Taste of Japan - Ottawa

The other night, I was served a beautifully prepared teriaki steak with excellently cooked vegetables — a superb dish preceded by a succulent bowl of miso soup. A companion selected the restaurant's combination shrimp and vegetable tempura dish (also a favorite of mine) which as always came freshly prepared. I also sampled a couple of California rolls, which testify to this restaurant's competence with sushi.Yet we were the only party in the restaurant at 6.30 p.m and that makes me fear for the future of Taste Of Japan. Japanese restaurants are a scarcity in Ottawa's West End, so residents are very lucky to have one which is among the best — indeed, quite possibly the best — in the city. It's an unprepossessing Bell's Corner presence, tucked away in a small nondescript mall that's easy to miss as you drive along Richmond. But the quality of the food, the friendliness of the service, and the simple but pleasant ambience makes it a place to be treasured.

Have had several very good meals at Taste of Japan and regard it as the best restaurant in the Bell's Corners area of Ottawa.

This restaurant is unassuming and easy to miss as it is tucked away in one of the Bells Corners strip malls on Richmond Road. It is modest sized but has a tasteful decor. I understand that they were renovating at the end of November so I will be looking forward to checking out the new look. I have never been disappointed. It is not just my favourite Japanese restaurant in the west end but in all of Ottawa.Two things stand out. First, the service has always been welcoming and attentive. They are knowledgable about the menu and offer helpful advice based on the diners tastes. This has been helpful when I have been accompanied by people who aren't sure of the sushi/ sashimi experience. Second, they sometimes have specials brought in fresh which allows one to experiment with new foods and flavours. On occassion, they have even had imported beers which I had not seen much less tasted before.This is a west end gem that I highly recommend.

We had lunch at the Taste of Japan with friends. It is a small restuarant but with a very nice atmosphere and well set up. The menu selection was excellent - the food was very good and the service was fast and friendly.

I have visited Umi several times, and they consistently serve fresh and delicious sushi at affordable prices. I can't say anything more than that.