better elsewhere. Not bad, but not a standout.

Their menu offers a lot beyond sushi and ramen, including bento boxes, teriyaki dishes, and more—so even if sushi isn’t your thing, you’ll find something to enjoy.

Parking Tip There are 2–3 spots out front, but the main parking area is located in the back, across the street from the rear of the building. It’s marked with a sign and provides plenty of space.

Final Thoughts Despite the issue with the air conditioning, this is still a quality Japanese restaurant with great food, friendly service, and a pleasant atmosphere. If you enjoy Japanese cuisine—especially sushi or ramen—Ogawa is worth...

My fiancé ordered a tiger eye roll (description on the website says "tiger eye roll- spicy tuna with mango and topped with eel sauce and mango sauce". What she received was not that (picture attached). We waited 15 minutes after the original pick up time (30 minutes after the order was placed), but they were slightly busy, so a little grace on that.

When we called to ask about the roll, the employee who picked up the phone was not the kindest about the question. She said my fiancé got what she ordered and said that it is a fried roll (not mentioned on the menu). When questioned about the mango and the sauces, all she said is "yeah I mean they just didn't put that on there but for future reference, it is a deep fried roll". She offered to ask the chef to remake the roll "the way you want it" (the way it says on the menu, is all I wanted) and we could come pick it up, although we live 30 minutes away and had already waited longer than expected for the roll. Also, the sushi had fish on the top of the roll which was also not mentioned in the description.

We also got yakisoba with beef and it had to be the blandest food we have ever tasted in our life.

If you are looking for good sushi in a nice environment (or want your order to come the way it is described on the menu), do yourself a favor and DO NOT go here... Volcano is by far the superior place for sushi and it is just a one minute drive from Ogawa. (Not to mention the presentation of the sushi, even the to go sushi is superior at Volcano).

EXTREMELY dissatisfied with the service...