Review Sapporo - Crows Nest

Serving here is generous. Ramen and Curry are very Japanese and very nice. Staffs are courteous. I enjoy every bit of it. Recommended.

Found black dots from several noodles ( not only one ). Suspected fungal growth so went to cashier and informed her that I can see black dots from the noodles and asked her if it is okay. The cashier said she cannot leave that area so will send other staff. Showed it to other staff and later on the cashier came to me and said the black dots are from frying it ( Why would you fry it as it was noodle soup not fried noodle ) but that is because I feel uncomfortable eating it, they will make a new one for me. The photos attached are from the 2nd noodle !! I am not sure they actually made a new one or just washed it and put it back in to the bowl. Food was bad enough to make me feel unhappy but their service was even more terrible. Been living this area for 5 years now, this place is the worst place I have ever been to in terms of customer service and settling issues. Never going back to the place.

A decent Japanese restaurant. Good taste and choice of food. The 🍶 saké is pretty expensive here.

I'm going to echo others experiences of very poor service, tiny tiny portions and add a new one- warm beer (at $15-20 per bottle). We ordered a banquet that lists many dishes, as it turns out some of these dishes comprise of ONE bite size portion- the others are approx 2-3 mouthfuls. We spent around 10 minutes eating and 1 hour & 3/4 waiting for dishes to be served while sipping our warm beer. Apart from that I enjoyed the taste of most of the food however the experience was overall in the negative- needless to say I will not be back

I have been coming here since 7 years ago, always great atmosphere and authentic Japanese food. They put on rugby and sumo sports on.

Nice good quality food. Staff is great too.

We have lived in Wollstonecraft for 7 years and haven’t visit Sapporo for ages. But the restaurant served us a very disappointing experience. We visited the restaurant on 2nd January 19. The food was good but the service .... We ordered 2 main sushi. After 30 minutes wait, were told the sushi kitchen was very busy and will need another 30 minutes to prepare the foods despite the place was 1/3 full. No apologies from the owner/ manager, just asked if we wanted to wait for it - as if it was a free meal. I felt somehow, I wasn’t welcome in the restaurant from the older gentleman whom seemed to be the owner and wish we didn’t want to wait for the sushi. Terrible experience. Not for the wait for the manner from the owner! My advise is to spend your money elsewhere!

Super loud sitting inside with the rugby on and large groups. Basically shouting to hear across the table. Food was very very meh for quite a high price. We only came here because my parents had been here a month ago and had good recommendations from the owner and good food but it seems the management has changed and now the food is very mediocre. Agedashi tofu was barely warm and bland, we sent it back for reheating and at least the new owner was reasonable about it and remade the dish. Came back piping hot but it was still bland. Seared salmon sushi was expensive and also smothered way too much in sauce. Wouldn't recommend. Redeeming factor was the crispy salmon skin and salmon and kingfish sashimi was good and the Wagyu beef was alright. Wouldn't come back though.

One of my favourites, not for the food which is always excellent but for the atmosphere, and laughs. That wins over the food anytime.

Thx to Shu and his team on a great night Sat. All 35 of us had a great time!!!

Unfortunately it was underwhelming and over priced. Food bland. Friendly staff but I was here to eat. I know Japanese isn’t the cheapest but this place was a complete rip off. Even the Sapporo beer was $20. Will not be back

Visited the restaurant after the renovation. Apparently the owner has changed, shushi bar is removed and the menu is significantly reduced.<br/>Still super friendly service. We only ordered soy butter calamari and the chick ball, quality is average

Bad taste in the mouth and a hole in the pocket.<br/>Pros:<br/>Friendly service, nice location and comfortable chairs. Green tea is real.<br/><br/>Cons:Rugby memorabilia (fine in a pub, but ruins the authentic Japanese experience)Price is around around 2-3x price of what it should be.Lowest quality Japanese food I've tasted yet in Sydney, and I've tried lots of places.<br/><br/>Tonight's menu$24 for six wafer thin stingiest possible slices of salmon sashimi, dished up like a stray cat's dinner. <br/>$24 for small bowl of overfried tempura$27 for bowl of luke warm congealed stodgy chicken katsu don$10 for two green tea. Green tea - authentic tea leaves.

We ordered one of the set banquet menu's (brumbies).   There was plenty of food for the four of us, but the quality was average for the price.  The owner of the restaurant must be a tragic rugby fan as the premises is full of rugby memorabilia...  Would go back here again as the staff were very nice and there aren't many decent Japanese restaurants in Crows Nest...

Average dinning experience for lunch, hopefully dinner would be better. Limited menu options for lunch. A pretty average meal. Staff were attentive but a little undertrained.

My first meal after I have been relocated to Sydney from Melbourne. I enjoyed the soba noodles. My friend has beef salads. We all enjoyed the food here.<br/>And then I had hot pot the other day.... the soup was so delicious. The hot pot food tastes so nice even if I didn’t add any extra sauce : )<br/>The restaurant also has ramen 🍜 weekends lunch time

We were looking for a place for dinner in Crows Best and was walking along Willoughby Road when we came across Sapporo. The Deluxe Sashimi platter was fresh and had a combination of seared and raw Sashimi which we enjoyed. We also really liked the Assorted tempura which had a nice thin & crispy batter. The grilled eel rice box was also really delicious, we shared this between 2. They had a matcha Swiss roll which I really wanted to try but was sold out so I’ll definitely go back to try. Everything was nice and I would visit again next time I have a craving for Japanese food!

My friend kindly brought us to this restaurant for lunch, informing us of its authenticity and how this Japanese restaurant was indeed owned by a Japanese man. I ordered a sukiyaki set and my girlfriend ordered the Chirashi rice. The waitress tried to charge me for the dinner sukiyaki set which was double the price but we luckily caught it before she placed the order. The chirashi rice was one of the worst we had ever had. There was barely any sashimi on the dried out rice and my girlfriend had some stomach problems shortly after eating it. We do not usually write negative reviews for restaurants but we felt others needed to know about this.

This place offers a convenient alternative to ramen if you don't want to walk all the way to Ryo"s or don't like waiting in line. As soon as you get your food it's easy to tell why. You can't even call this ramen. The broth has no flavour, egg is over cooked and the chef loads the bowl with grated vegetables. I ordered a gyoza as well which was falling apart. Either get a serious ramen chef or don't call this ramen. Pity, the place is in a really convenient location and could get a lot more customers if they had the quality.

Seems like the chef in this restaurant has loss all pride and respect for his food. <br/><br/>I can forgive the overpriced sushi which fell apart, addition of random condiments which made their rolls predominantly sweet. What for the life of me can't figure out, is why you would sell a dish called 'chicken katsudon' which looked like the chicken had been breaded and frozen several months ago reheated in a microwave and charge the soggy mess $20. <br/><br/>How is this place still retaining a 3.6 score? This place makes Woolworths sushi taste like Jiros.

Old looking ambience, over priced food with average taste and presentation. (Paid 80 dollars for the food in the photo attached) Conclusion: go somewhere else!!! Not recommended.

Went on a Sunday night and it was relatively busy compared to other restaurants in the area. We had the wattle- assorted Sushi, Lobster miso soup, Udon and some spicy edamame, which went will with the Coedo Japanese craft beer. The pick of the lot would probably be the Lobster Miso soup and the others were a little average unfortunately. <br/><br/>We also tried the cold Sake- Junmai Daiginjo Dassei 23, which was nice and surprisingly fruity. The ambience is nice and not too loud, surrounded by signed rugby team jerseys.

Established way back in 1987, Sapporo Japanese Restaurant, in Crow's Nest, certainly has the history. Walking in, one feels a sort of slipping back into another age. A rugby age to be more precise.<br/><br/>The walls were completely covered in rugby jerseys. Along with the carpeted floors and TV screen, I wondered if I were in a pub or a sushi bar. Yes, I spotted the sushi counter but still... In those halycon days of Sapporo's opening years, the Wallabies were winning  and for the owners of Sapporo, I would imagine that life was pretty good.<br/><br/>I wondered what the sushi would be like.<br/><br/>Settling ourselves at a table, my wife chose the Value Lunch Box ($14.80) while yours truly went with the Deluxe Wattle ($43).<br/><br/>Now, this Deluxe Wattle promised me 10 pieces of sushi plus  6 rolls. Scampi was included in this and when the staff brought out the plate, I must say it looked impressive.<br/><br/>Unfortunately, we chose to sit at a rather small table so the sushi plate, which was almost spear-like in its length, didn't really fit on the table. Given the table size, perhaps a different plate could have been used? Anyway, we managed.<br/><br/>I followed modern tradition and started with the white fleshed fish - snapper, halibut and kingfish. The toppings were textured enough without being too memorable. Moving onto the more strongly flavoured pieces, the tuna, salmon, grilled salmon, scallop and scampi, I found myself searching for something to be awed by. I didn't really find it though I did appreciate the little bit of succulence that the seared scallop and the scampi offered.<br/><br/>I finished off with the egg and was wondering where the tenth sushi was before spying the salmon roe hidden behind the leafy decorative piece. Trying it, well, wow, I liked it. The scent of the ocean was not overpowering at all, suggestive, as it was, only after several bites. This, I quite enjoyed and its fragrant release is something I suspect would be quite the showpiece when ordered ala carte.<br/><br/>Finally, I went through the remaining 6 salmon & avocado rolls. Avocado doesn't excite me at all and while not untasty, I just don't feel it has anything to do with sushi. But I appreciate that it has its fans.<br/><br/>Sapporo Japanese Restaurant also has its fans. It has the history too. But for the price, I would have preferred a bit more bang for my buck.<br/><br/>I think, like the Wallabies, Sapporo may be due for a much needed win.<br/><br/>Watch me return when it does.

The owner has an RU fetish and the signed wall hangings say everything about his/her interest in the food. <br/>The staff are lonely and so their best. But the cook has it all out of a bottle or a packet. <br/>Plus $8 corkage?<br/>SAVE YOUR MONEY!

Staff were run off their feet.<br/>Sumo on the big screen was a nice touch.<br/>Sashimi had a few small bone tips which was a bit disconcerting. Tempura vege was a violent conglomerate of thick batter and vegetables which was a bit heavy.<br/>1L Sapporo beer went down a treat.

i really want to give this place a higher rating but the service is just so slow, ages to get food and its not the fault of the staff, there's way too many tables vs staff available and they're working like crazy. still the food came at least one hr after our order which isn't acceptable.<br/><br/>the food itself was good, loved the sukiyaki and the dessert was amazing (mochi wrapped around icecream!). the portion was a bit small for the sukiyaki for the price (80 bucks, 40 pp), a little overpriced imo

Came here on a Saturday night. It was fairly busy, but we were placed quite quickly. Food was a little slow to come out, and they seemed a little understaffed. I would say that the food was OK, the dishes that we ordered were not impressive, but they were not terrible either. Next time I would probably go elsewhere for Japanese food.

I am curious why the rating for this restaurant is more than 3. There's nothing special and with limited choices, these are not authentic Japanese dishes, especially the banquet menu, everything are overpriced with nothing surprising. That was a very disappointing experience, there are a lot better than this in Sydney. I ordered Wagyu for main, the setting like a Vietnamese dish, with tasteless beef. Tempura Udon, there's no sauce with radish for it. Sashimi, feel like been sitting in the fringe for long time. Service was good but not the food, not recommended.

Eel rice had eel that tasted off. Everything was overpriced given the low standard of the dishes served. Owner was overly keen to sell off oysters and scallops which had probably been sitting in the fridge for as long as the ill tasting eel did. People who overrated this place need to dine at other Japanese restaurants for more informed comparisons. Worst Japanese meal in Sydney, ever.

We came here on a Sat night without booking and were easily accommodated. Ordered the wagyu beef which melted in our mouths, white bait which was quite nice for the price paid. However the chicken teriyaki which was abit dry and didn't have much taste.

Nice Japanese food, the deluxe sashimi, sushi rolls and the deep fried flounder was very good, tempura was nice too. But the shabu shabu was flavorless, not recommended, might wanna try sukiyaki next time. I think they have not enough staffs as we had to wait for over 30mins for the shabu after we had finish eating all the other dishes. Maybe not enough hands on the outside and inside the kitchen. Nice place for Japanese food when its not packed.

We came with a booking so were promptly seated and given our menus and it seemed like the right thing to do, as the place gets really packed. With quite a large selection of dishes on offer, it was a little overwhelming so we opted for one of the $50pp banquets.<br/><br/>Interesting setup, as there were autographed rugby union jerseys on the walls, with a large screen showing the rugby games during dinner. It felt like a Japanese restaurant mixed with a pub, with wait staff all wearing jerseys themselves. Nothing spectacular with decor, just simple with a small sushi bar/ kitchen toward the back. Food started coming out not long after we ordered and the first few dishes all came in quick succession. I would have preferred if the dishes came out a little slower to allow me to enjoy the food, as i felt a little rushed especially as our table became really full. None of the dishes really stood out to me and on their own, they were nice, but all kind of forgettable. I could not single out my most or least favourite dish of the night. But in saying that, strangely as an overall banquet meal, I actually enjoyed my dinner.

We went to Sapporo today with high hopes due to the high rating seen on UrbanSpoon. However, we were extremely disappointed as the food was extremely overpriced and the quality was not that great. The main dishes lacked a lot of flavour and you could tell they did not take a long time in the preparation for the food. The staff were not that friendly and we left feeling really disappointed. We spent quite a lot of money here tonight and we definitely will not be coming back.

The service here was so lovely! And the food was very fresh

Delicious. The atmosphere is bizarre, service is poor and portions seem to be getting smaller. What keeps me coming back? The food is AMAZING! It is so good I am willing to pay the ridiculous prices they charge - yes, it is that good.

Great food.

Fantastic Japnese, great for groups or friends night out. Went there today. I have been going to Sapporo since 1992 (21 years) and always return. Why? The food is fantastic, the service is great and Sho the owner treats everyone like family. they have all the standard japanese + creative extras that make the night (and giant beers). They even show Sumo and sport of special occasions.<br/><br/>The attached is a creative spin on edemame, chargrilled with a small amount of spice/pepper . . absolutely beautiful twist on a classic and tasted awesome. I've been to many Japanese restaurants but I know when I want quality it is worth the taxi ride to Sapporo crows nest

After many months wanting to try this place i went here last night for a bite and some pre drinks. Being located in crows nest the prices were generally higher than most other japanese restaurants of the same quality. However, this being said, the food was decent and the drinks were even better. My partner and i had the stir fried edamame beans which were uniquely full if flavour and had a nice chilli kick to it. But $7.80 for a handful of stir fried beans is hardly cheap. Next was the karaage chicken which i was definately most impressed with. The batter on the outside of the chicken at most japanese restaurants tend to be floury and thick however Sapporo have managed to transform their karaage chicken with thin, crispy yet flavourful batter which envelopes the juicy chicken on the inside. Most impressed. Lastly however we ordered the katsudon (pork katsu on rice) for $17.80. The flavours were nothing to rave about and you could easily find the same if not better katsudon elsewhere for half the price. Drinks were the real winner for me though. With asahi on tap...how could u even go wrong! We ordered a mega mug of asahi each to begin proceedings and with it being happy hour (6-7pm) it was only $13.50 which is amazing value for a 980ml mug full if asahi. Roughly equating to 3 bottles. After i finished my first one i couldnt get enough so i ordered myself another mug of asahi but this time a 'big' one which is 610ml for $9.50 during happy hour. Also, if you purchase 14 big mugs or 7 mega mugs when u dine you can receive an asahi super dry cap, apron or t-shirt!!! You've gotta love that. Unfortunately when i dined last night i forgot to ask for the card to stamp my drinks down but i guess thats more reason for me to go back again! In all Sapporo was a great restaurant with decent food and provided an overall great experience. However its pricing was a little dearer than most other Japanese places with the same quality.

Disappointing My chicken t.... Disappointing <br/>My chicken teriyaki was dry and dull with no flavour<br/>Will not return

Quite cheap for the quality. Polite, efficient staff. Whitebait tempura was perfect, although smothered in salt. Mackerel fillet was also too salty. Salmon fish head was delightful. Comfortable restaurant. It had an extensive drinks menu and it appeared that Japanese beer was their specialty.

Went here the other night and had a wonderful meal. The restaurant could do with a bit of restyling, and the floor staff a bit of extra training, but these are only minor criticisms. Our dinner at Sapporo was one of the tastiest Japanese meals I've had in Australia in a long time. Reminded me of being back in Japan... Only if you ignore the Rugby paraphernalia in the walls!

It probably depends on when you go, but we waited 50 mins for our main course (there was only 2 of us). The tempura was cold and the battter wasn't crisp. Sitting outside was nice and wait staff were friendly enough. 4/10