Ok, let me make this abundantly clear: The food here is delicious. My wife ordered the MOOSE ROLL and it was one of the best sushi rolls I've ever tasted. Put it this way: I love her even more now simply because she shared it with me. The thai donuts are ridiculous...deee-licous. The sushi chefs are very talented, creating original works of art with their dishes. (I'm a sucker for that stuff.) If there was anything I feel could have made this experience better, it was the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, but the service was incredibly slow. Bottom line: DEFINITELY eat here, but just not if you're in a hurry.
(4)
Ana Cristina P.
Ok, Ok... so I'd been challenging people to find me a place I liked better than Kampai. A couple of months ago, someone did just that...although the decision to come here wasn't just based on my challenge, but on the fact that it was a halfway point between our respective homes. I have to say, as a whole, this place IS the best place for sushi I've tried in this city. Kampai is still home to my favorite sushi roll in the world, but after savoring a few different rolls at Sakura, I can safely say it's pretty amazing. The Ko Ko Ru Roll = heaven. Add a little hot sake to the mix and you're golden. Service is flawless. Quality of food is excellent. I have nothing bad to say about this place.
(5)
Jessica G.
ALOT of places are trying to imitate these guys but there's nothing like the one and only, the original! Been going here for years. Moose Roll is a must try people! Love Bok, Atlan and all the cooks Hi guys if you read this lol
(5)
Mariacristina R.
The sushi here is a bit pricey then what my boyfriend and I are used to back home in Orlando but we figured it was for good reason. They offer three different "sizes" for their rolls: small, medium and large. I was told by the waiter that it meant how much it was stuffed with ingredients. So I opted for the medium roll which is the average size, I think. We went for an early dinner so the place was pretty much empty, the owner or head chef was super friendly, welcoming us with the traditional Japanese greeting, "Irasshaimase!" We ordered the volcano roll, the "famous" moose roll and the Hmmm! roll. The Moose roll was actually pretty boring - I mean it had some spicy tuna but I definitely don't see why it's the most ordered on the menu. I really enjoyed the Hmm! Roll which was chock full of Salmon, krab, masago, mayo, avocado, lettuce, tempura shavings and a bright yellow soybean wrap. It looked so festive and was really delicious!
(4)
brian w.
Just the facts, I'm not huntin' a Pulitzer! Cozy little place. Menu has Japanese, with some korean, Chinese and Thai dishes too. Had the Moose roll (awesome, and there's an off menu inside out ver now too). Korean tuna salad was sweet and savory, miso soup excellent, and the egg noodles & veggies stir fry was decent (big portion). Prices were soso, more like in-gables sized but they're only on the edge of the area. Service was fantastic, with the waitress, bus boy and owner's son all chatting and checking up on us. Totally worth it with a restaurants dot com coupon!
(4)
Eddie E.
HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!!!! The sushi is just average, none of the rolls that we had would make me want to go back again. As for the wine, BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! The wine list is four bottles long and does not list the price on the menu and the prices, well, put your seatbelt on when you ask for a bottle as they are going to charge you $42.00 for an unknown bottle of Pinot Noir that when I looked it up, had a retail selling price of $9.75. We ordered a second bottle of wine, this time a Cabernet Sauvignon for $40.00 (also unknown) and when I looked it up had a retail of $5.95. At the end when I got the bill it was $333.00 for 5 people! Surprise!!!!!! I told the waiter to look into the pricing to see if it was correct because I thought that there was a mistake, he just told me that "no, that's correct" with a nice grin on his face! Finally I looked at the bill again and they had included the tip which by the way was overpaid as the suggestion on the bill for 18% was less then what was charged by them showing 18%. I normally do not write reviews however I felt pretty strong about letting people know about this one in particular. I eat out 3 times a week but have never faced such highway robbery!!!!.......................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â.......................
(1)
Jose B.
I have always heard great things about this restaurant so I finally tried it out. Overall it was a great experience. After splitting four rolls and a miso soup, my date and I were filled and satisfied. Very cozy spot with floor seating for a more intimate experience. The Pink Panther Roll sounds great on paper, but it was rather bland with very little flavor. Maybe I had a bad roll since everyone else likes it so much. The rest of the rolls (spicy tuna, eel, and dragon rolls) were great. The vegetable miso soup was very filling and was delicious.
(3)
Rachel P.
Another little hole in the wall place with good sushi for sure. They are however, more expensive than most sushi places in the area just by a dollar or two more..no big deal. However the pieces are way too large to eat. I did my best, but made a complete mess and then the rolls tear apart and you don't get the full effect of the roll all at once. So, if I did go back, I would ask for the sushi to be cut in edible pieces. If you go, make sure to ask them to CUT THEM SMALL!!
(3)
Sammy F.
Although we live in SW Broward, we occasionally make a trek to the the South Miami area. I phoned a friend and asked for any recommendations on place to eat while we were in the neighborhood. He suggested his favorite Japanese restaurant called Sakura so we decided to give this Coral Gable institution a try (I still remember driving by this place all the time when I was living in Kendall, but never tried it). It was a Sunday night and you can tell that this place is frequented by locals. It was quite busy and I noticed lots of people ordering take-out. What we ordered: Note: I have two toddlers and Sakura does not have a kids menu so we basically had to order a couple appetizer portions of the regular dishes for the kids. Tempura Shrimp Appetizer (3 pieces) - The breading was on the thick side side and perhaps they didn't fully drain the oil after taking out of the fryer so it seemed very greasy. One item did stand out and it was the tentsuyu dipping sauce which was AMAZING. The sauce was very flavorful and didn't taste like the typical watered down sauces offered at other restaurants. Mini-California Roll Appetizer (tamago, crabmeat, avocado) - These were like shrunken down California Rolls. I thought that these cute tiny rolls would be appealing to my two toddlers. Unfortunately, they weren't interested (maybe when they're older) so I ended up eating most of it. Nothing special as far as taste is concerned, but I could definitely appreciate the amount of work required to craft such a miniature roll. Tuna Tataki Appetizer (Seared tuna thinly sliced & served with ponzu sauce) - The tuna itself was beautifully presented. Although the portions looked generous, it wasn't much since the fish was thinly sliced. Not bad, but it was definitely on the expensive side. Ko Ko Ru Roll (Any fish of choice rolled inside out with scallions and same fish on top. Includes four different colored caviar on top.) - We ordered ours with white tuna and I have to say that this is my favorite dish of the night. The fish was fresh, the presentation was excellent and I enjoyed how the roll was nicely decorated with various caviar. HMMMM!! Roll (Salmon, crab, masago, mayo, avocado, lettuce, tempura shavings, wrapped in a soybean wrap with ginger dressing on top) - This was my wife's favorite dish of the night. Adding a dash of ginger dressing (it seemed like it's the same ginger dressing found on the house salad) accentuated the flavors of the roll. A very unique roll and an amazing tasting experience. Geisha Roll (Crab, avocado and tamago roll topped with tuna tartar) - A medium sized roll that we thought was okay as far as taste. Didn't seem as good as I had hoped, especially after eating the more flavorful Ko Ko Ru & HMMMM rolls. The tuna tartar on top the the Geisha Roll had a slight kick to it. Overall, the food was fresh, service was fine, and the atmosphere was good. I'd definitely go back and try out some other dishes (ie. Nigiri, Sashimi, U.M. Roll) the next time I'm there. The only negative side was that there was no kids menu and the prices were a bit higher compared to other place that I have tried (I guess that's the Gables premium) . I'd give Sakura an overall score of 3.5, but since there is no 1/2 stars, I'm rounding the score up to a 4.
(4)
Donald M.
I've had better... they are over-priced... Sushi quality is ok... Rolls are not always rolled tight... usually cut into huge pieces Family owned restaurant... the other restaurant in Doral is equally terrible. Run by the Uncle named Bok. The Worst.. the Service used to be good in 2007... but lately the service sucks and i no longer go... If you want sushi, I'd recommend Shibui on sunset dr.... or Matsuri on Bird rd...
(1)
Julio M.
My favorite thing about this restaurant is the private tables that you sit on the floor. Call to reserve the room ahead of time. They won't do it for 2 ppl on a fri/sat. Sushi is great. I had beef teriyaki which was a small portion and not worth the money.
(4)
Michelle W.
I went here with one of my fellow grad students for lunch and had a pretty decent meal here. I really liked their miso soup and we ordered a tofu appetizer that was de-lish! It reminded me of elephant ears for some reason, didn't taste like the healthy food it is! I also had the spicy white tuna roll, which I thought was pretty average. It was a little heavy on the rice, but the seafood tasted fresh, which is always good! The green tea ice cream was also pretty good here. I will probably be back here to try additional items since it is so close to school. Our waitress was very sweet and efficient.
(3)
Hannah S.
We've been driving by Sakura Gables regularly for a year already, constantly vowing that someday I'll stop in ... and finally, we did. (It's so hard to break away from our fave sushi spots!) The atmosphere is sweet, love the little round tables by the window. Service was polite and competent. The geisha roll was definitely the standout - simply delicious! Squid salad was scrumptious, too. Good quality sashimi, though the tuna left something to be desired. Not quite up to the quality we're used to (ie Matsuri). All in all, a very pleasant experience, but a little pricey, all things considered.
(3)
Tamy S.
I have been coming to Sakura for years and have yet to be disappointed with the fresh sushi here. The owner is SO sweet and we always get free rolls when we are waiting for takeout. Get the Rainbow Moose Roll (tuna tartar, avocado, and a variety of salmon/tuna/white fish on top)...best roll I have ever had!! There is a small private room where floor seating is available too. Check this place out and try the best roll known to man.
(5)
Jen H.
I can't believe this place is on restaurant.com ! This place is sooo good. I've driven by it countless times and never even noticed it. I came here with my bf and we really enjoyed it. We only had sushi but every single roll we ordered was delicious. You just can't go wrong with the rolls. Great atmosphere, there were couples and families and college students. I will definitely be coming back again.
(4)
Eli F.
I came here with my best friend. I had come here once before but years ago. I really did enjoy the food. Everything was fresh and delicious. We had the tuna tartar and it was amazingly good! I loved the wasabi spice sauce. but dont order it if you are very sensitive to spicy food. There servers were very attentive which is hard to find in a restaurant that full on a friday night. The mmmmmmm! roll is highly recommended from me. i'm just a little iffy on the prices. Its not super expensive but most of the rolls are 10$+ so not that great for super on a budget college students. But a lot of the actual food is pretty decently priced.
(3)
Joy D.
If you're a single person, sit at the bar. It was crowded, and I didn't, and this was a bad mistake. I've been to Sakura many times, and this was the worst yet. A Wednesday evening, 8:30, and after I was seated it was a good 10-15 minutes before anyone even asked me if I was waiting on someone. I then ordered water with lemon and he forgot to bring it until the table next to me ordered it when they were seated at least 15 minutes after I ordered mine. I had to wait another 10 minutes because he forgot it again. I ordered the salad that came with my dinner first and I had to ask him to take the charge off because they charged me for it separately when it was included. I asked for my dressing on the side, both ginger and miso, and they brought ginger on the salad, not the side. I had to ask again for miso. Sad thing is, I saw the waiter write it down. The quality of the food has always been good there, and still is. The platter I had was generous, and the fish was very fresh. Bottom line is that they need to stop hiring U of Miami students unless they are Food and Beverage majors. These kids new nothing of service and just didn't get it. They were apologetic for their errors but as a single woman dining alone I just felt very neglected. Bad enough, dining alone, but to be ignored by the waiters? Please!
(2)
Jessica C.
These people are cool as fudge and deliver authentic Japanese foods with light entertainment provided by orange shavings. A great stop for that inevitable sushi craving.
(4)
Katherine M.
What a shame. Sakura is so convenient to my apartment. I was hoping for more. The food was just average at a high price. I could justify a $17 roll if it was amazing and out of this world. I can't say the service was above average either to warrant the higher price. I say go to Sushi Maki for a reasonable price and Siam Oishi for outstanding sushi at a higher price point.
Great sushi + huge flat screen = awesome dining experience
(5)
Ryan F.
I consider this the best sushi in South Miami/Gables/Grove for its price point. Sakura Gables edges out Sushi Maki by a long shot, Red Koi slightly, and Akashi Grove. Fresh sushi, and attentive service both times (twice in a week - 1st time late Sat. afternoon and lunch on a Wed.) Had the moose roll - kind of pricey at $17 for 8 pieces but the taste and quality makes it worthy treat. A nice green wasabe sauce pairs well with it. Lunch is a great deal - "Roll Combo" deal is $13 for salad, soup, dynamite, 8 pc. california, 8 pc bagel roll The 2 others in the crew had $11"Sushi Combo" and $16"Sashimi Combo" Respective variations that come with the salad and soup. This is my new go-to sushi/Japanese spot ... the menu is extensive. Much to choose from.
(4)
cristina o.
I usedto love this place but a bad experience left me never wanting to go back. for a while they had the most unique sushi my H and i had found around town and we used to go a lot, like once a week at least. one night we went and it was a particularly slow night ( meaning they were empty but service was still slow) waitress took our order completely wrong and charged us for all the wrong things she brought and refused to take them off the bill. matsuri opened soon after this experience and really there was no need to try again. if customers mean nothing to you, you will mean nothing to your customers!
(2)
Caroline F.
I wouldn't go here regularly, but today's meal was pretty good. The pink panther roll was AMAZING. The San Fran roll was not so good. When I had the same roll IN San Fran it was to die for. Today's roll was a little too crispy. The Pink Panther, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious. It was a little large, but the roll was well made and great.
(4)
Jamie L.
I had my first piece of Hamachi Maki here when I was about 9 years old. So I blame Sakura Gables for my ensuing addiction to all things sushi. Is this the most innovative, amazing, gourmet, bestest in the world sushi bar? No. It's a joint. It's small, it's right on Dixie Highway, sandwiched between office buildings. But it's a good place to grab a quick sushi lunch or enjoy a good dinner. The 'window nooks' that some of the tables sit in are cozy and a bit romantic. The traditional floor seating is fun for families, and the sushi bar is fun to hang out and watch the chefs work at their craft. They have a nice assortment of Maki, some beautiful Combination Boats, and hot entrees from the kitchen as well. It's an all-around good choice for Sushi in a Neighborhood Atmosphere.
(3)
Kristin N.
Just got back and I am stuffed!!! I got a lunch special, that came with a soup & salad, 8 piece California roll and 8 piece Japanese bagel roll with a side of what is called dynamite. (This is a blend of potatoes and fish with some type of mash mix). for $12.95 They also gave us on the house a side coleslaw salad with crab that had a light ginger dressing to it, with 3 pieces of Shashimi tuna on top. The tuna was very fresh and the coleslaw salad was very light. Everything was really good. The only complaint I have is that for some reason the eel sauce and the soy sauce tasted different to much. Not a fan of the taste here. The parking was pretty full because I guess it connects to businesses in the back, Luckily I found parking quick as someone was pulling out. My only other complaint was having to go back South on US-1 was a mission. I couldn't make a u-turn at the light and I had to turn left instead and turn around, but then I couldn't make a left on US-1 from that light. I had to get to my right, go to the gas station after crossing the light and then come out through there to go South on US-1. But this shouldn't effect how I feel about the restaurant, so I still gave it a 4 star. The service was also very good, and very polite staff. Cozy inside too. I think Ill try this place again soon. =)
(4)
Jenaia F.
Ever eaten at a sushi restaurant and loved the food, then ordered take-out from the very same place on another occasion and hated it? For some reason, it just doesn't taste as fresh or as good in your dining room. Well, the first time I tasted food from Sakura it was at a friend's home and I have to say that I was pretty impressed. Everything I had was extremely fresh and tasty. Since then, I have eaten at the restaurant about 5 or 6 times and also ordered take-out a good 3 or 4 times and have never been disappointed. When your take-out is equally as delicious as the food being served to you at the restaurant, you know you're eating good sushi. I happen to think that Sakura is one of the best sushi restaurants in the South Miami / Coral Gables area. It's definitely a little pricier than some of the others in the neighborhood, but it's worth spending a little more for the great rolls. Some of my favorite things on the menu are: the spicy white tuna roll, moose roll, hmmm roll, and the pink panther roll. I've also ordered the churrasco terriyaki and it is absolutely delicious. They have this sauce that I always order along with my rolls - don't know what it's called - but it's green and very spicy... I'm pretty sure it's made with wasabi. YUMMERS!! If you like some heat with your food, be sure to ask for the green sauce - they'll know what you're talking about.
(5)
JOHN H.
This place is phenomenal! Ive been coming here since i was a kid and never leave disappointed. i normally go with the standard Spicy Tuna and some sashimi @ other Sushi places but here i always get enticed to try something new. try the San Fransisco Roll and the MOOSE ROLL, they are both amazing.
(5)
Marc M.
The food remains good, but the prices have skyrocketed to where they have no relation at all with the food. If the owners do read the reviews, I hope this one serves as a warning signal. I used to go once a week (it is right next door) but, honestly, today I go once a month. Way too expensive for the quality.
(1)
Len D.
Pretty good Japanese food. The most interesting thing was the Japanese bagel roll which was basically a fried , tempura style, Philadelphia roll with a little of sweet eel sauce poured over it. We also ordered the chicken katsu and the Unagi Don. The soup it came with was actually flavorful. At most places the soup is just really watered down. The katsu was good and it came with a small side of cold spaghetti which was weird. I loved the sweetness of the Unagi Don. I would def come here again for the sushi and try out more of what they have. I thought the little swans made of oranges they give you after your dinner were cute.
(4)
Chris B.
After a long day, and not really feeling very excited about the options at the house to cook for dinner, we agreed to satisfy our sushi craving. I have to admit that every time we have eaten at Sakura we have left with full bellies and smiles on our faces. Always fresh, and served quickly and politely, I have always favored their Spicy White Tuna Roll and the Pink Panther Roll both of which are large and filling portions. I have eaten in the restaurant three times and have ordered take out three or four times and have never had any complaints with my order or the quality of the food. Although a little pricey the food is amazing, the servers very cordial, the environment is inviting, the beer is always cold and did I mention that the food amazing? It is a must try if you are craving fresh sushi and happen to be in the Gables or South Miami areas......
(5)
Katherine S.
This place is good for dinner too but it is FABULOUS for weekday lunches. For $10.95, you get a fresh ginger salad, miso soup, a dynamite shell (type of seafood stew -- imagine delicious mashed potatoes with fish) and a generous plate of nigiri and/or maki sushi rolls. Also, the staff are always very nice and extremely attentive. They even know that my fiance and I aren't interested in drinks except for espresso on Fridays so they bring us water right away. I haven't tried it yet but there's a little booth in the corner that looks great for a private party. Overall, the decor isn't as exciting as other sushi places but that's not what I'm looking for when I only have an hour or so to dine and get back to work.
(4)
Adriana D.
This is by far my favorite sushi place in all of Miami...and I've tried many, many just to be sure! In all the times I have been here I have never had a bad food or service experience. The servers tend to be very friendly and the sushi chefs oftentimes make a little treat for us to try something new while we wait. When I find something good, I become a creature of habit, so when I go I generally stick to the same thing - although absolutely everything I've tried has been delicious. So, as usual, this past time, I started with the wakame salad (fresh and perfectly seasoned), the tuna tataki (cooked perfectly), the sashimi appetizer (supremely fresh), and my two favorite rolls. Ko Ko Ru Roll: any fish of choice, rolled inside out with the same fish on top - includes four different color caviar on top (I've tried this with salmon and tuna and both are excellent choices) and my ABSOLUTE favorite roll anywhere.... Hurricane roll: tuna, salmon, white fish, crabmeat, asparagus, scallions and masago - no rice (be advised though, this is a pricey roll but worth every penny) They also have a nice Japanese beer and hot/cold sake selection to compliment your meal perfectly. I know they have deserts but, honestly, I stuff myself so much with the delicious sushi that I've never gotten a chance to try them! If you are a sushi lover I definitely highly recommend eating at Sakura.
(5)
Denise L.
I love Sakura! This was my go-to sushi spot when I lived in Miami. It is family owned and run, and they make you feel like family when you are there. Their rolls are incredible and very original. My favorite was to start with their wakame miso soup and split a Moose and a Pink Panther roll. Delicious!
(5)
Sandra R.
Does not disappoint! Excellent, fresh, creative sushi, but not cheap.
(5)
Deb R.
Good sushi, but not constantly "out of this world" quality fish ....best if you order something that was delivered that day. Fairly pricey and service can be very slow on busy days like Friday evening. Overall I enjoy eating here and would recommend it. I've eatten here many times and enjoy their large roll selection.
(4)
victoria r.
I gave an extra star because the staff was nice enough to send over a complimentary roll. Fresh fish and super friendly staff!
(3)
Elle M.
Good and interesting sushi. I've had fresher tasting sushi elsewhere, hence not a full 5 stars, but I would definitely return here.
(4)
michelle b.
I decided to try this place after I saw that Restaurants.com offered a gift certificate for them.. Wow!!! I just wish I would have found this place sooner!
(5)
Karen R.
Uninspired food with many other more interesting Japanese restaurants in the Miami area to try. The place could be updated as it's looking shabby (paint is peeling on the outside of the building facing US1). The people I was with hadn't been there for awhile and we all decided we would not be returning.
(2)
Thien H.
Sakura's Thai donuts were awesome ($7.50). Four hot, fluffy donuts paired with the ice cream served in a separate compartment so it doesn't melt was the most exciting part of the meal. Sushi rolls were good and beautifully presented but pricey. Luckily, we had a restaurant.com gift certificate to use. The sauce was a little thin for my taste on most rolls, which made the rice soggy if we didn't eat up the rolls fast. Despite having some of the higher priced rolls in Miami, they are more fish heavy than some other sushi joints which we appreciated. At the time: Hurricane Roll $24.95 Moose Roll $16.95 Oh-ee-Shee roll $15.95
(4)
Antonio G.
Yes the sushi is good. However, do not overlook the bulgogi (Korean barbecued beef). It is delicious and the portion is abundant. Highly recommended. I also like the neighborhood atmosphere of Sakura. Good service without an attitude.
(4)
Ruth L.
Ordered food for take out, one small vegetable fried rice and one roll. After eating, (fried rice just ok and roll not so good) I noticed the bill was $55!! I called the next day to tell them I thought I was overcharged and I was told "There is nothing we can do about it. We throw out the receipts from the night before. " Thats it, just nothing. Very disappointed with the service and food and honestly would never go back when there are better options
(1)
Mitzy R.
Oh my god! We just walked out from the place. We walked in 20 mins ago. The appearance it's just another sushi place, nothing fancy and not that clean either. The place was not super busy. We were in a hurry so we seated at the bar. It took them over 10 mins to give us a menu. The chef were looking at us but the hostess/waitress took for ever to come back for our order. We decided lo leave since we were in a hurry. Since I ordered an bottled iced tea we asked for the check. It was $6.75 plus taxes. Really ???? Never again!!!!
(1)
Paul W.
We came in here due to the good reviews, after seeing matsuri was closed for lunch on Saturday. It was honestly one of the worst sushi experiences of my life. A poor imitation of a local family owned sushi restaurant with a totally Americanized menu. It wasn't looking good, but yelp had not let me down before. We ordered mamacita salad, with shrimp and ginger. It was edible but not pleasant. The chef had used a lot of mayonnaise. If only I had known what was coming I would have left immediately. Alaskan king crab roll was more mayonnaise than anything else. It literally dripped off in huge globs as I picked it up with the chopsticks. Horrific. I wouldn't have served it to my dog. Florida roll - wilted greens and dripping with sauce. No taste apart from the sweet chili sauce they had dumped over the top. Chicken udon - mushy vegetables and noodles. What a depressing sight. It was as It has been boiling for 3 days. No flavor in the soup at all. No Japanese chili powder was provided. You would think that they would do anything they could to perk up the flavor. It tasted like they had made the batch the whole week on the Monday, vegetables and noodles and all, and served it to us on the Saturday. Chicken teriyaki and local sashimi was passable. Just average. The food has No elegance. No creativity, just buckets of sauce and mayonnaise. Restaurants normally do this to hide the quality of the ingredients. Avoid.
(1)
Jan A.
Friendly staff. Greeted and seated quickly. Good enviornment for a quiet meal with a pal. Enjoyed the noodle and rice dishes with chicken.
(4)
Trish C.
Hubby and I LOVE sushi, and when we find a good place, no matter where we are living in the country, we call it "home," and don't search any further. The MOOSE ROLL and KoKo Ru is awesome. I love the intimate atmosphere. We always sit at the sushi bar closest to the door, and love interacting with the sushi chefs. Yesterday was when we most recently went. It was my birthday. I got a very cool fruit dragon sculpture with a sparkler in it. FUN!!
(5)
Andy C.
The sushi is great, the hot food is great, but it's a little over priced. But it is consistently very good. Also this is the best place for your kids to try sushi. Ask for a kids California roll, they make it so tiny but it's still a real California roll, the kids love it.
(3)
Sebastian B.
Come here all the time; the sushi never fails to please! A definite must try! And apparently Yelp NEEDS a minimum character limit which is IMO really silly so here's some extra filler text for the unentertained!
(5)
Danielle N.
Amazing fresh fish for Miami!! Deliveries are Tuesdays and Fridays so try to go on those days and sit at the bar for extras from the chef! This place is like most places in Miami, they have some items on the menu that are too much mayonnaise but if you stick to what you know is good and simple it's delicious. Personal favorites are the hmm roll, Kokuro, and salmon sushi. If you like the more "interesting" rolls try the atland and the moose roll. Next time I go I'm going to sit at the bar and ask the chef for what's fresh. That's how you'll get the most authentic experience. I hate it when people complain about too much mayonnaise or Americanized rolls. All the ingredients are listed for every roll so if you don't want mayo or cream cheese in your rolls don't order those! Their menu even has pictures of the popular rolls so you can see what they look like before you order. I consider this place a hidden gem!
(5)
Tiffany G.
I stumbled in here Saturday night after every place in Miami was full with GAME 6 watchers. This place had sushi and a TV to watch my Miami Heat, it was a win win . It was pretty empty for a saturday night, so we were seated right away. Me and my girlfriends decided on ordering to Large Rolls and a Chicken Fried Rice to share. We settled on a Dragon roll and Moose Roll. The Moose Roll was delicious. It has raw tuna on the top and krab salad inside. Best of both worlds. The dragon roll was like all the others I've had. The fried rice was super yummy with the mushrooms , but too many green beans for my taste. Regardless it was all delicious and good prices. I'll deff be returning here.
(4)
Jessica F.
We went back, I will maintain my 4 star review. This time we ate at the actual restaurant. This might become one of my Sunday night staples. Quiet, good service, good sushi, and they had two televisions so my husband can watch the NFL while I enjoy cooked Hijiki, which I've been looking for everywhere. Matsuri and Su Shin haven't been serving it the last few times I've been so this alone gives me reason to return. There were patrons picking up take out our entire meal, which tells me I'm not the only one keeping it on Sunday night rotation. We did the Ume combo, basically nigiri and a tekka roll, and another roll which I forgot, Felipe enjoyed it, but I preferred the nigiri..... Head's up: they put the wasabi in the nigiri for you, I know that's normal, but in case you don't like it, tell the waiter ahead of time.
(4)
Maria T.
Absolutely amazing. Huge, fresh rolls, great little place and excellent service. The HMMM roll has changed my life. Order it as a large roll and get extra ginger dressing. You will not be disappointed. Cheers!
(5)
Mindy G.
The tuna tartar is great and the rolls tonight were very tasty (although expensive). The sashimi is fresh and never fishy. The roll that you dip into ginger dressing tastes soo good!
(4)
Tuna B.
READ THIS FIRST! The interior is that of a comfortable, worn and very unpretentious neighborhood joint. The owner seems to be an incredibly nice and charming person, which makes this review even more disappointing. Every dish me and my giant sidekick had was bad with one even being awful. The only redeeming dish was the age-dashi tofu. The beef tataki was simply small thin slices of medium roast beef on a plate with a sauce. When they sat it in front of us I was embarrassed for them. Although they were breaking down a beautiful whole salmon behind the bar the salmon roll that we received was inedible and more than a half of it was left. We ordered a selection of sashimi that was 3 of a possible 10 for both quality and quantity and completely disappointing for something that offers a chance to simply showcase the quality of the products they serve. The servers that were there that day appear to be the owners son who was nice and his high school buddy who really didn't care. When we walked out we both agreed that place was terrible and we feel that is a very strong but applicable word for the meal we had. Nothing appeared to be a one-off case that could be explained away or would change with another visit.
(2)
easy b.
Mmmmm, so good, and the fish was Fresh!!! We had gyoza and tempera veggies to start - both were excellent - not greasy. Sushi rolls were delish. As others said a bit pricey - but I'm ok with that when it's good.
(5)
Miguel L.
Great place for sushi! Moose roll or any of the bigger rolls are great!! Good service even though we got there 20 minutes before closing time. Will return.
(4)
Cassie G.
Me and my four friends piled in my SUV to satisfy our sushi craving at Sakura after I read great reviews. Little did we know, we jumped in the car to drive two blocks down our street. We walked right in and sat down. The waiters were very attentive and I liked the casual atmosphere, with two nice screen TVs atop the sushi bar. I ordered the Moose Roll mainly because I was so overwhelmed with the choices and saw "Best Seller" so figured it was the way to go. I was not disappointed with the selection but I don't know if I would consider it the "best sushi hands down." I'm sure I will walk and snag take-out from this place on occasion since it's so close to my place, but if I'm looking for a great sushi or japanese meal, I'll probably make the sacrifice and go to Moon a little further down the road instead.
(4)
P B.
Best sushi in Miami! Get the warm Sake and the Lobster Roll!
(5)
Dan R.
My favorite sushi restaurant next to SooWoo in Doral (same owners). I love the ginger dressing they have! If a sushi restaurant doesn't have good ginger dressing I can't go back. I basically get the same thing every time: 1. Ginger salad- banging 2.Gyoza- banging 3. Moose Roll-banging Great little spot..Must hit if you are looking for some good sushi!
(5)
David V.
A nice, small Japanese restaurant that offers a good selection. Very nice staff that takes good care of you. Decent prices for Asian food, especially if you buy those gift cards from restaurant.com (e.g. $25 gift card for $10). I definitely would suggest this place to friends and family.
(4)
Meinie S.
Don't go hear unless you enjoy really delicious sushi and amazing service. Seriously, this is the best sushi in Miami. It's this really quite little hole in the wall, with the most delicious, freshest sushi in Miami. My family has been going here for over 21 years, and my girlfriend and I have a night set aside every week to go eat at this restaurant.
(5)
Amy S.
Great food. The downside is the price - pretty pricey for the location and ambiance. I've eaten in once and the server was really knowledgeable about the menu and made some delicious suggestions. Takeout didn't go as well, they screwed up my order a couple times, but I will give some leeway since I was ordering a roll that was a variation from the one on their menu. Interior is a little dated but cozy, overall a great place for sushi. The staff is friendly too - even the sushi chefs said goodbye when I was leaving.
(4)
Dan B.
Very good place to get sushi or any other Japanese dish. Ask to be seated in the secluded area where you can kick off your shoes and eat seated on pillows eating on tiny tables. I guess this is a way they must eat in Japan. it certainly makes you feel like a monk meditating in a temple. Just make sure beforehand that your feet are free of any stinky cheese smell, because that will ruin the whole group's meal and perhaps the meals of several tables on the periphery. Many ladies pay special attention to their toes to make them look beautiful, only to ruin it by sticking their feet in shoes without socks. Upon removal, a thick cheesy cloud will unleash upon a group of people that were hoping to keep their appetite. I know from experience *cough* Carolina. My biggest problem with this place is that they have amazing toro but rarely have it available. The food, service, and dining area is all beyond satisfactory and the prices are not too high. The owner and employees are very nice and their variety of sushi rolls is impressive. The sushi prep is masterful, it's like watching an artisan at work.
(4)
Jay K.
The udon was just okay and the sushi was mediocre. I've had better sushi for less.
(3)
Melissa R.
I love this restaurant. The fact that it is family owned and the family actually runs the restaurant gives it a nice vibe. The sushi and all of the rolls are great!! Mr. Wan is so creative when he comes up with the rolls (which he changes up all the time!!). If you go in and ask what they recommend, you will eat great sushi!
(5)
Francisco S.
This place is known as a classic Japanese restaurant because it has been around for so long, but they do many things which are NOT OK by authentic customs. Principally I am referring to the cream cheese in the sushi. This is usually done when people use bad quality fish. Also, any Japanese place that opens on Monday scares me. The fish cannot be so fresh if the markets close Friday, thats 3 day old fish! However, the owner an employees are extremely nice, and give good service. The food is creative, and does have good taste. However, the raw fish is just not that fresh. The sushi rice taste is also not as vinegary as I like.
(3)
Jacob C.
I had been meaning to try this place for quite some time. I drive past it all the time on the way to my girlfriends house and I always tell myself "I've got to try that place someday". This past weekend I finally gave it a shot. I was actually going to go to Akashi next to Sunset Place because we were going to catch a movie but aparently they are closed right now for remodeling. So we drove a little further down the road and stopped at Sakura. It is a small restaurant with a very authentic Japanese sushi bar feel to it. The staff is all very friendly. The sushi chef makes it a point to welcome everyone that enters and thanks them for coming as they exit. Our waitress was very quick with bring out our orders. Even though it was a busy evening (at least all the tables were taken) we were still able to get our food and get out withing 25-30 minutes. The Moose Roll (which is their best seller according to the menu) was phenominal. Some of the sushi they have can be a little on the pricey side but they also have sushi that averages out with other sushi joints...so no matter what your budget, there is something for everyone. I will definitely make my way back to the delightful little restaurant in the future.
(4)
LJ H.
Great and creative sushi! I usually go for lunch and they have some good lunch specials. No full bar but they have good sake/wine selection. The hurricane roll is great!
(5)
Luis E.
This is one of my favorite sushi joints in Miami. The food is great, specially their top selling "Moose Roll" and most other rolls are extremely good too. Fresh, tasty, good size. Their prices are a bit above average, but I find them fair... for what you get. However, I would expect better service. Service is not as good as in other restaurants that charge $16-$25 for a roll (there are cheaper ones at $10-$15 too). Service isn't bad, but it isnt good....
(5)
Charlie S.
I like Sakura. I see it as a solid neighborhood sushi place -- definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and want sushi, but probably not something crave-worthy. I find the draw here to be the more complex and "interesting" rolls. A number of them incorporate sesame oil, for example. I've tended to like things such as the "Ko Ko Ru roll" or the "moose roll." It's not that I think you'll be disappointed if you order simple rolls instead. I've always found the fish to be fresh and its quality solid. But if you're looking for simple options with a greater focus on the fish, then there are better places not too far away (Matsuri for example). I've always found the service to be attentive.
(3)
Jessica K.
I'm not sure if the Sakura on Red Road and this one is related but if they are, head to the Red Road restaurant! It's priced incredibly better. This restaurant gave me sticker shock. I ordered Kani Su to start-it was beautiful and tasty. I ordered a sushi roll lunch special and it was standard fare. The Sakura on Red Road has a much better lunch special selection. I'm glad I tried it but probably won't return. I do want to give kudos for service. Very attentive!
(3)
Elaine Z.
Forever my favorite sushi in Miami. Just came back last night after probably a four year hiatus as I used to frequent Sakura in my freshman year. I've actually been back sporadically and always enjoyed it. The rolls are massive and delicious - cannot be said for other places in that I am ACTUALLY full from sushi. Love the ingredients and enjoy most of the offerings. I have not yet tried a boat here but definitely would have to come with a huge group. I definitely have sentimental attachment to this place...but I did like the service even though some waiters seemed confused at times. My friend forgot to take home her box and the waiter sprinted into the parking lot to give it to me - duly appreciated.
(5)
Julie R.
Our meal was good. We had the pan fried tofu, veg fried rice, spring rolls, and veg tempura (appetizer). The tempura was really good. The tofu was good, but a little squishy inside for my taste. The spring rolls were very tasty. The veg fried rice was good, but, it tasted greasy; the egg in it gave it a good flavor. The presentation was nice for all the dishes, and the sauces that come with them was good. For dessert we had a piece of fried cheesecake. We had a side (1 scoop) of vanilla ice cream. The cheesecake was $8 (overpriced), and the 1 scoop of just vanilla ice cream was $4. WHAT? I could buy a 1/2 gallon for that. The inside was super-clean. There are lots of tables, and really cute tables for 2 in the window - I love those seats. There's also a counter for the sushi. It's pretty big inside. There is free parking in the lot behind the place. Service was good, but not great and not overly friendly. Overall, good but not great; nothing wrong with the place, but I've had better.
(3)
Spencer A.
One of the first and best sushi restaurants in Miami. Family owned, artistic presentation and fresh, fresh sushi. Your delightful hosts are Won-San and Ms. Yuen. They also have a lot of sashimi options without rice. Ask for Robert my favorite waiter. Happy to give this place 5 Stars.
(5)
John K.
The owner is quite personable; he always has a smile on his face. The service is good and the food quality is good. The only negative is the price is about 25% more than it needs to be. I'm including photos of the 9 pages of the menu so you can see what they offer. The 3 stars are because: a) the price b) no menu on Yelp page c) no web page (tsk tsk) d) I always have to ask 3-4x for enough wasabi e) one waitress always frowns and/or looks mean hope this helps......
(3)
Gabrielle D.
Speaks volumes about a restaurant when both the food and the waitstaff stay consistent after decades. Sakura remains one of my favorite sushi places to visit or do take out.
(5)
Marley Mar S.
Good place to eat sushi. The shrimp fried rice was amazing!! The Japanese beer was great. Despite I received my appetizer cold the waiter rectified the situation promptly and that there won me over on the service. The sushi was great. For my first Tim being here I would definitely be coming back!! Only reason I did not rate it a 5 star is because the restaurant is a bit small and crammy.
(4)
Faiyaz H.
Never Had A Bad Experience - This Place is Consistent Never Had A Bad Experience - This Place is Consistent Every time we have gone to Sakura in Coral Gables the service and food has always been good. They are by far the most consistent sushi location we frequently visit.
(4)
Lia N.
BEST SUSHI IN MIAMI! Kindest staff and amazing food! Santana roll, Atlan roll, Giovanni roll, all so amazing!
(5)
Archana B.
Wow!! I was so happy and impressed with the food! Being a die hard Bond St lover, I was so heart broken, literally when they closed shop and have been searching unsuccessfully for a halfway decent replacement... I have to say I was really impressed with the rolls. I went with fellow yelpers recommendation of the MOOSE ROLL and HMMM ROLL and was not disappointed. My personal favorite was the HMMM ROLL ... Will definitely be back.
(4)
Julio M.
I decided to come here since I always passed by and and checked out the reviews and they were always great; in my opinion this place is by far the best sushi place I've been too in Miami, and I've been many of them!!! The service is wonderful, fast, and the staff is not only friendly but very attentive to all your needs, I never have to ask for a refill on water or anything, the staff always anticipates it. The food is in a whole different level, every taste is exquisite. The portions hit the spot every time, even the small rolls fill you up, so many different options to choose from, not just the usually rolls that other places have. The names are also very funny such as the 'Hmmmm Roll' which did make me go "hmmmm!" It is now a usually spot for my friends and I who have also fallen in love with the place. P.S. You have to try the miso soup, mouth watering!
(5)
German B.
This is by far the best sushi place in Miami. If you're looking for an authentic Sushi shop, this is as good as it gets. You will notice it as you walk into the store. Don't expect fancy furniture and exotic waitress, not at all, but that's part of its charm. The staff is very friendly and they know what they are doing. One of the best things (apart from the food of course) is the gentle shushi master prepping in front of eveyone, he's an amazing person and you will agree bu the end of your meal. Mu favorite dishes: salmon naruto, pink panther and moose roll. Pricewise, it's not cheap, but you will get ehat you pay for in freshness. Very clean and well served. Good job!!!
(5)
Bill B.
I have been to this Sakura 5 or 6 times in the last year. And generally, I have had ok meals. Yes, "ok". But tonight it struck me that this place is in need of a good cleaning. And maybe, some new tables and chairs. And perhaps a restaurant management course for the staff. To wit: the floors, corners, bathroom mirror, faucets were borderline disgusting. The walls are worn and dirty from folks brushing up against corners. The mop, broom and dustpan were "stored" in the bathroom. And the Tuna Tataki was dry. Like, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth dry. Now, the service was quite good. The waitstaff circulated with regularity and were very pleasant. But I hope the owners of Sakura take this review to heart and re-invest in this restaurant.
(2)
Ting W.
-any rolls $14 or more. -California Roll: although did not have mayo, rice tasted stale like I was eating it a day after made. -Gyoza-yuck -Albacore Tuna Tataki-cold, not seared, just drenched in some sort of ponzu sauce -Spicy Tuna Roll- although the fis
(1)
Michelle L.
I love Sakura... I think it offers some of the best affordable sushi in Miami. The Moose Roll is amazing. (I think this place offers some of the best rolls in Miami - tasty, big, full of fish.) Everything is super fresh.
(4)
Teresa T.
Worst food I've had! Ordered a hand roll and the fish tasted bad. We then ordered a regular roll and it had VERY little fish. Beef Negimaki was drowning in oil. We tried to play it safe by ordering a combo fried rice next and it was mush! Shrimp was tiny canned shrimp and rice was swimming in oil and flavorless! THIS PLACE SUCKS!
(1)
Cliff F.
After hunting a bit for a Thursday late-night bite, I settled on trying out Sakura. Nestled between two buildings on S. Dixie, Sakura is a small restaurant that produces some solid sushi. I'll admit--I'm a sucker for any sushi restaurant named "Sakura" because the first place I ever had sushi was at a "Sakura"...albeit, it was in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This has gotten me in to some culinary hot water before, but not this time. The interior is unassuming, and features the traditional light-wood counter accented with shoji screens. Sushi chefs announce your entrance with (what I'm assuming is) a Japanese greeting. The rolls were on the larger end and definitely what I would call creative. Their menu is extensive--but we only tried two rolls. The Moose Roll and the fried bagel roll...each was delicious and worth a try. Service was good, prices were reasonable, and parking was free. Matsuri is still my favorite sushi restaurant in Miami, but Sakura stands out in its own quirky, yet exceedingly comfortable way.
(4)
Jordan N.
The sushi are just okay. They're thinly slice to make it look like there's more on the plate... at least that's how I feel. However, the udon bowls or noodle stews look amazing. I'll have to come back to try that.
(3)
Tassos Z.
I go with my wife there once a week. The food and service have always been excellent. And for Miami standards I don't think you can find better value for your dollar when you want to eat sushi.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Damian E.
Ok, let me make this abundantly clear: The food here is delicious. My wife ordered the MOOSE ROLL and it was one of the best sushi rolls I've ever tasted. Put it this way: I love her even more now simply because she shared it with me. The thai donuts are ridiculous...deee-licous. The sushi chefs are very talented, creating original works of art with their dishes. (I'm a sucker for that stuff.) If there was anything I feel could have made this experience better, it was the fact that the restaurant was nearly empty, but the service was incredibly slow. Bottom line: DEFINITELY eat here, but just not if you're in a hurry.
(4)Ana Cristina P.
Ok, Ok... so I'd been challenging people to find me a place I liked better than Kampai. A couple of months ago, someone did just that...although the decision to come here wasn't just based on my challenge, but on the fact that it was a halfway point between our respective homes. I have to say, as a whole, this place IS the best place for sushi I've tried in this city. Kampai is still home to my favorite sushi roll in the world, but after savoring a few different rolls at Sakura, I can safely say it's pretty amazing. The Ko Ko Ru Roll = heaven. Add a little hot sake to the mix and you're golden. Service is flawless. Quality of food is excellent. I have nothing bad to say about this place.
(5)Jessica G.
ALOT of places are trying to imitate these guys but there's nothing like the one and only, the original! Been going here for years. Moose Roll is a must try people! Love Bok, Atlan and all the cooks Hi guys if you read this lol
(5)Mariacristina R.
The sushi here is a bit pricey then what my boyfriend and I are used to back home in Orlando but we figured it was for good reason. They offer three different "sizes" for their rolls: small, medium and large. I was told by the waiter that it meant how much it was stuffed with ingredients. So I opted for the medium roll which is the average size, I think. We went for an early dinner so the place was pretty much empty, the owner or head chef was super friendly, welcoming us with the traditional Japanese greeting, "Irasshaimase!" We ordered the volcano roll, the "famous" moose roll and the Hmmm! roll. The Moose roll was actually pretty boring - I mean it had some spicy tuna but I definitely don't see why it's the most ordered on the menu. I really enjoyed the Hmm! Roll which was chock full of Salmon, krab, masago, mayo, avocado, lettuce, tempura shavings and a bright yellow soybean wrap. It looked so festive and was really delicious!
(4)brian w.
Just the facts, I'm not huntin' a Pulitzer! Cozy little place. Menu has Japanese, with some korean, Chinese and Thai dishes too. Had the Moose roll (awesome, and there's an off menu inside out ver now too). Korean tuna salad was sweet and savory, miso soup excellent, and the egg noodles & veggies stir fry was decent (big portion). Prices were soso, more like in-gables sized but they're only on the edge of the area. Service was fantastic, with the waitress, bus boy and owner's son all chatting and checking up on us. Totally worth it with a restaurants dot com coupon!
(4)Eddie E.
HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!!!!! The sushi is just average, none of the rolls that we had would make me want to go back again. As for the wine, BUYER BEWARE!!!!!!!!!!!!! The wine list is four bottles long and does not list the price on the menu and the prices, well, put your seatbelt on when you ask for a bottle as they are going to charge you $42.00 for an unknown bottle of Pinot Noir that when I looked it up, had a retail selling price of $9.75. We ordered a second bottle of wine, this time a Cabernet Sauvignon for $40.00 (also unknown) and when I looked it up had a retail of $5.95. At the end when I got the bill it was $333.00 for 5 people! Surprise!!!!!! I told the waiter to look into the pricing to see if it was correct because I thought that there was a mistake, he just told me that "no, that's correct" with a nice grin on his face! Finally I looked at the bill again and they had included the tip which by the way was overpaid as the suggestion on the bill for 18% was less then what was charged by them showing 18%. I normally do not write reviews however I felt pretty strong about letting people know about this one in particular. I eat out 3 times a week but have never faced such highway robbery!!!!.......................................Â..................................................Â..................................................Â.......................
(1)Jose B.
I have always heard great things about this restaurant so I finally tried it out. Overall it was a great experience. After splitting four rolls and a miso soup, my date and I were filled and satisfied. Very cozy spot with floor seating for a more intimate experience. The Pink Panther Roll sounds great on paper, but it was rather bland with very little flavor. Maybe I had a bad roll since everyone else likes it so much. The rest of the rolls (spicy tuna, eel, and dragon rolls) were great. The vegetable miso soup was very filling and was delicious.
(3)Rachel P.
Another little hole in the wall place with good sushi for sure. They are however, more expensive than most sushi places in the area just by a dollar or two more..no big deal. However the pieces are way too large to eat. I did my best, but made a complete mess and then the rolls tear apart and you don't get the full effect of the roll all at once. So, if I did go back, I would ask for the sushi to be cut in edible pieces. If you go, make sure to ask them to CUT THEM SMALL!!
(3)Sammy F.
Although we live in SW Broward, we occasionally make a trek to the the South Miami area. I phoned a friend and asked for any recommendations on place to eat while we were in the neighborhood. He suggested his favorite Japanese restaurant called Sakura so we decided to give this Coral Gable institution a try (I still remember driving by this place all the time when I was living in Kendall, but never tried it). It was a Sunday night and you can tell that this place is frequented by locals. It was quite busy and I noticed lots of people ordering take-out. What we ordered: Note: I have two toddlers and Sakura does not have a kids menu so we basically had to order a couple appetizer portions of the regular dishes for the kids. Tempura Shrimp Appetizer (3 pieces) - The breading was on the thick side side and perhaps they didn't fully drain the oil after taking out of the fryer so it seemed very greasy. One item did stand out and it was the tentsuyu dipping sauce which was AMAZING. The sauce was very flavorful and didn't taste like the typical watered down sauces offered at other restaurants. Mini-California Roll Appetizer (tamago, crabmeat, avocado) - These were like shrunken down California Rolls. I thought that these cute tiny rolls would be appealing to my two toddlers. Unfortunately, they weren't interested (maybe when they're older) so I ended up eating most of it. Nothing special as far as taste is concerned, but I could definitely appreciate the amount of work required to craft such a miniature roll. Tuna Tataki Appetizer (Seared tuna thinly sliced & served with ponzu sauce) - The tuna itself was beautifully presented. Although the portions looked generous, it wasn't much since the fish was thinly sliced. Not bad, but it was definitely on the expensive side. Ko Ko Ru Roll (Any fish of choice rolled inside out with scallions and same fish on top. Includes four different colored caviar on top.) - We ordered ours with white tuna and I have to say that this is my favorite dish of the night. The fish was fresh, the presentation was excellent and I enjoyed how the roll was nicely decorated with various caviar. HMMMM!! Roll (Salmon, crab, masago, mayo, avocado, lettuce, tempura shavings, wrapped in a soybean wrap with ginger dressing on top) - This was my wife's favorite dish of the night. Adding a dash of ginger dressing (it seemed like it's the same ginger dressing found on the house salad) accentuated the flavors of the roll. A very unique roll and an amazing tasting experience. Geisha Roll (Crab, avocado and tamago roll topped with tuna tartar) - A medium sized roll that we thought was okay as far as taste. Didn't seem as good as I had hoped, especially after eating the more flavorful Ko Ko Ru & HMMMM rolls. The tuna tartar on top the the Geisha Roll had a slight kick to it. Overall, the food was fresh, service was fine, and the atmosphere was good. I'd definitely go back and try out some other dishes (ie. Nigiri, Sashimi, U.M. Roll) the next time I'm there. The only negative side was that there was no kids menu and the prices were a bit higher compared to other place that I have tried (I guess that's the Gables premium) . I'd give Sakura an overall score of 3.5, but since there is no 1/2 stars, I'm rounding the score up to a 4.
(4)Donald M.
I've had better... they are over-priced... Sushi quality is ok... Rolls are not always rolled tight... usually cut into huge pieces Family owned restaurant... the other restaurant in Doral is equally terrible. Run by the Uncle named Bok. The Worst.. the Service used to be good in 2007... but lately the service sucks and i no longer go... If you want sushi, I'd recommend Shibui on sunset dr.... or Matsuri on Bird rd...
(1)Julio M.
My favorite thing about this restaurant is the private tables that you sit on the floor. Call to reserve the room ahead of time. They won't do it for 2 ppl on a fri/sat. Sushi is great. I had beef teriyaki which was a small portion and not worth the money.
(4)Michelle W.
I went here with one of my fellow grad students for lunch and had a pretty decent meal here. I really liked their miso soup and we ordered a tofu appetizer that was de-lish! It reminded me of elephant ears for some reason, didn't taste like the healthy food it is! I also had the spicy white tuna roll, which I thought was pretty average. It was a little heavy on the rice, but the seafood tasted fresh, which is always good! The green tea ice cream was also pretty good here. I will probably be back here to try additional items since it is so close to school. Our waitress was very sweet and efficient.
(3)Hannah S.
We've been driving by Sakura Gables regularly for a year already, constantly vowing that someday I'll stop in ... and finally, we did. (It's so hard to break away from our fave sushi spots!) The atmosphere is sweet, love the little round tables by the window. Service was polite and competent. The geisha roll was definitely the standout - simply delicious! Squid salad was scrumptious, too. Good quality sashimi, though the tuna left something to be desired. Not quite up to the quality we're used to (ie Matsuri). All in all, a very pleasant experience, but a little pricey, all things considered.
(3)Tamy S.
I have been coming to Sakura for years and have yet to be disappointed with the fresh sushi here. The owner is SO sweet and we always get free rolls when we are waiting for takeout. Get the Rainbow Moose Roll (tuna tartar, avocado, and a variety of salmon/tuna/white fish on top)...best roll I have ever had!! There is a small private room where floor seating is available too. Check this place out and try the best roll known to man.
(5)Jen H.
I can't believe this place is on restaurant.com ! This place is sooo good. I've driven by it countless times and never even noticed it. I came here with my bf and we really enjoyed it. We only had sushi but every single roll we ordered was delicious. You just can't go wrong with the rolls. Great atmosphere, there were couples and families and college students. I will definitely be coming back again.
(4)Eli F.
I came here with my best friend. I had come here once before but years ago. I really did enjoy the food. Everything was fresh and delicious. We had the tuna tartar and it was amazingly good! I loved the wasabi spice sauce. but dont order it if you are very sensitive to spicy food. There servers were very attentive which is hard to find in a restaurant that full on a friday night. The mmmmmmm! roll is highly recommended from me. i'm just a little iffy on the prices. Its not super expensive but most of the rolls are 10$+ so not that great for super on a budget college students. But a lot of the actual food is pretty decently priced.
(3)Joy D.
If you're a single person, sit at the bar. It was crowded, and I didn't, and this was a bad mistake. I've been to Sakura many times, and this was the worst yet. A Wednesday evening, 8:30, and after I was seated it was a good 10-15 minutes before anyone even asked me if I was waiting on someone. I then ordered water with lemon and he forgot to bring it until the table next to me ordered it when they were seated at least 15 minutes after I ordered mine. I had to wait another 10 minutes because he forgot it again. I ordered the salad that came with my dinner first and I had to ask him to take the charge off because they charged me for it separately when it was included. I asked for my dressing on the side, both ginger and miso, and they brought ginger on the salad, not the side. I had to ask again for miso. Sad thing is, I saw the waiter write it down. The quality of the food has always been good there, and still is. The platter I had was generous, and the fish was very fresh. Bottom line is that they need to stop hiring U of Miami students unless they are Food and Beverage majors. These kids new nothing of service and just didn't get it. They were apologetic for their errors but as a single woman dining alone I just felt very neglected. Bad enough, dining alone, but to be ignored by the waiters? Please!
(2)Jessica C.
These people are cool as fudge and deliver authentic Japanese foods with light entertainment provided by orange shavings. A great stop for that inevitable sushi craving.
(4)Katherine M.
What a shame. Sakura is so convenient to my apartment. I was hoping for more. The food was just average at a high price. I could justify a $17 roll if it was amazing and out of this world. I can't say the service was above average either to warrant the higher price. I say go to Sushi Maki for a reasonable price and Siam Oishi for outstanding sushi at a higher price point.
(2)Patrick M.
I'd rather give them 2.5 stars. There were some interesting and tasty choices on the menu (conch roll, lobster roll) and the Florida Roll w conch was good. The sushi rolls were too loose, as other reviewers have noted. Overall the 16 dollar price for one roll was just not enough value for the product. My fiancé had a roll and some individual sashimi items. 3 bucks a pop for the individual items! The decor was from a 1981 Benihana and the bathroom was old, grungy and halfway working. Ehhh....there is better out there......
(2)C D.
Been coming here for over 25 years. Best sushi around. Fish is fresh, food is great. Moose roll, yum!
(4)Paula E.
I was working long hours yesterday evening on a project when a friend and I decided to take a dinner break and go get some sushi. I had heard really good things about this place (from friends and workers of the place alike) and decided to go treat myself. Uhmm yeahh...sorry There were only two other tables besides ours, and it was pretty slow. The waiter kept on forgetting we were there, it took him forever to take our drink order (just some waters and Sake) and even longer to take our dinner order. I could tell he did a thing that I absolutely despise: since we were students, he placed less importance on our party. As if that weren't enough, I was terribly disappointed with the food. We both decided to start with some Miso soup, he opted for the Teriyaki chicken dinner entrée and I for the MMMMHH Roll. The soup was cold, the Teriyaki came with spaghetti (??!!) and they forgot to add the ginger and wasabi to my roll, which took them a while to bring after the fact. Definitely had better elsewhere! The prices were kind of ridiculous for what they served. I think the only good thing about our dinner was that when I accidentally spilled my sake, the guy refilled our bottle free of charge.
(2)Ivan M.
Great sushi + huge flat screen = awesome dining experience
(5)Ryan F.
I consider this the best sushi in South Miami/Gables/Grove for its price point. Sakura Gables edges out Sushi Maki by a long shot, Red Koi slightly, and Akashi Grove. Fresh sushi, and attentive service both times (twice in a week - 1st time late Sat. afternoon and lunch on a Wed.) Had the moose roll - kind of pricey at $17 for 8 pieces but the taste and quality makes it worthy treat. A nice green wasabe sauce pairs well with it. Lunch is a great deal - "Roll Combo" deal is $13 for salad, soup, dynamite, 8 pc. california, 8 pc bagel roll The 2 others in the crew had $11"Sushi Combo" and $16"Sashimi Combo" Respective variations that come with the salad and soup. This is my new go-to sushi/Japanese spot ... the menu is extensive. Much to choose from.
(4)cristina o.
I usedto love this place but a bad experience left me never wanting to go back. for a while they had the most unique sushi my H and i had found around town and we used to go a lot, like once a week at least. one night we went and it was a particularly slow night ( meaning they were empty but service was still slow) waitress took our order completely wrong and charged us for all the wrong things she brought and refused to take them off the bill. matsuri opened soon after this experience and really there was no need to try again. if customers mean nothing to you, you will mean nothing to your customers!
(2)Caroline F.
I wouldn't go here regularly, but today's meal was pretty good. The pink panther roll was AMAZING. The San Fran roll was not so good. When I had the same roll IN San Fran it was to die for. Today's roll was a little too crispy. The Pink Panther, on the other hand, was absolutely delicious. It was a little large, but the roll was well made and great.
(4)Jamie L.
I had my first piece of Hamachi Maki here when I was about 9 years old. So I blame Sakura Gables for my ensuing addiction to all things sushi. Is this the most innovative, amazing, gourmet, bestest in the world sushi bar? No. It's a joint. It's small, it's right on Dixie Highway, sandwiched between office buildings. But it's a good place to grab a quick sushi lunch or enjoy a good dinner. The 'window nooks' that some of the tables sit in are cozy and a bit romantic. The traditional floor seating is fun for families, and the sushi bar is fun to hang out and watch the chefs work at their craft. They have a nice assortment of Maki, some beautiful Combination Boats, and hot entrees from the kitchen as well. It's an all-around good choice for Sushi in a Neighborhood Atmosphere.
(3)Kristin N.
Just got back and I am stuffed!!! I got a lunch special, that came with a soup & salad, 8 piece California roll and 8 piece Japanese bagel roll with a side of what is called dynamite. (This is a blend of potatoes and fish with some type of mash mix). for $12.95 They also gave us on the house a side coleslaw salad with crab that had a light ginger dressing to it, with 3 pieces of Shashimi tuna on top. The tuna was very fresh and the coleslaw salad was very light. Everything was really good. The only complaint I have is that for some reason the eel sauce and the soy sauce tasted different to much. Not a fan of the taste here. The parking was pretty full because I guess it connects to businesses in the back, Luckily I found parking quick as someone was pulling out. My only other complaint was having to go back South on US-1 was a mission. I couldn't make a u-turn at the light and I had to turn left instead and turn around, but then I couldn't make a left on US-1 from that light. I had to get to my right, go to the gas station after crossing the light and then come out through there to go South on US-1. But this shouldn't effect how I feel about the restaurant, so I still gave it a 4 star. The service was also very good, and very polite staff. Cozy inside too. I think Ill try this place again soon. =)
(4)Jenaia F.
Ever eaten at a sushi restaurant and loved the food, then ordered take-out from the very same place on another occasion and hated it? For some reason, it just doesn't taste as fresh or as good in your dining room. Well, the first time I tasted food from Sakura it was at a friend's home and I have to say that I was pretty impressed. Everything I had was extremely fresh and tasty. Since then, I have eaten at the restaurant about 5 or 6 times and also ordered take-out a good 3 or 4 times and have never been disappointed. When your take-out is equally as delicious as the food being served to you at the restaurant, you know you're eating good sushi. I happen to think that Sakura is one of the best sushi restaurants in the South Miami / Coral Gables area. It's definitely a little pricier than some of the others in the neighborhood, but it's worth spending a little more for the great rolls. Some of my favorite things on the menu are: the spicy white tuna roll, moose roll, hmmm roll, and the pink panther roll. I've also ordered the churrasco terriyaki and it is absolutely delicious. They have this sauce that I always order along with my rolls - don't know what it's called - but it's green and very spicy... I'm pretty sure it's made with wasabi. YUMMERS!! If you like some heat with your food, be sure to ask for the green sauce - they'll know what you're talking about.
(5)JOHN H.
This place is phenomenal! Ive been coming here since i was a kid and never leave disappointed. i normally go with the standard Spicy Tuna and some sashimi @ other Sushi places but here i always get enticed to try something new. try the San Fransisco Roll and the MOOSE ROLL, they are both amazing.
(5)Marc M.
The food remains good, but the prices have skyrocketed to where they have no relation at all with the food. If the owners do read the reviews, I hope this one serves as a warning signal. I used to go once a week (it is right next door) but, honestly, today I go once a month. Way too expensive for the quality.
(1)Len D.
Pretty good Japanese food. The most interesting thing was the Japanese bagel roll which was basically a fried , tempura style, Philadelphia roll with a little of sweet eel sauce poured over it. We also ordered the chicken katsu and the Unagi Don. The soup it came with was actually flavorful. At most places the soup is just really watered down. The katsu was good and it came with a small side of cold spaghetti which was weird. I loved the sweetness of the Unagi Don. I would def come here again for the sushi and try out more of what they have. I thought the little swans made of oranges they give you after your dinner were cute.
(4)Chris B.
After a long day, and not really feeling very excited about the options at the house to cook for dinner, we agreed to satisfy our sushi craving. I have to admit that every time we have eaten at Sakura we have left with full bellies and smiles on our faces. Always fresh, and served quickly and politely, I have always favored their Spicy White Tuna Roll and the Pink Panther Roll both of which are large and filling portions. I have eaten in the restaurant three times and have ordered take out three or four times and have never had any complaints with my order or the quality of the food. Although a little pricey the food is amazing, the servers very cordial, the environment is inviting, the beer is always cold and did I mention that the food amazing? It is a must try if you are craving fresh sushi and happen to be in the Gables or South Miami areas......
(5)Katherine S.
This place is good for dinner too but it is FABULOUS for weekday lunches. For $10.95, you get a fresh ginger salad, miso soup, a dynamite shell (type of seafood stew -- imagine delicious mashed potatoes with fish) and a generous plate of nigiri and/or maki sushi rolls. Also, the staff are always very nice and extremely attentive. They even know that my fiance and I aren't interested in drinks except for espresso on Fridays so they bring us water right away. I haven't tried it yet but there's a little booth in the corner that looks great for a private party. Overall, the decor isn't as exciting as other sushi places but that's not what I'm looking for when I only have an hour or so to dine and get back to work.
(4)Adriana D.
This is by far my favorite sushi place in all of Miami...and I've tried many, many just to be sure! In all the times I have been here I have never had a bad food or service experience. The servers tend to be very friendly and the sushi chefs oftentimes make a little treat for us to try something new while we wait. When I find something good, I become a creature of habit, so when I go I generally stick to the same thing - although absolutely everything I've tried has been delicious. So, as usual, this past time, I started with the wakame salad (fresh and perfectly seasoned), the tuna tataki (cooked perfectly), the sashimi appetizer (supremely fresh), and my two favorite rolls. Ko Ko Ru Roll: any fish of choice, rolled inside out with the same fish on top - includes four different color caviar on top (I've tried this with salmon and tuna and both are excellent choices) and my ABSOLUTE favorite roll anywhere.... Hurricane roll: tuna, salmon, white fish, crabmeat, asparagus, scallions and masago - no rice (be advised though, this is a pricey roll but worth every penny) They also have a nice Japanese beer and hot/cold sake selection to compliment your meal perfectly. I know they have deserts but, honestly, I stuff myself so much with the delicious sushi that I've never gotten a chance to try them! If you are a sushi lover I definitely highly recommend eating at Sakura.
(5)Denise L.
I love Sakura! This was my go-to sushi spot when I lived in Miami. It is family owned and run, and they make you feel like family when you are there. Their rolls are incredible and very original. My favorite was to start with their wakame miso soup and split a Moose and a Pink Panther roll. Delicious!
(5)Sandra R.
Does not disappoint! Excellent, fresh, creative sushi, but not cheap.
(5)Deb R.
Good sushi, but not constantly "out of this world" quality fish ....best if you order something that was delivered that day. Fairly pricey and service can be very slow on busy days like Friday evening. Overall I enjoy eating here and would recommend it. I've eatten here many times and enjoy their large roll selection.
(4)victoria r.
I gave an extra star because the staff was nice enough to send over a complimentary roll. Fresh fish and super friendly staff!
(3)Elle M.
Good and interesting sushi. I've had fresher tasting sushi elsewhere, hence not a full 5 stars, but I would definitely return here.
(4)michelle b.
I decided to try this place after I saw that Restaurants.com offered a gift certificate for them.. Wow!!! I just wish I would have found this place sooner!
(5)Karen R.
Uninspired food with many other more interesting Japanese restaurants in the Miami area to try. The place could be updated as it's looking shabby (paint is peeling on the outside of the building facing US1). The people I was with hadn't been there for awhile and we all decided we would not be returning.
(2)Thien H.
Sakura's Thai donuts were awesome ($7.50). Four hot, fluffy donuts paired with the ice cream served in a separate compartment so it doesn't melt was the most exciting part of the meal. Sushi rolls were good and beautifully presented but pricey. Luckily, we had a restaurant.com gift certificate to use. The sauce was a little thin for my taste on most rolls, which made the rice soggy if we didn't eat up the rolls fast. Despite having some of the higher priced rolls in Miami, they are more fish heavy than some other sushi joints which we appreciated. At the time: Hurricane Roll $24.95 Moose Roll $16.95 Oh-ee-Shee roll $15.95
(4)Antonio G.
Yes the sushi is good. However, do not overlook the bulgogi (Korean barbecued beef). It is delicious and the portion is abundant. Highly recommended. I also like the neighborhood atmosphere of Sakura. Good service without an attitude.
(4)Ruth L.
Ordered food for take out, one small vegetable fried rice and one roll. After eating, (fried rice just ok and roll not so good) I noticed the bill was $55!! I called the next day to tell them I thought I was overcharged and I was told "There is nothing we can do about it. We throw out the receipts from the night before. " Thats it, just nothing. Very disappointed with the service and food and honestly would never go back when there are better options
(1)Mitzy R.
Oh my god! We just walked out from the place. We walked in 20 mins ago. The appearance it's just another sushi place, nothing fancy and not that clean either. The place was not super busy. We were in a hurry so we seated at the bar. It took them over 10 mins to give us a menu. The chef were looking at us but the hostess/waitress took for ever to come back for our order. We decided lo leave since we were in a hurry. Since I ordered an bottled iced tea we asked for the check. It was $6.75 plus taxes. Really ???? Never again!!!!
(1)Paul W.
We came in here due to the good reviews, after seeing matsuri was closed for lunch on Saturday. It was honestly one of the worst sushi experiences of my life. A poor imitation of a local family owned sushi restaurant with a totally Americanized menu. It wasn't looking good, but yelp had not let me down before. We ordered mamacita salad, with shrimp and ginger. It was edible but not pleasant. The chef had used a lot of mayonnaise. If only I had known what was coming I would have left immediately. Alaskan king crab roll was more mayonnaise than anything else. It literally dripped off in huge globs as I picked it up with the chopsticks. Horrific. I wouldn't have served it to my dog. Florida roll - wilted greens and dripping with sauce. No taste apart from the sweet chili sauce they had dumped over the top. Chicken udon - mushy vegetables and noodles. What a depressing sight. It was as It has been boiling for 3 days. No flavor in the soup at all. No Japanese chili powder was provided. You would think that they would do anything they could to perk up the flavor. It tasted like they had made the batch the whole week on the Monday, vegetables and noodles and all, and served it to us on the Saturday. Chicken teriyaki and local sashimi was passable. Just average. The food has No elegance. No creativity, just buckets of sauce and mayonnaise. Restaurants normally do this to hide the quality of the ingredients. Avoid.
(1)Jan A.
Friendly staff. Greeted and seated quickly. Good enviornment for a quiet meal with a pal. Enjoyed the noodle and rice dishes with chicken.
(4)Trish C.
Hubby and I LOVE sushi, and when we find a good place, no matter where we are living in the country, we call it "home," and don't search any further. The MOOSE ROLL and KoKo Ru is awesome. I love the intimate atmosphere. We always sit at the sushi bar closest to the door, and love interacting with the sushi chefs. Yesterday was when we most recently went. It was my birthday. I got a very cool fruit dragon sculpture with a sparkler in it. FUN!!
(5)Andy C.
The sushi is great, the hot food is great, but it's a little over priced. But it is consistently very good. Also this is the best place for your kids to try sushi. Ask for a kids California roll, they make it so tiny but it's still a real California roll, the kids love it.
(3)Sebastian B.
Come here all the time; the sushi never fails to please! A definite must try! And apparently Yelp NEEDS a minimum character limit which is IMO really silly so here's some extra filler text for the unentertained!
(5)Danielle N.
Amazing fresh fish for Miami!! Deliveries are Tuesdays and Fridays so try to go on those days and sit at the bar for extras from the chef! This place is like most places in Miami, they have some items on the menu that are too much mayonnaise but if you stick to what you know is good and simple it's delicious. Personal favorites are the hmm roll, Kokuro, and salmon sushi. If you like the more "interesting" rolls try the atland and the moose roll. Next time I go I'm going to sit at the bar and ask the chef for what's fresh. That's how you'll get the most authentic experience. I hate it when people complain about too much mayonnaise or Americanized rolls. All the ingredients are listed for every roll so if you don't want mayo or cream cheese in your rolls don't order those! Their menu even has pictures of the popular rolls so you can see what they look like before you order. I consider this place a hidden gem!
(5)Tiffany G.
I stumbled in here Saturday night after every place in Miami was full with GAME 6 watchers. This place had sushi and a TV to watch my Miami Heat, it was a win win . It was pretty empty for a saturday night, so we were seated right away. Me and my girlfriends decided on ordering to Large Rolls and a Chicken Fried Rice to share. We settled on a Dragon roll and Moose Roll. The Moose Roll was delicious. It has raw tuna on the top and krab salad inside. Best of both worlds. The dragon roll was like all the others I've had. The fried rice was super yummy with the mushrooms , but too many green beans for my taste. Regardless it was all delicious and good prices. I'll deff be returning here.
(4)Jessica F.
We went back, I will maintain my 4 star review. This time we ate at the actual restaurant. This might become one of my Sunday night staples. Quiet, good service, good sushi, and they had two televisions so my husband can watch the NFL while I enjoy cooked Hijiki, which I've been looking for everywhere. Matsuri and Su Shin haven't been serving it the last few times I've been so this alone gives me reason to return. There were patrons picking up take out our entire meal, which tells me I'm not the only one keeping it on Sunday night rotation. We did the Ume combo, basically nigiri and a tekka roll, and another roll which I forgot, Felipe enjoyed it, but I preferred the nigiri..... Head's up: they put the wasabi in the nigiri for you, I know that's normal, but in case you don't like it, tell the waiter ahead of time.
(4)Maria T.
Absolutely amazing. Huge, fresh rolls, great little place and excellent service. The HMMM roll has changed my life. Order it as a large roll and get extra ginger dressing. You will not be disappointed. Cheers!
(5)Mindy G.
The tuna tartar is great and the rolls tonight were very tasty (although expensive). The sashimi is fresh and never fishy. The roll that you dip into ginger dressing tastes soo good!
(4)Tuna B.
READ THIS FIRST! The interior is that of a comfortable, worn and very unpretentious neighborhood joint. The owner seems to be an incredibly nice and charming person, which makes this review even more disappointing. Every dish me and my giant sidekick had was bad with one even being awful. The only redeeming dish was the age-dashi tofu. The beef tataki was simply small thin slices of medium roast beef on a plate with a sauce. When they sat it in front of us I was embarrassed for them. Although they were breaking down a beautiful whole salmon behind the bar the salmon roll that we received was inedible and more than a half of it was left. We ordered a selection of sashimi that was 3 of a possible 10 for both quality and quantity and completely disappointing for something that offers a chance to simply showcase the quality of the products they serve. The servers that were there that day appear to be the owners son who was nice and his high school buddy who really didn't care. When we walked out we both agreed that place was terrible and we feel that is a very strong but applicable word for the meal we had. Nothing appeared to be a one-off case that could be explained away or would change with another visit.
(2)easy b.
Mmmmm, so good, and the fish was Fresh!!! We had gyoza and tempera veggies to start - both were excellent - not greasy. Sushi rolls were delish. As others said a bit pricey - but I'm ok with that when it's good.
(5)Miguel L.
Great place for sushi! Moose roll or any of the bigger rolls are great!! Good service even though we got there 20 minutes before closing time. Will return.
(4)Cassie G.
Me and my four friends piled in my SUV to satisfy our sushi craving at Sakura after I read great reviews. Little did we know, we jumped in the car to drive two blocks down our street. We walked right in and sat down. The waiters were very attentive and I liked the casual atmosphere, with two nice screen TVs atop the sushi bar. I ordered the Moose Roll mainly because I was so overwhelmed with the choices and saw "Best Seller" so figured it was the way to go. I was not disappointed with the selection but I don't know if I would consider it the "best sushi hands down." I'm sure I will walk and snag take-out from this place on occasion since it's so close to my place, but if I'm looking for a great sushi or japanese meal, I'll probably make the sacrifice and go to Moon a little further down the road instead.
(4)P B.
Best sushi in Miami! Get the warm Sake and the Lobster Roll!
(5)Dan R.
My favorite sushi restaurant next to SooWoo in Doral (same owners). I love the ginger dressing they have! If a sushi restaurant doesn't have good ginger dressing I can't go back. I basically get the same thing every time: 1. Ginger salad- banging 2.Gyoza- banging 3. Moose Roll-banging Great little spot..Must hit if you are looking for some good sushi!
(5)David V.
A nice, small Japanese restaurant that offers a good selection. Very nice staff that takes good care of you. Decent prices for Asian food, especially if you buy those gift cards from restaurant.com (e.g. $25 gift card for $10). I definitely would suggest this place to friends and family.
(4)Meinie S.
Don't go hear unless you enjoy really delicious sushi and amazing service. Seriously, this is the best sushi in Miami. It's this really quite little hole in the wall, with the most delicious, freshest sushi in Miami. My family has been going here for over 21 years, and my girlfriend and I have a night set aside every week to go eat at this restaurant.
(5)Amy S.
Great food. The downside is the price - pretty pricey for the location and ambiance. I've eaten in once and the server was really knowledgeable about the menu and made some delicious suggestions. Takeout didn't go as well, they screwed up my order a couple times, but I will give some leeway since I was ordering a roll that was a variation from the one on their menu. Interior is a little dated but cozy, overall a great place for sushi. The staff is friendly too - even the sushi chefs said goodbye when I was leaving.
(4)Dan B.
Very good place to get sushi or any other Japanese dish. Ask to be seated in the secluded area where you can kick off your shoes and eat seated on pillows eating on tiny tables. I guess this is a way they must eat in Japan. it certainly makes you feel like a monk meditating in a temple. Just make sure beforehand that your feet are free of any stinky cheese smell, because that will ruin the whole group's meal and perhaps the meals of several tables on the periphery. Many ladies pay special attention to their toes to make them look beautiful, only to ruin it by sticking their feet in shoes without socks. Upon removal, a thick cheesy cloud will unleash upon a group of people that were hoping to keep their appetite. I know from experience *cough* Carolina. My biggest problem with this place is that they have amazing toro but rarely have it available. The food, service, and dining area is all beyond satisfactory and the prices are not too high. The owner and employees are very nice and their variety of sushi rolls is impressive. The sushi prep is masterful, it's like watching an artisan at work.
(4)Jay K.
The udon was just okay and the sushi was mediocre. I've had better sushi for less.
(3)Melissa R.
I love this restaurant. The fact that it is family owned and the family actually runs the restaurant gives it a nice vibe. The sushi and all of the rolls are great!! Mr. Wan is so creative when he comes up with the rolls (which he changes up all the time!!). If you go in and ask what they recommend, you will eat great sushi!
(5)Francisco S.
This place is known as a classic Japanese restaurant because it has been around for so long, but they do many things which are NOT OK by authentic customs. Principally I am referring to the cream cheese in the sushi. This is usually done when people use bad quality fish. Also, any Japanese place that opens on Monday scares me. The fish cannot be so fresh if the markets close Friday, thats 3 day old fish! However, the owner an employees are extremely nice, and give good service. The food is creative, and does have good taste. However, the raw fish is just not that fresh. The sushi rice taste is also not as vinegary as I like.
(3)Jacob C.
I had been meaning to try this place for quite some time. I drive past it all the time on the way to my girlfriends house and I always tell myself "I've got to try that place someday". This past weekend I finally gave it a shot. I was actually going to go to Akashi next to Sunset Place because we were going to catch a movie but aparently they are closed right now for remodeling. So we drove a little further down the road and stopped at Sakura. It is a small restaurant with a very authentic Japanese sushi bar feel to it. The staff is all very friendly. The sushi chef makes it a point to welcome everyone that enters and thanks them for coming as they exit. Our waitress was very quick with bring out our orders. Even though it was a busy evening (at least all the tables were taken) we were still able to get our food and get out withing 25-30 minutes. The Moose Roll (which is their best seller according to the menu) was phenominal. Some of the sushi they have can be a little on the pricey side but they also have sushi that averages out with other sushi joints...so no matter what your budget, there is something for everyone. I will definitely make my way back to the delightful little restaurant in the future.
(4)LJ H.
Great and creative sushi! I usually go for lunch and they have some good lunch specials. No full bar but they have good sake/wine selection. The hurricane roll is great!
(5)Luis E.
This is one of my favorite sushi joints in Miami. The food is great, specially their top selling "Moose Roll" and most other rolls are extremely good too. Fresh, tasty, good size. Their prices are a bit above average, but I find them fair... for what you get. However, I would expect better service. Service is not as good as in other restaurants that charge $16-$25 for a roll (there are cheaper ones at $10-$15 too). Service isn't bad, but it isnt good....
(5)Charlie S.
I like Sakura. I see it as a solid neighborhood sushi place -- definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and want sushi, but probably not something crave-worthy. I find the draw here to be the more complex and "interesting" rolls. A number of them incorporate sesame oil, for example. I've tended to like things such as the "Ko Ko Ru roll" or the "moose roll." It's not that I think you'll be disappointed if you order simple rolls instead. I've always found the fish to be fresh and its quality solid. But if you're looking for simple options with a greater focus on the fish, then there are better places not too far away (Matsuri for example). I've always found the service to be attentive.
(3)Jessica K.
I'm not sure if the Sakura on Red Road and this one is related but if they are, head to the Red Road restaurant! It's priced incredibly better. This restaurant gave me sticker shock. I ordered Kani Su to start-it was beautiful and tasty. I ordered a sushi roll lunch special and it was standard fare. The Sakura on Red Road has a much better lunch special selection. I'm glad I tried it but probably won't return. I do want to give kudos for service. Very attentive!
(3)Elaine Z.
Forever my favorite sushi in Miami. Just came back last night after probably a four year hiatus as I used to frequent Sakura in my freshman year. I've actually been back sporadically and always enjoyed it. The rolls are massive and delicious - cannot be said for other places in that I am ACTUALLY full from sushi. Love the ingredients and enjoy most of the offerings. I have not yet tried a boat here but definitely would have to come with a huge group. I definitely have sentimental attachment to this place...but I did like the service even though some waiters seemed confused at times. My friend forgot to take home her box and the waiter sprinted into the parking lot to give it to me - duly appreciated.
(5)Julie R.
Our meal was good. We had the pan fried tofu, veg fried rice, spring rolls, and veg tempura (appetizer). The tempura was really good. The tofu was good, but a little squishy inside for my taste. The spring rolls were very tasty. The veg fried rice was good, but, it tasted greasy; the egg in it gave it a good flavor. The presentation was nice for all the dishes, and the sauces that come with them was good. For dessert we had a piece of fried cheesecake. We had a side (1 scoop) of vanilla ice cream. The cheesecake was $8 (overpriced), and the 1 scoop of just vanilla ice cream was $4. WHAT? I could buy a 1/2 gallon for that. The inside was super-clean. There are lots of tables, and really cute tables for 2 in the window - I love those seats. There's also a counter for the sushi. It's pretty big inside. There is free parking in the lot behind the place. Service was good, but not great and not overly friendly. Overall, good but not great; nothing wrong with the place, but I've had better.
(3)Spencer A.
One of the first and best sushi restaurants in Miami. Family owned, artistic presentation and fresh, fresh sushi. Your delightful hosts are Won-San and Ms. Yuen. They also have a lot of sashimi options without rice. Ask for Robert my favorite waiter. Happy to give this place 5 Stars.
(5)John K.
The owner is quite personable; he always has a smile on his face. The service is good and the food quality is good. The only negative is the price is about 25% more than it needs to be. I'm including photos of the 9 pages of the menu so you can see what they offer. The 3 stars are because: a) the price b) no menu on Yelp page c) no web page (tsk tsk) d) I always have to ask 3-4x for enough wasabi e) one waitress always frowns and/or looks mean hope this helps......
(3)Gabrielle D.
Speaks volumes about a restaurant when both the food and the waitstaff stay consistent after decades. Sakura remains one of my favorite sushi places to visit or do take out.
(5)Marley Mar S.
Good place to eat sushi. The shrimp fried rice was amazing!! The Japanese beer was great. Despite I received my appetizer cold the waiter rectified the situation promptly and that there won me over on the service. The sushi was great. For my first Tim being here I would definitely be coming back!! Only reason I did not rate it a 5 star is because the restaurant is a bit small and crammy.
(4)Faiyaz H.
Never Had A Bad Experience - This Place is Consistent Never Had A Bad Experience - This Place is Consistent Every time we have gone to Sakura in Coral Gables the service and food has always been good. They are by far the most consistent sushi location we frequently visit.
(4)Lia N.
BEST SUSHI IN MIAMI! Kindest staff and amazing food! Santana roll, Atlan roll, Giovanni roll, all so amazing!
(5)Archana B.
Wow!! I was so happy and impressed with the food! Being a die hard Bond St lover, I was so heart broken, literally when they closed shop and have been searching unsuccessfully for a halfway decent replacement... I have to say I was really impressed with the rolls. I went with fellow yelpers recommendation of the MOOSE ROLL and HMMM ROLL and was not disappointed. My personal favorite was the HMMM ROLL ... Will definitely be back.
(4)Julio M.
I decided to come here since I always passed by and and checked out the reviews and they were always great; in my opinion this place is by far the best sushi place I've been too in Miami, and I've been many of them!!! The service is wonderful, fast, and the staff is not only friendly but very attentive to all your needs, I never have to ask for a refill on water or anything, the staff always anticipates it. The food is in a whole different level, every taste is exquisite. The portions hit the spot every time, even the small rolls fill you up, so many different options to choose from, not just the usually rolls that other places have. The names are also very funny such as the 'Hmmmm Roll' which did make me go "hmmmm!" It is now a usually spot for my friends and I who have also fallen in love with the place. P.S. You have to try the miso soup, mouth watering!
(5)German B.
This is by far the best sushi place in Miami. If you're looking for an authentic Sushi shop, this is as good as it gets. You will notice it as you walk into the store. Don't expect fancy furniture and exotic waitress, not at all, but that's part of its charm. The staff is very friendly and they know what they are doing. One of the best things (apart from the food of course) is the gentle shushi master prepping in front of eveyone, he's an amazing person and you will agree bu the end of your meal. Mu favorite dishes: salmon naruto, pink panther and moose roll. Pricewise, it's not cheap, but you will get ehat you pay for in freshness. Very clean and well served. Good job!!!
(5)Bill B.
I have been to this Sakura 5 or 6 times in the last year. And generally, I have had ok meals. Yes, "ok". But tonight it struck me that this place is in need of a good cleaning. And maybe, some new tables and chairs. And perhaps a restaurant management course for the staff. To wit: the floors, corners, bathroom mirror, faucets were borderline disgusting. The walls are worn and dirty from folks brushing up against corners. The mop, broom and dustpan were "stored" in the bathroom. And the Tuna Tataki was dry. Like, stick-to-the-roof-of-your-mouth dry. Now, the service was quite good. The waitstaff circulated with regularity and were very pleasant. But I hope the owners of Sakura take this review to heart and re-invest in this restaurant.
(2)Ting W.
-any rolls $14 or more. -California Roll: although did not have mayo, rice tasted stale like I was eating it a day after made. -Gyoza-yuck -Albacore Tuna Tataki-cold, not seared, just drenched in some sort of ponzu sauce -Spicy Tuna Roll- although the fis
(1)Michelle L.
I love Sakura... I think it offers some of the best affordable sushi in Miami. The Moose Roll is amazing. (I think this place offers some of the best rolls in Miami - tasty, big, full of fish.) Everything is super fresh.
(4)Teresa T.
Worst food I've had! Ordered a hand roll and the fish tasted bad. We then ordered a regular roll and it had VERY little fish. Beef Negimaki was drowning in oil. We tried to play it safe by ordering a combo fried rice next and it was mush! Shrimp was tiny canned shrimp and rice was swimming in oil and flavorless! THIS PLACE SUCKS!
(1)Cliff F.
After hunting a bit for a Thursday late-night bite, I settled on trying out Sakura. Nestled between two buildings on S. Dixie, Sakura is a small restaurant that produces some solid sushi. I'll admit--I'm a sucker for any sushi restaurant named "Sakura" because the first place I ever had sushi was at a "Sakura"...albeit, it was in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This has gotten me in to some culinary hot water before, but not this time. The interior is unassuming, and features the traditional light-wood counter accented with shoji screens. Sushi chefs announce your entrance with (what I'm assuming is) a Japanese greeting. The rolls were on the larger end and definitely what I would call creative. Their menu is extensive--but we only tried two rolls. The Moose Roll and the fried bagel roll...each was delicious and worth a try. Service was good, prices were reasonable, and parking was free. Matsuri is still my favorite sushi restaurant in Miami, but Sakura stands out in its own quirky, yet exceedingly comfortable way.
(4)Jordan N.
The sushi are just okay. They're thinly slice to make it look like there's more on the plate... at least that's how I feel. However, the udon bowls or noodle stews look amazing. I'll have to come back to try that.
(3)Tassos Z.
I go with my wife there once a week. The food and service have always been excellent. And for Miami standards I don't think you can find better value for your dollar when you want to eat sushi.
(5)