Established in 2023, J:Unique took Ottawa by storm by becoming a go to spot for an elevated sushi experience. This small house-turned-restaurant style establishment creates a cozy environment for diners and a feeling of exclusivity when you enter their doors. Their delicious flavour combinations and innovative techniques keeps the atmosphere busy and lively, and pairs it with attentive and knowledgeable service. J:Unique needs to be praised for their variety to execution ratio. From classics like rolls and nigiri, to elevated options like torched sushi and their infamous Godzilla bite – J:Unique continues to up the game of what it means to be a successful sushi restaurant.
Hanabi Sushi is another leader in the Centretown sushi game, offering more of a classic Japanese fair experience, in a simpler environment. Where J:Unique is your date night sushi, Hanabi is your pop in or takeout sushi. No fancy bells and whistles – just delicious, well crafted Japanese cuisine.
Hanabi is the perfect place to go for sushi with your friends who don’t eat sushi! Their other offerings of ramen, teriyaki bowls, and bento boxes means there is something delicious for everyone.
Another Centretown gem that specializes in variety is On Rice on Kent street. Unlike the other places on this list, On Rice joins the cuisines of two countries together – Korea and Japan – to create a delicious dining experience that provides something for everyone. I don’t know about you, but the ability to get a bulgogi beef bowl next to our spicy crispy tuna roll makes us unreasonably excited.
On Rice is officially being dubbed the “Mid-Week Sushi Spot” because although delicious, it is only open Monday to Friday! So make sure you plan accordingly!
Who knew Centretown had so many sushi places! (We did!)
Up next on the list is Genji Sushi – A spot on Lisgar that is perfect for takeout and thrives on their variety of options.
No, seriously, there is something for EVERYONE! The most difficult part of eating at Genji is deciding what to get. There are FIVE separate sections for maki alone! So make sure you allocate enough time to make some decisions! You’re going to need it!
A pretty dining room and even prettier sushi! That’s what Orchid Sushi has to offer the city of Ottawa. Orchid is absolutely the kind of place that is best experienced while dining in. Their philosophy is to blend classic sushi techniques and creative Asian dishes to bring Ottawans a Japanese dining experience that they can’t experience elsewhere. Orchid sushi is incredibly proud of what they do, and you can taste it in every bite.
Sushi has become one of Ottawa’s hottest commodities. The variety and quality is everywhere, and Centretown is a leading force in upholding those Sushi forward values. The ability to find something for everyone, at various different price points, vibes, and flavour profiles is what makes our little community so incredible! Now if you will please excuse us, we have far too much sushi to eat!
With love, from Centretown.
Author: Jordan Pizzuti
Date: April 29, 2026
