Aman El-Duweini
7million views- Local Guide Lvl 7 First visit… and wow. Sapporo Sushi in Hamilton made a strong first impression—and not the forgettable kind. From the very beginning, the soups set the tone: comforting, flavorful, and clearly made with care. The mango salad followed with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice—fresh, bright, and thoughtfully seasoned. What really surprised me was the fried seafood. The shrimp and calamari were cooked exactly right—crispy without being heavy, generous portions, and most importantly, fried in good-quality oil. You can tell when oil is fresh, and this was. Light, clean, and satisfying without that greasy after-feel. Now, the sushi. This is where Sapporo truly separates itself from the usual all-you-can-eat experience. The rice was perfectly done, and the fish-to-rice ratio was honestly impressive—generous fish, respectful rice. That alone puts them ahead of many places. Everything tasted fresh and intentional. Service was another highlight. Orders came out fast, smoothly, and without confusion—even with multiple tables ordering nonstop. Watching the team work was almost fascinating: quiet, efficient, minimal chatter, and clearly excellent internal communication. It’s rare to see an AYCE restaurant run this smoothly. As for the hot dishes: the steak and salmon teriyaki were good—well cooked and enjoyable—though not my personal favorite compared to others I’ve had. Still solid. But the real star? Shrimp Satay. Perfectly cooked, garlicky, flavorful, and addictive. I liked it so much I ordered it twice—and I’d do it again. Dessert wrapped things up beautifully. The sesame balls were excellent and clearly stood out. There was a nice variety overall, though the “banana” dessert tasted more like plantain, which wasn’t quite my preference—but that’s just personal taste. A special shoutout to Riya—she was incredibly attentive, always refilling drinks and clearing plates with such a calm and friendly presence. And David, the manager, was genuinely kind and engaged. He took the time to thank us and made sure we were having a great experience, which made everything feel personal rather than transactional. Overall, this was an outstanding first experience. Great food, fast and thoughtful service, a well-coordinated team, and management that truly cares. Only remark is that the place needs some renovation. We left happy—and confident this won’t be our last visit.
