Okay, we’re just going to say it: Ocean Sushi & Teriyaki in Keizer might be the freshest sushi we’ve found in the mid-Willamette Valley so far, and we’re still thinking about it. Tucked along River Road North, this little spot at 3843 River Rd N doesn’t look flashy from the outside, but once you step in, it feels like the kind of place you start recommending to everyone you know. The room is bright, relaxed, and clean, the kind of casual space where dates, families, and solo sushi runs all make sense.
From the moment we sat down, the staff set the tone. They didn’t just drop menus and disappear. They walked us through the rolls, and answered every “what’s that one like?” question, and tossed out a few honest recommendations instead of just pointing to the most expensive options. Between the warm welcome and how quickly water, tea, and appetizers showed up, it already felt like a regulars’ spot, even though it was our first visit.
The sushi is where things really clicked. We ordered the Ninja Roll, the Keizer Roll, the Phoenix Roll, and a couple of extras we basically justified as “research.” The Ninja came out with clean cuts and bright flavor, with just enough heat to keep things interesting without blowing out your taste buds. The Keizer Roll felt like the hometown favorite—balanced, super fresh, and packed without being heavy. The Phoenix Roll was the wildcard: a little more kick, a little more richness, the kind of roll you keep reaching for even when you swear you’re done.
If you’re not in a full sushi mood, Ocean Sushi has a lot going on beyond rolls. The menu runs from teriyaki plates and bento boxes to yakisoba, yakiudon, nigiri, and classic starters like seaweed salad and crab puffs, plus popular house rolls like the Salem Roll and Oregon Salmon Roll that regulars rave about. Ramen fans are covered too, with options like spicy miso and other broth-heavy bowls on the board. We tried the spicy garlic ramen and it absolutely delivered: rich broth, chewy noodles, plenty of toppings, and a slow-building heat that makes you want to keep going back for “just one more” bite…