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Sapporo Japanese Restaurant

Editorial Review

Editorial Review

Sapporo's unassuming Willoughby Road facade hasn't affected its success. Its reputation for serving some of Sydney's very best sushi has made it a fixture of the Crow's Nest scene for almost 20 years. The room is plain, brightly lit and usually packed to the gills. A variety of sports are shown on the big screen out the back, including sumo wrestling, which might not do much for your appetite, but certainly is fun and unique.

Sushi and sashimi are exquisitely fresh and beautifully prepared. A sampler platter will allow you to appreciate the distinguishing flavours and textures of the different fish used, or you can order your favourites individually; try the soft-shell crab hand roll, or there's salty, intensely flavoured sea urchin roe for those with very adventurous palates (not often seen at your local sushi train, and with good reason!) There is more to Sapporo than its sushi though; try the much-lauded JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken), prawn dumplings with pork mince, or the seafood and chicken yosenabe hot pot. Traditionalists will find comfort in teriyaki chicken and tempura prawns; diners after a strong flavour hit should order the grilled garlic skewers wrapped in chicken skin. Portions are a little tight, so order big and supplement your meal with cold Sapporo beer and premium sake.

Fiona Davies, May 2006