Singaporeans cross the border just to eat here? Is this Japanese spot in Batam really that legendary?
qponx
2026-03-05
Is Sushi Ozu in Batam worth crossing the border for? This popular Japanese restaurant is famous for its creative fusion rolls and incredible gyoza, served in a stylish, photo-worthy setting. However, it's not all perfect. This review gives an honest look at the hits and misses, revealing why you should stick to the creative dishes and perhaps skip the traditional sushi. Find out if this hyped-up spot is right for your next Batam food adventure.
I've long heard that this Sushi Ozu in Batam is incredibly popular, with even friends from Singapore taking a special ferry trip just to eat here, and its 4.8-star rating on Google is blindingly impressive. But the reviews seem pretty polarized? Alright, today your editor-in-chief is going to check it out for you girls!
The moment you walk in, the ambiance is undeniably great, with a minimalist Japanese style and warm, cozy lighting, perfect for coming with friends to Nongkrong and take photos[1]. They've totally nailed the vibe, Mantap!
We got straight to the point. First, let's talk about the Gyoza that's been praised to the heavens, and it was indeed amazing! The skin was pan-fried to a fragrant crisp, and the filling inside was packed full, bursting with juice in every bite[2]—definitely not your typical half-hearted frozen stuff.
But the main event here has to be the Fusion Sushi Rolls. We ordered the Dragon Roll and the Salmon Volcano Bomb[3]; the sauces were rich and the creativity was top-notch. Friends who like bold flavors will probably love them. The foodie friend with us ordered their long-time favorite, the Unatama Don[4], and said the flavor has been consistently good over the years. The eel was plump and fatty, and the sauce was perfect for mixing with the rice.
BUT! To be perfectly honest…
While the ambiance and creative dishes are on point, if you're coming for traditional sushi and sashimi, you might want to lower your expectations. The tempura we ordered felt a bit undercooked, with the batter still having a raw, floury taste; the sushi rice was also on the mushy and wet side, which affected the texture[5]. In short, the creative rolls are worth getting, but the basic items… emmm… were just so-so.
Also, when it gets crowded, it becomes super packed and noisy, almost like a wet market. I even saw a manager loudly scolding an employee in front of customers, Anjay… it kind of ruined the mood[6].
Editor's Key Takeaways (A Guide to Saving Money and Avoiding Pitfalls)
- Reservations! Reservations! It gets super crowded on weekends and during meal times, so if you don't want to wait for at least 30 minutes, remember to book in advance[7]!
- Score some deals! Keep an eye on their IG; they often have promotions like a 99K Indonesian Rupiah salmon set or weekday specials[8], which can save you a good amount.
- Birthday Perks! Go on your birthday with your ID, and they'll give you a free mini sushi cake[9], which is super cute for photos!
- Top choice for gatherings! If you have a large group of friends, you can book a VIP room. There's a minimum charge (around 100 SGD). The restaurant doesn't sell alcohol, but you can bring your own if you book a private room[10]!
- Ordering Strategy: Go for any of the Fusion Rolls without hesitation, and the gyoza is also a must-order. But if you're a sashimi purist, this place might not be your cup of tea.
- Minimalist Japanese vibe & warm lighting, perfect for Nongkrong and photos. The atmosphere is immaculate [1]!
- Creative fusion rolls! The Dragon Roll and Salmon Volcano Bomb have rich sauces, a dream for bold flavor lovers [2]!
- Birthday perk! Flash your ID on the day for a free mini sushi cake [3] that's criminally cute
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