Saji-Ya is a pretty iconic place in Saint Paul, if you ask me. I've been coming here for at least 20 years now. That said, I hadn't been there in a while and was pretty disappointed last time I went. We ordered sushi, sashimi, and tempura to share for the table. The sashimi was fine - actually pretty good. The quality of the fish was about as good as you can expect living right smack dab in the middle of the continent. The rolls we ordered were California, Spider, Crunchy, #9, and Shrimp Tempura. With the exception of #9, none of them had raw fish (pregnant wife and all that). The flavors weren't bad, but I felt that the rolls weren't ROLLED very well. Even the California rolls fell apart as soon as you picked them up. Tempura was average - exactly what I expected. Make it worse than what I got, I'll be pretty mad. Make it better, and I'll be pretty impressed. What made me take away more than one star was the ambience. This place feels ... grimy, almost dirty. And for a Japanese restaurant - that is an absolute no-no. I can't tell you why - maybe it's the old ripped carpet, the poor lighting (which isn't romantic, just dim), or the plastic chairs. Or maybe every single other Japanese restaurant that I've even been to was TOO clean ... hmmmmm.
(3)
Matt W.
This is always a favorite for me. I have been coming here for years. I consider it the best sushi in the Twin Cities. Figure on $25 a plate including 2 drinks for one person. I average about 3 rolls for a meal, that's not too bad considering that sushi can get quite expensive in this city. My girlfriend an I usually escape with under a $60 bill with 5 rolls and an appetizer. Still, the sushi is always great, the menu always has something special, and the service is nice and attentive.
(5)
Justin S.
Decent Rolls Good Price Good Service Nothing amazing but if you want sushi for a reasonable price you get what you pay for
(3)
Ava C.
I wanted to rate this place 3-stars but they get 4 from me for one reason: Ahi Poke. I'm from Hawaii and I've been needing my fix of Poke (pronounced poh-kay; and is the Hawaiian equivalent of ceviche) and Saji-ya makes a decent bowl of it! It's pricey ($11.95) and served with shredded carrots and crushed macadamia nuts, but I'll be back for this, yay Double bonus for Saji-ya's location, only a 10-min walk from Mitchell, right on Grand Avenue, and ample dedicated parking. Their 1/2 off sushi menu at happy hour is also a very worthy reason to stop in and give this place a try - Also like the crunchy scallop roll. Worth every penny! - Not a fan of the California Roll
(4)
Ashley S.
I'm a California girl and LOOOOVE Sushi, so I'm super happy to find a nice sushi bar here in Minnesota. A little pricey, but seems about standard prices for Minnesota. The staff is super friendly and kept me company as I was dinning alone. They even remembered my bosses coming in the day before talking with them. My check total was around $38, I love their veggie rolls(appetizer) also had their Twister roll and one other that I can't remember the name. I was there during Happy Hour and had their happy hour white wine( yummy)$4.50 a glass nice :)
(4)
Vee V.
The food was just not good for the price they charge. The sushi at Cub Foods would have been more satisfying for me and my wallet...even though my friend treated. My friend and I ordered the Tonkatsu as an appetizer, pork chop breaded in panko with a sauce they call the Bulldog, which was a brown tangy sauce. The panko crust fell right off the pork, it's wasn't even clinging by any standard, shit just slid straight off. The pork was white and chewy. Sauce was too thick. I could have made it better at home. I went with a sushi combo, it came with 5 pieces of nigiri sushi with a tekka-kappa roll, miso soup and Saji-Ya house salad. Soup was mediocre, the salad dressing was like a bland thousand island and not memorable. The nigiri pieces were fine, but there was this weird tofu rice piece. It seriously looked like animal skin wrapped around rice. I can't believe I even tried a bite, it was super sweet and unappetizing. The decor screams "trying too hard." Seating was all black, we were in an area where we had to step up onto a platform but then down into a booth. Wasn't comfortable to get into or to sit at because there was too much space between the table and bench on both sides. Or server was super nice, our water was filled quickly, and she asked us if we needed anything frequently...it sort of came to a point when it was too much asking. I hate to complain about too much service, but even my friend after the 5th or 6th time she came by asked if it was rude that he was annoyed by it. Although I appreciate it, it just starts to interrupt the conversation at the table too often. I doubt I'd be back. Probably plenty of other places in the area to try.
(2)
Linda L.
This is also another best Japanese Restaurant I like in the Twin Cities! The Sushi is really fresh. I loved the atmosphere. Especially when they are real Japanese! I love their lunch Bento Boxes! Foods are always fresh and yummy! Been going there for over many many years!
(5)
Erin G.
I came here tonight with a friend and we split the dragon roll and the philly roll. Both were very good. I also had a martini with patron and some jalapeno. Overall very good, not over the top or anything but still very good. I'll come back.
(4)
Brent H.
I've been here twice now and both times it's exceeded my expectations. The food tastes amazing, the service is top notch and I love the beer selection. We didn't try the sushi, but I heard that was excellent too. I highly recommend this place to any and all my friends. You won't be disappointed!
(5)
Mike B.
This is a sushi only review. Rolls themselves were fine. But the prices was steep for the quantity and the selection of maki rolls wasn't all that expansive or diverse. Who knows, maybe I would have had better luck choosing other sushi preparations. Service on our lone visit was amusingly awful. Friendly enough, but painfully slow given the place was dead, with several botches. Not awful. Total meh place for me. I've had better experiences at Wakame and Bagu.
(2)
Alexander M.
I grew up coming to this restaurant, and because of that I never really knew how good it was. Whenever I go to a different place for Sushi I am just disappointed! The crunchy roll is a personal favorite
(5)
Amy A.
We are here last night and loves the food. Thought it was great although the portions are small and prices high but seems on par with other sushi restaurants in the Twin Cities.
(5)
Karyn P.
I love the happy hour menu. You just can't beat the price and the sushi is excellent. Service is always nice I tend to go early before they get busy.
(4)
Peter L.
Excellent Sushi! Great Service! We will be returning!
(4)
Ken W.
Great date night place! Love their sushi and the atmosphere and decor. Service is good too!
(4)
Matt G.
Great looking place in a great looking neighborhood. The outdoor patio looks very nice, too bad it was too cold to sit on when I was there. The sushi here was...different, but in a good way. The spicy salmon roll is my favorite, I get it wherever I go. I've never seen anyone put lettuce in it before but Saji did and it was very good, and very spicy. In fact we got three of the more spicy rolls on the happy hour menu and they all had great kick to them. The happy hour menu was great at went from 3-6. Great place to stop for sushi before a Wild game!
(4)
Patti K.
This is my go-to Japanese restaurant in Saint Paul when I don't feel like going downtown. It's solidly good Japanese food that will probably satisfy your Japanese friends. The menu has changed quite a bit since my first visit. They seem to have kept some of the more inventive bar food (e.g., wasabi chicken wings), but also broadened the authentic Japanese offerings to include more kinds of grilled fish (just like most Japanese people have on a regular basis). They also included a dash of Hawaiian food such as lomi lomi salmon and poke. I wanted Japanese comfort food, so I ordered grilled saba, rice and miso soup, and hijiki (black seaweed salad with tofu). My husband had the fried calamari. The calamari was exquisite, cooked just right and not rubbery. The two sauces were very good. One tasted like tonkatsu sauce (like a Japanese A1), and the other a spicy mayonnaise-based sauce. My saba was slightly dry and needed seasoning, but with soy sauce it was good. The hijiki was just like what I had in Japan. The miso soup was a bit salty, but in line with what you would find in some parts of Japan. And they did a fine job with the rice, too. I've enjoyed the lunch specials here. For about the same amount of money you might spend at a certain national chain yuppie fresh bread and salad place, you can get an authentic Japanese teishoku (set menu) lunch complete with entree, salad, vegetable, rice, and soup. The service was friendly and prompt. The music was a little clubby, and the Japanese lamp-style decor reminds me of Japanese street stalls. They managed to convey the feel of a Tokyo street without actually hauling in too much from Japan or trying to be too authentic. You can get sushi at any number of places, but real Japanese food is harder to find. Skip the sushi and try real Japanese food here.
(4)
Tim R.
The sashimi and nigri portion sizes are generous. The ambiance is nice. The waiter we had was dense and my order, a cooked mackerel dish, was taking so long that I told them to cancel the order and just run my credit card. The dense waiter tried to charge me for mackerel dish. Wow. Time to hire some new waiters.
(2)
Jennifer S.
Light on time and desiring a lighter dinner prior to going to a classical guitar concert, this place fit the bill. Lucky for us, we were pulling into the parking lot just as another driver was about to back out of their parking space. Score! We were promptly escorted through a sea of busy tables to sit at the sushi bar. A server took our other-than-sushi order, and then we waited a bit to request our choice delicacies from the sushi chef closest to us. The spicy tuna rolls, and the eel roll were all good, and the various sashimi were fresh and tasty. The enoki mushroom appetizer we selected was also nice.
(3)
John C.
In for a quick eat n drink during Happy Hour on Saturday. I had the Spicy Scallops and a few Sapporo's out on the patio. The Scallops were delicious and the beers ice cold and tall. The waiter Luther was quick, friendly and attentive. I do wish they had WiFi and there was a slight CC issue that was taken care of but I will defiantly be back.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
We landlocked Twin Citians have a good number of sushi joints to choose from and I consider this a "middle of the pack" place. It's a neighborhood joint, which is fantastic, if you just want to run in and sit at the bar for a quick drink before a show or after a busy day. No fancy reservations or feeling like you are under dressed. I generally come for the happy hour, which is conveniently timed even on weekends (4-6pm). The flavors are dependable and comforting (California, scallop, spicy tuna) at prices I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. The appetizers (dumplings, edamame) are fresh and filling. Stay away from the dynamite rolls. They taste like "pet be gone" (you know that stuff you put on your cat's paws to prevent them from licking) on rice. Was there even fish in there, dude? But I'll be back. When I've got the craving, Saji Ya gives me what I need.
(3)
Gaile S.
This is my favorite Sushi restaurant. The rolls are always fresh and the drinks are strong. Sit at the sushi bar and order from Manny. He is the best! He will make you unique rolls, with the freshest sushi! I am not sure what the other poor reviews are about, but my experience here is constantly fabulous. The customer service, food, drinks and atmosphere all get 5 stars!
(5)
Stephanie O.
Some of the best sushi around, whether it's Tuesday in the heart of happy hour (4-6pm), or Saturday night at 8pm. Their food is always fresh, and I love their egg drop soup! I usually get their spicy salmon, crunchy scallop, or the dynamite rolls, and they NEVER disappoint! The staff is friendly (even when I seem to eat ALL their ginger).
(4)
Amy R.
Sometimes being a fan of a place is more about the food and atmosphere, although I do really like the atmosphere here. This place is all about the memory. One of my best friends and I ate here and had one of the best times ever. Lots of laughs at my expense. I had ordered one of their salads which had avocado which I was very excited about. Love huge chunks of fresh avocado. Not paying too much attention and diving into my salad, I harpooned one of the green chunks that happened to be one big ass pile of wasabi. I know the two look nothing like each other, but when you're lost in good conversation nothing else matters sometimes. I spent a fair amount of time in the bathroom trying to get my eyes back to their normal color and blowing my nose in hopes to rid the intense sting from the wasabi. Shiat! I have had wasabi, but never in a big chunk. The sushi we shared was alright, but somehow didn't hit the spot. Charming atmosphere, friendly service and good memories for the most part.
(4)
Mr M.
Overpriced, not good, quality poor. After ordering a usual 3 course meal, appetizers, entree, and desert, my individual cost came out to be well over $70. The bill came in over $350 for my entire group. PORTIONS were small. Appetizers are not ideal for sharing. All entrees are mediocre. The sushi is contemporary. I ordered several rolls including the restaurants signature rolls and they were buffet quality, such that you would find at Great Moon or Hibachi Buffet. Total disappointment. For the money you would spend here, YOU ARE BETTER OFF GOING TO KYOTO, OR AKITA. Sushi there is way better!! $25 per person all you can eat. The only good thing about this place is the sake.
(2)
Dani H.
The happy hour here has great prices! It was unfortunate that I wasn't super hungry since their meals looked superb. I'd highly suggest the seaweed salad and miso are delicious. Their sushi is incredibly fresh tasting. I'm huge on service and theirs was great. Our server was busy when I arrived so I was greeted quickly by another asking for a drink order. The prices were quite good regardless if it was happy hour or not. The location is a big plus with some very nice shopping nearby. I would highly recommend a visit.
(4)
Jen S.
I'm surprised the reviews for this place are so low. I've been here a handful of times recently and I love this place! I haven't tried anything other than the sushi, so I can't speak for the rest of the menu, but the sushi is really good and service has always been perfect ( we always sit at the sushi bar). Check this place out, pick out a couple rolls and ask the sushi chef to make one of his choice. You won't be disappointed. Yum.
(5)
Kristi C.
My tour of sushi in the cities continues. An improvement in the sushi over recent experiences. Our server Victoria was sweet, efficient and friendly, would give an extra half star just for her great service. The decor mixes modern and traditional touches, and they offer a couple of patio options as well. The surprise of the evening was the perfectly chocolate-y and most chocolate layer cake! Message me your suggestions for my next review!
(3)
Jim C.
A bit conflicted writing this review. I've eaten at Saji-Ya many times over the years. I love the atmosphere and the service is uniformly good and they have a great happy hour. Unfortunately, the food was quite mediocre during our visit last week. I love miso soup, but Saji-Ya's seems a bit saltier and earthier tasting than most other restaurants. My wife ordered the "Okisuki" which is described as a variety of seafood and vegetables in a lightly seasoned broth. Sounds okay, but "lightly seasoned" equated to "truly bland," driven by the most prominent vegetable in the soup--boiled cabbage. I had the Sushi Imperial--a chef's choice of nigiri and maki sushi. The presentation was nice, but the sushi was unremarkable. All the pieces of nigiri were grouped closely together, each separated from the other by a thin slice of lemon. Unfortunately, the lemon was absorbed into fish, overpowering the subtle flavors one typically enjoys. Our waiter, Gabe was great and the team of hydration specialists kept our water glasses topped off with amazing regularity, but unfortunately, I'm going to say, "sayonara" to Saji-Ya and seek sushi satisfaction elsewhere in the future.
(2)
Sunn K.
Been coming here since I was about 10 yrs old! The place has changed quite a bit but the quality of food has NOT. My all time faves that you have to try and will not be dissapointed! I know you'll come back and thank me!!! 1. onion lollipop 2. steak rib eye kabob 3. spicy octopus salad (off the menu but request for it) 4. green tea ice cream (I've had plenty of brands of this but theirs is the best)
(5)
Paul L.
Always the best fish and service. If you know the difference between the best and the mediocre, you should come here. We have been customers for 17 years since moving from NY.
(5)
Jon F.
Fantastic spicy tuna and crunchy roll. Chicken tempura was a smash hit with the kids. Bento boxes were fabulous - steak and shrimp were tasty. Great service from Becky and Pat!
(5)
Milly M.
Saji Blah... service is good though.
(3)
Max S.
High prices, C-grade sushi, small portions, and slow service. Recommend anywhere else.
(1)
David J.
Let me preface this and say, "Yes I am a SF sushi snob." Then let me say, "There are good places to find sushi in MN, like Fuji Ya, Origami or Azia." The fish is not fresh. The prices aren't reflective of the quality of fish. Basically, you're paying for a sushi restaurant on Grand Ave, and the prices are reflective of Grand Ave.
(2)
Angeli H.
Love this place. The food is fantastic and the prices are decent. The ambiance is wonderful - try the patio if it's nice outside. The service isn't always the absolute best, but it's worth it for the prices.
(5)
George N.
This was our staple sushi bar for a couple of years, but too many poor experiences had us remove it from our list. The fish is usually good to great, but we've asked the staff questions that were poorly responded too many times. The last three times we went to Saji Ya in ascending order. #1 we took the family out for my birthday and decided to do Teppenyaki, we sat down with the family and ordered some sushi appetizers. The chef came out and started asking us to cook our Teppan food and when we inquired about the appetizers we're told they would be coming, but we ordered them as appetizers. I told the waitress to cancel them, since we were going to eat dinner and had not received. She indicated that she could not and at that point I asked for the manager. When I was explaining to the MOD what had occurred, our server actually busted in and told him I was lying. Enough said, we left, and never came back for Teppan, but came back a couple of additional times for sushi. #2 we stopped in with my parents and ordered a large plate of sashimi, without rice. When it came out it was nigiri, with rice. When we stopped the server, she indicated that we could eat the nigiri and still get our sashimi. Not wanting to waste, we said alright, and asked for ponzu (lemon flavored soy souce). The ponzu that came back was habanero-flavored and when we indicated that it was flaming, our server told us that was the way they make it. Enough said again, although we had been there several dozen times before without the flame-o-gram ponzu. #3 Last chance. My wife and I came in before we were going to hit the theater. My soulmate is none to fond of hot or rubbery items, so we outlined doing Omakase, essentially "you pick" but indicated nothing too spicy or too chewy. What came out was a stream of hot and chewy entrees, including what I would assume was the head chef Manny's rendition of the Flaming Octo-moe. Alright then. We'd had hit or miss at any place we've been to multiple times, but being a fairly regular patron, getting three strikes in a row, and you're out of here.
(2)
Virginia M.
i love this place. their sushi is really good. i love the outdoor patio too.
(5)
Brandon P.
For what it is (sushi in Minnesota), it's not bad. Any sushi here is going to be overpriced what with us being landlocked in the land of 10,000 frozen lakes. We just went there this past Monday (not busy) and it took FOREVER to get even our miso soup and salad. I understand if a restaurant is busy on a Friday but this was a Monday. We did get free edamame but not much of an explanation as to why it took almost an hour to get pre-made soup and salad. Overall, the service was fine but for the price I would probably go elsewhere even though I live a block away.
(3)
Adam W.
I'm still pleased with Mr. Saji. Our visit on Friday found the place slammed--every table occupied. The salmon sashimi was fresh and smooth like butter. The yellowtail: amazing. If you don't want to lay out for the full raw fish experience, check out their happy hour. Great prices on taps and selected sushi. The only sadness here is the parking situation. The useless lot next to the restaurant is even more useless now that it is clogged by Dixie's valet service.
(4)
S W.
Sometimes I don't get the hate, as much as sometimes I don't get the love. Saji-Ya is a great summer break. I like Saji-ya. Before there were many many options, it's where the Japanese nationals I knew would steal away to for food, and I can see why, the menu has some good comfort food options. The sushi is OK, I don't delve too heavily into that part of the menu - it does the job. I agree with the assholes who rain on the parade saying you're not going to get GREAT sushi anywhere in MSP and that's that. ...But the non-sushi offerings are pretty freaking awesome and extensive. I like the small plate and fish options, from the Kinpira Gobo to the Jack Mackerel, Kama, smelt...hell, there's three different kinds of mackerel alone, all grilled, all excellent. The grilling is pretty heavy, it's true, but it's been like that in almost all of the dive-y noodle counter/ sushi counter Japanese-comfort-food places I've loved in many a state (like the sorely missed Katsu sushi.) Atsu Age, Age Dashi and Goma Ae are all pretty decent also. Pork Katsu app in ginger sauce is OK. It's not Obento-ya, but the patio puts this place into the four star experience realm. You can have a fine and very low-carb feast for reasonable prices. If you like fish and you like it cooked, you are in for a treat. I think my totem animal is an albatross, because I can pretty much eat my body weight in herring, so I realize I'm not exactly the average person. I've always had very very friendly service here, and I love the patio if you can get there when it's not insanely crowded.
(4)
Mon P.
I've been there a couple of times, and have only had so-so experience with the food. I decided to take my mom here because we wanted to try their traditional menu. We ordered grilled enoki mushroom, hamachi kama, salmon skin salad, and agedashi tofu. The best thing that we had were probably the complimentary edamame, hot tea and agedashi tofu. Everything else was below average. The worst dish would be hamachi kama. It was so burnt on the outside that the fish had an incredibly bitter tasting. Ive never been to Japan so I dont really know if traditional grilled fish is supposed to be all burnt. My mom has visited Japan numerous times, and she's never experienced all burnt grilled fish there. The salmon skin salad was ok. The veggie and dressing were good, but again the salmon skin was incredibly burnt and incredibly bitter, and that completely ruined the dish. The grilled mushroom was so-so. I think I'm pretty much done with Saji Ya. I wont return.
(2)
Jill R.
I ate here for "Dine out for Life" and enjoyed every minute of it. It was my first time here, and came with friends in the mood for sushi. The waiter was very helpful with explaining which of items on the menu were going to come served which way, and which would be the best for sharing. We tried about 7 different kinds of sushi and loved each of them. I'll continue to go back again and again!
(5)
Julian M.
Met up with our good friend Dan here tonight. We are used to seeing Sushi spots every where in Vegas, but have been looking for one here in Minneapolis. Dan picked the place out and it turned out to be a great Sushi place. We are not very familiar with St. Paul at all, so we were glad Dan knew where to go. Atmosphere is classy, modern and trendy. The booth we sat in was pretty cool because you had to actually step down to sit in it. Waiter and staff were great as well as the food. We all had some sort of roll with two apps. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Linda H.
I remember this place in the late 80's when it was alot smaller and just a place that shared the same building as Dixie's. I never went here until about a year ago and only now feel like I can fairly write a review since i have experienced both the regular dining room as well as the teppanyaki tables. Both times coming here we had some sort of coupon or certificate and I can say that neither time did the waitress treat us differently because of it. I think its probably because, even though we did have 40 dollar restaurant.com certs, we still had a pretty big bill in the end. This is not a place to go if you are counting pennies. The sushi was pretty good, I really can't remember what we had but it was good. Our most recent visit was up in the teppanyaki area and I can say that the Chef who performed at our table was one of the best chefs I have ever had at any teppanyaki restaurant. He was personable, funny, and very talented. The quality of the food cooked at our table was far superior to that of Benihana or Osaka. The shrimp were much bigger, they had more of a variety of grilled veggies, and the soup was better. The drinks were very overpriced and not so good. I will definitely come back here but will drink water or some refillable drink next time to save some money. I would rate this higher had the waitress not given us a dirty look when we left because we only added an additional 5 dollars on to her already calculated in tip of over 20 dollars, giving her a tip of almost 30 dollars on a bill of around 80 to 90 dollars. Since when is over 25% not enough of a tip? FYI-This looks like a fun place to bring someone on their birthday as they bring the birthday person a large piece of chocolate cake with a candle that is like a giant firecracker, its really pretty.
(3)
Peter M.
Someone wrote a review which said, "don't come for the food, find the experience". Sorry, but I've been there, it is an attractive decor, but the food is the first reason to go. From the sushi to the tendon, they fulfill the expectations that any fan would have. Make the effort for a relaxing dinner and the opportunity to connect to your date.
(4)
Qaiser B.
I am not a big fan of sushi and I do not drink alcohol, that said Saji-Ya has been a nice place to hang out with some of my friends, I tried the shrimp tempura roll which was fine. it has sort of a lounge set up close to the bar which makes it a little informal and easy to hang out with friends. The stools in that area will give you a slight backache if you keep sitting on them for a long time. So try to grab the seats next to the wall. Trust me you would appreciate my advice on this one. Also the servers are very pleasant which makes the dining\hanging out experience even better. I loved the pineapple juice there :-)
(3)
Gary B.
I cashed in a gift card from a customer last night and took my wife and step daughter out to dinner. It was a mixed bag. The sushi, as always, was fabulous. However... My wife, not a big sushi eater, ordered the special sea bass "cooked in foil" that was new on the menu. When it came it was one of the poorest excuses for a meal in a high-end restaurant I've seen in a long time. It was presented IN the foil (think Boy Scout cook-it-in-the-foil campfire cooking and you have the idea), grossly over cooked and a very unappetizing color. For the first time in her life, The Dot sent food back (though it took some convincing...she's a Minnesotan, dontcha know?). The manager came over and "made it right". Dorothy's got the salmon steak as a replacement. I learned this morning that it was pretty dry (I had given a 4-star review... but I've just downgraded it to a 3-star after hearing that.). So... mixed bag. Saji Ya should NEVER have served that bass. Even perfectly cooked the presentation was miserable. I expected more from them. However, they, without question, made things all better. I've been eating at Saji Ya for ages, and this is the FIRST time I've ever seen a bad meal there. I'm pretty sure that at the end of service that night there were some serious discussions in the kitchen.
(3)
Andrew P.
We had a nice, quiet evening there tonight. Good sushi and the service was great - you hardly knew they were there yet you did not seem to wait.
(4)
Carey G.
I went there last night with a date for a last minute bite to eat. Although we did arrive at 9:30pm and were informed they closed at 10:00pm, I do not think it called for the hostess to start stacking the chairs loudly in the other room while giving us grim looks. I have been in the industry before and understand that last minute customers suck, but I am still paying a sufficient amount for mediocre sushi/sashimi. Tiger Roll -The best of the bunch, but certainly very bland. I should have expected that they do not work with soft shell crab much up here Tai -It was alright, but seemed strange Hamachi -Definitely the worst I have ever had! Albacore Didn't taste that fresh If I were to compare with Uptown Sushi in Houston, this would be like putting McDonald's versus Beck's Prime. I gave you a change Saji-Ya, but you will not earn my business again...
Overpriced and poor service. We always go out for sushi and have been a few places around town. We have never paid more for such meager portions. The seaweed salad was by far the smallest and most boring in memory. If the waitress loosing our order was not enough, the $130 bill for 2 people w/ a pair of drinks topped off a horrible evening. So much for celebrating a special event at Saji-Ya. Will not be returning.
(1)
Emmy L.
Usually I get really good service when I grab lunch from here. Sushi is good, a little over priced but good. The server/host however was working the bar and drinkin with his customers. Left with only soy sauce packets and sushi. Where's my napkin & chopsticks!
(3)
Austin L.
My two visits have been mixed. Reviewed individually, one visit was a 2 star, the other 3. My first visit I took my mom to lunch for her first sushi experience. I wish I would've picked another sushi restaurant. We ordered a Ginger Broccoli "small plate". Well, it certainly was small. We received about $0.50 of sadly steamed broccoli with a watery brown sauce on it, somewhat reminiscent of ginger. Our Unagi was the oddest shaped unagi I've ever seen, the pieces were cut in long, thin triangles and had sharp edges. The order of Hamachi was of reasonable size, but I left one on the plate, I thought signifying something was wrong with it, but our server (who was generally otherwise attentive and friendly) didn't ask about it. My second trip was with a friend, largely on the back of a deal certificate we had. We split a sushi dinner plate, I forget which one, and maybe a few other items. It was much better than my first visit, which I mentioned to my friend a couple times. This visit was the make or break, I wasn't coming back a third time after a second bad experience. The sushi wasn't quite up to par vs. a Midori's or Fuji-Ya, but for the price (even if it wasn't a deal), it was solid. Again, our service was attentive and friendly. The cheap plastic furniture is a bit off putting. Parking is pretty decent for Grand Ave. Saji-Ya just lacks a hook, whether it be crazy specialties, drinks, or ambience, it's just a step behind. Next visit I'll try to sit at the sushi bar, I always have better luck at the bar...
(3)
Scott D.
Good food, overpriced. It's difficult to justify $20-30 per person for patio seating that overlooks a parking lot and an entree served in a compartmentalized tray. While I'm happy Saji Ya decided to include traditional Bento Boxes on its menu, there's no reason to charge $20 for rice, half a chicken breast, and a marshmallow dessert. As an cheaper alternative, try any of the numerous take-out restaurants that serve more substantial Bento Boxes for a third the price. My recommendation: stick to the sushi, dine inside, and expect a typical casual evening out for twice the cost of other nearby hot-spots. On a final and positive note, our server was excellent - not overbearing, knowledgeable, friendly, and prompt with our orders!
(3)
Alison T.
Great sushi here! Given the gorgeous weather last night, we really enjoyed the 2nd floor patio for happy hour and dinner. Service was slow at times, but the vegetable tempura was delish and all of our sushi selections were very well prepared. Loved the wonderful hotate (scallop) nigiri sushi and the Manny Roll. The Lychee martini and Drunken Mind Sake were perfect summertime cocktails. We preferred the overall atmosphere here compared to Fuji Ya in downtown St. Paul, plus parking is much easier with a private lot shared with Dixie's. This is now my favorite sushi destination.
(4)
Valerie H.
We ventured over to Saji-Ya for a friend's birthday last night, a little concerned about the mixed bag of yelp reviews. Luckily we didn't encounter any problems during our visit! The staff was accommodating to our large party -it seemed like everyone else at the restaurant was also celebrating a birthday, so they were prepared for groups.) Checks were split without hassle and our food came out pretty quickly. I'm not a huge sushi fan, so the boyfriend and I ordered a few things to split- the steak skewers were good, but I'd pass on the onion lollipops if I were to return. Imagine an onion ring on stick...minus the hole. Pure onion breaded and fried. Pack some gum because you'll need it after eating one of these! The boyfriend ordered the Saji-Ya, which was "just ok". My crab and shrimp sushi pieces were fine, not too much you can screw up with that. The sushi was reasonably priced, but the appetizers seemed kind of expensive for the portion. Would I come back? Maybe, if I'm in the area. I'm curious about the teppanyaki tables on the second floor.
(3)
Crysta M.
The sushi was fantastic! We got the chef's choice platter, perfect amount for sharing and a great variety of fish. Our server was was attentive without being annoying, the SA was a little too obsessed with keeping our water glasses full but he was fairly unobtrusive about it. Word to the wise, if you're wearing a skirt and heels you may want to avoid the sunken booths. They look amazing and I love the idea, but practically not so great. It was almost impossible to enter gracefully (to be fair, being graceful in heels is frequently difficult for me) and stepping out without giving the sushi chefs at the bar a show was a bit of a challenge as well.
(5)
Amanda L.
This is the spot to go if you want to see ignorant senior citizens bully disabled customers and their families. This situation will be promptly handled by their uninformed, unorganized staff by you guessed it, tossing the disabled party out into the street during a public street festival while the cane dependant patrons ride remains inside . So yeah, you can get a good roll anywhere, but when you absolutely, positively have to be treated like worthless garbage this little dump is the place to be.
(1)
Nora G.
Haven't been in to dine in quite some time. I visit MN once a year, and as a former employee, I like to come back to see what's new. Since it has been over 12 years since I was living in MN, Saji-ya received a beautiful facelift and the atmosphere became very inviting. I love the new sushi bar, and the cocktail area looks like a nice place to grab a drink and catch up with a friend. Pricey, yet delicious. I loved the smelt small plate and the tuna tartare. It is one of my favorites. I also love the dynamite roll--but I forgot to order it extra spicy-- habanero is hot, but I like a little extra kick than the average Minnesotan. I will be back, even though I don't know anyone anymore.
(4)
Kim P.
I went to Saji-Ya yesterday with some friends, largely due to the fact that we wanted to eat outside and the restaurant has decent patio dining. I initially felt excited because the place was moderately busy and our server was very adept and prompt with our orders. For drinks, I ordered a raspberry kiss (Prosecco, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur) which was delicious and one of my friends ordered a pina colada (too sweet). The food....left something to be desired. We ordered veggie tempura, a vegetable/beef hotpot (sorry, don't remember the exact name), and Cali rolls. None of it was bad, per se but nothing left me craving more either. The tempura had a decent crust but the whole dish was haphazard in terms of execution, presentation, and the vegetables chosen for the dish. The hotpot was a giant portion;everything in it was good except the beef which was stringy and a bit chewy-gristly. When I end up paying $30+ for my meal, I'd prefer the food to be so good that you want to surreptitiously lick your plate so the overall value of the food you get versus the price you pay is an epic fail. Service: A Drinks: B+ Atmosphere: B Food: C-
(2)
Alyse B.
Went here for the second time for their happy hour which was pretty weak in the sushi department.. Only a $1 off a few of their least expensive rolls. I got the seaweed salad as well which was literally only 3 bites in a tiny bowl about the size of a soy sauce dish. Service was pretty decent, but I will not be back.
(2)
John A.
Saji Ya's is one of the better Sushi places in town based on the Sushi itself and though the interior has changed a few years ago (I liked it better before, the new chairs are painful) it is still a nice place to eat. The food and drinks are expensive but as stated above, the food is pretty good. (Almost worth the cost) The service has been up and down over the years and is a crap shoot each time we go weather the wait staff will have a sense of humor or the ability to check back often on their customers but we have had some good ones in the past. In the end I would say give it a shot if you have a few extra bucks to spend. (Try the number 9) but if you can't afford the cost, go to Osaka's or Akita's for a cheeper price. (But also a cheeper product, but still pretty darn tasty)
(3)
Alan B.
My wife and I enjoyed a very nice dinner here in February 2013. The service was very good. We had the salmon sushi, a spicy tuna roll, some other rolls, and the sukiyaki. All were very good. We recommend Saji-Ya.
(4)
Thai L.
awesome happy hour! food is pretty good, typical american-washed-japanese cuisine. sushi isn't the best or freshest. but try the small plates, they're usually a pretty good bet. The drinks are also pretty good. Its on Grand Ave, so you know the prices are inflated a bit. and also brings in an older white crowd. We were there recently with a group of mid-20s Asians and were probably a bit too loud for the restaurant, but the manager came by and joked around with us, so that was cool. and i think the owners are actually Japanese, which is a rare thing in the Midwest.
(4)
Gilbert A.
Saji-ya was my first introduction to Japanese food (of any kind) in the Midwest. I had been driving aimlessly through St. Paul my second week after relocating from Hawai'i, and stumbled across Saji-ya almost by accident. Lost, without map, and on the brink of starvation, washoku (Japanese food) seemed like a reassuring comfort to this Hawaiian guy. My waitress at Saji-ya was a blond with blue eyes...Scandinavian, I thought. This struck me as peculiarly odd: In Hawai'i, the same place would be staffed by issei, nisei or sansei, all of them fluent or proficient in Japanese. But in acceptance of my chosen Midwestern path, I knew I needed to shrug this minor disturbance off. Besides, I was hungry. She turned out to be a charming server, a student at the U of M who had taken the job as a way of preparing for a year-long stint of English language instruction in Japan. Upon reviewing the menu, I was immediately baffled by Saji-ya's prices. With five dollars, one could get two full rolls of sushi at dozens of fast food sushi joints in Hawai'i. Here, that would've given me half a roll. I felt short changed. Yet again, I reminded myself that I was now in the Midwest, and needed to adapt. They have to ship this stuff thousands of miles, right? [Actually, this is historical revisionism at work. I would never have explored restaurant economics at the time. Yes...I was really pissed]. So there I was, a broke (but famished) college student who had just spent $300 on textbooks that would be conveniently outdated by the end of the quarter. I briefly contemplated dashing for the exit, but felt that would've signified a defeat of my working class, Asian upbringing. And so I did what any college student would do in this situation: I went broke. Using my friend Visa, I ordered all manner of sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki and a few other side dishes. I noticed a few vegetarian options, but stayed away from them (this is a sushi restaurant, after all). Though pleased overall, there was a lack of consistency with my selections. I was less impressed with the nigirizushi (my favorite kind), and consequently, attended more to the better-prepared makizushi. An hour later I was Thanksgiving Day-full, and ready to sleep. Sensing a slight irritation from my server (she wanted to close her table), I ended with a few sips of sake before leaving. Buzzed and overly satiated, I must've looked like a not-as-smart-as-I-think-I-am Macalaster student as I paid for my $65 bill and stumbled out the door.
(3)
Colin C.
This place is awesome because their happy hour is awesome. $2 16-oz tap beers from 5 - 7 p.m. Toss in some sushi and sake for discounted prices and your probably taking a cab home. Service in the bar area is fast and friendly too. Great happy hour establishment.
(4)
Michael N.
I ate quite a bit of sushi in California and in Asia - was craving some so thought I'd try Saji-Ya. Nothing special here. I'd probably try a few other places before coming back here.
(2)
Michael P.
I would love to give this place a better review because it is so close to where I live but I can't. For what you're paying for sushi, you don't get much back. The sushi is subpar and not really satisfying. There were 4 of us and we each ordered a roll, and split them. We also got some edamame. The edamame decent but it lacked the typical flair that I'm used to, it was very much lacking something, maybe it was just a little over steamed? Also the sushi wasn't that fresh, and some of the rolls were not what I was expecting at all. They weren't wrapped the same way I am normally accustomed to, some were not wrapped in seaweed paper as normal but in a rice paper wrap or something else, that might just be me though. But over all the sushi lacked flavor and didn't have the normal sushi pizazz that I love.
(2)
Rhonda G.
I was getting a craving for a sushi roll, and wanted to not really leave the neighborhood. I am such a fan of Dixie's that I just don't tend to bother coming here. I don't know how to add split hours, but they are open M-S 11:30-2:30 for lunch. I think it's cool how there are various types of seating, such as the couch, an upper patio, and the interior has a lot of black. So it covers various moods. We started with some fried calamari, I suppose we were expecting more of a tempura batter. It wasn't bad, but the way they do it you can't help but compare it to the Greeks, who have it down.The dipping sauce was very strong. I got a very small side salad, which totally satisfies my iceberg lettuce lovin' taste topped with a thousand island style dressing. I had the twisted sushi roll, twisted in 2 types of fish, stuffed with cucumber, rice, and cream cheese. It all tasted fresh, and I was plenty full. I don't know if many people "travel" to Grand Ave., but it's a nice staple here. It's true about the prices, not cheap eats, but worth a shot if you happen to be around.
(4)
Sarah K.
I don't know if I can objectivity rate the sushi at this place considering all other sushi eating experiences i have had have been on the west coast so need I say more......I have been spoiled from the get go and as a result my standards have been set pretty high!!! Comparing sushi in San Fan to a place on Grand Ave. seems simply unfair. I would compare the rolls at this place to the same rolls I have bought at Kowalski's. Would I go back?-probably not, but I gave this place a try. The whole dining experience from the wine, to the ambiance, to the sushi, to the service was just ehhhhh. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there are much better sushi places to eat in St. Paul, as well as other places in the cities.
(2)
Cortney G.
Saji Ya is one of my favorite restaurants on Grand Avenue. I love the layout, love the food, love the staff. The edamame (basically the nachos of a sushi bar) is always perfectly steamed and their rolls are spot-on. The sashimi is good (I've had better, but it's definitely better than decent), the staff is always prompt and super nice, everyone has suggestions if you can't decide what to get. Plus, they're not enormously overpriced like some other sushi spots in the TC. This girl is definitely a fan.
(4)
Laura H.
It was decent. The interior was crappy, they need to replace their horrid carpet and the whole place would look much better. For being such an iconic place on gand ave, I was unimpressed. Happy hour prices were okay, but they make you sit at an awkwardly low table leaving major space for soy sauce spills. You basically sitting on your neighbors laps and it's hard to even concentrate on your date when the loud drunken business men over take the lounge area. I would take sushi tango over fall dining at saji-ya any day - and that's not saying much. I'd say their strength is having an outdoor patio, something most sushi places lack. However the crab shell in my Cali roll was the last straw. Nearly broke a tooth! Service was slow and unwelcoming, which is disappointing for Minnesota, nice is what were known for!
(2)
Rob G.
The food is not bad. It's definitely not very authentic and a little pricey for the quality. The sushi is good but recommend going for late night happy hour for the best deal. Not a very good selection of drinks. It would be nice to see more selection.
(3)
Amanda P.
Good sushi and special rolls. The fish is always fresh, and the appetizers are excellent especially the gyoza and fried corn patties (can't remember the name of them). For sure go to the happy hour, $2 taps including all japanese and summit beers. Definitely a deal. I like the atmosphere as well, quiet and a nice lounge area with couches and tables that you can eat at.
(4)
Rob R.
Very overpriced for average quality rolls. Nagiri better sized for cost. Separation from Dixies makes you think the Zydeco music is in with you. Service not very quick, but knowledgeable. Price ended a second visit.
(3)
Jennifer W.
Sooo bummed because I can walk to this place and it would be so perfect if it was good, but it's below average. My suggestion is to go during happy hour if you are going to go, however I still feel it is overpriced for the quality of food.
(2)
Mai L.
I don't think people in the Midwest take me seriously when they hear me say, "I take my sushi seriously" because it seems the sentence that almost always follows is, "Oh, I know of a great sushi restaurant." Sometimes just before they finish I scoff like a socialite and spit," No. Really. I'm not interested." I mean come on this is the Midwest their most notable restaurant, Aquavit went out of business. I'm going to quote Forrest, "And that's all I have to say about that.." Oh yeah the review. It's unfair of me to review this place. So here I'll try to set my personal distate aside and say, I think you can say their sushi is good only if you've never had better.
(1)
Scott M.
I've had acceptable sushi at Saji-Ya but there are better restaurants for sushi in the Twin Cities. A frequent complaint of mine with Saji-Ya is the terrible service we would receive at the sushi bar. Our server would deliver one drink order and then forget about us for the rest of the night. On several occasions, I resorted to getting up, walking over to the bar, ordering drinks from the bartender. I finally stopped dining at Saji-Ya after our sushi chef served us spoiled fish. I was dumbfounded that he would do that since he was a friend of one of our guests and he recognized my wife and I as frequent guests. My only conclusion was that he did not know what he was doing. For those who like teppanyaki, Saji-Ya has several teppanyaki tables. I've had good food and service at those on the two occasions I have had teppanyaki.
(2)
A. T.
When I was up in Minnesota over the summer to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousin, they took me here, knowing that my cousin and I love Japanese food. To begin with, the server I had was excellent. (Don't know her name, but all I remember is that she had a tattoo of some song lyric/poem on her arm.) She would always check in on us, and was always ready to get us refills. She also knew the menu very well. The wait time for the food was about 20-30 minutes, but when I went there, it was very crowded, so that's probably why. All of our meals were excellent--my eel, shrimp tempura, and avocado maki sushi (called the Dragon, under the maki sushi section) was absolutely excellent and fresh, my aunt's chicken teriyaki and my cousin's tempura were pretty good. The soy and ginger sauces and wasabi were also very good. And, according to my uncle, so was the sake. It was a little bit pricey, but was worth it. An excellent place that I cannot wait to come back to when I visit Minnesota again.
(4)
Natalie C.
(Keep in mind I'm an optomistic person.) I'd say more 2.5 instead of 3. This place was ok. The sushi was better than northern MN grocery store sushi, but it's a disappointment compared good sushi. Especially for the price. It was twice as much and half the amount as the sushi I at a few days ago, and not as good. What made my experience good was the atmosphere. We sat on the balcony on a nice spring day. The inside of the place looked pretty cool. So... don't come to the resturant for the food.
(3)
Kristi G.
Although it is a little pricey for some of the typical rolls that you can get, it more than makes up for that with the really relaxing, almost therapeutic atmosphere. Very elegant, but not off-putting if you come in wearing jeans. The selection is realyl nice, and if you happen to be with someone who isn't into sushi, there are loads of other options as well. Try the sushi bar, and you can get really great, made-to-order sushi, all from well-trained, and very friendly chefs. The head chef himself is wonderful, so having samples from him is a real treat. The tea is superb and the saki selection is very nice, and well-priced. They even have their own parking, which is a real plus in that area.
(4)
Josh O.
I'd say this place is pretty decent Japanese. We went for lunch, and I got the sashimi lunch combo. It was good, though I only got six pieces of fish for $10 which strikes me as a bit pricey. The miso soup was pretty good though. I don't know when I'll eve be back for lunch again, but I'd try the curry next tie (I love Japanese curry).
(3)
Amy C.
I agree with Mai ... you would only say the sushi at Saji-ya is good if you've never had any better. I lived in Japan and San Diego, and have spent time in San Francisco and New York ... not to mention LA and other Metropolian (and coastal) cities. I've had AWESOME sushi. This sushi is only acceptable if nothing else is available. That being said, I currently live in St. Paul, MN so not much else IS available. I give this place two stars because it's at least a lively atmosphere and the drinks are nummy. The Pometini is tasty tasty! They have two small teppan tables upstairs and the service has always been good when I've visited. I can't really recall what sushi I ordered because it was so ordinary. But I will say it wasn't gross, and I've had gross sushi, even in California. Sometimes the parking situation is annoying. They share a lot with Dixies, so it fills up fast and then you are stuck trying to park on Grand Ave. or side streets. Could be worse. There is a small bar area with little tables and a bar where you can sit. They will let you order sushi there, which is nice.
(2)
Boone D.
I've been to this place quite a few times. The regular service is above average. I've never left less than a 15% tip for them. However, I've taken to sitting at the sushi counter when I come alone because the sushi chefs there are great. They are chatty, friendly, and knowledgable. I've tried new things because of them (sometimes for free), and they are very happy to make something over again if it's not exactly what you want. It's one of my favorite sushi places in the area, and I would highly recommend it.
(4)
Laura Y.
My favorite sushi stop in the twin cities. Friendly staff, great sushi, and the prices CANNOT be beat if you come at happy hour! Rolls are only $4-$7 between 3pm-6pm daily, even on the weekends! I usually get the crunchy scallop roll, and the harumaki which is a delicious vegetable egg roll. I'm picky about certain vegetables, one of which is cucumber, which seems to be in a LOT of sushi rolls. The staff at saji ya is always very friendly and willing to accommodate by substituting a different ingredient for me at no additional charge. This is one of those restaurants I bring all my friends to when they come from out of town! 5 stars.
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 : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Vince C.
Saji-Ya is a pretty iconic place in Saint Paul, if you ask me. I've been coming here for at least 20 years now. That said, I hadn't been there in a while and was pretty disappointed last time I went. We ordered sushi, sashimi, and tempura to share for the table. The sashimi was fine - actually pretty good. The quality of the fish was about as good as you can expect living right smack dab in the middle of the continent. The rolls we ordered were California, Spider, Crunchy, #9, and Shrimp Tempura. With the exception of #9, none of them had raw fish (pregnant wife and all that). The flavors weren't bad, but I felt that the rolls weren't ROLLED very well. Even the California rolls fell apart as soon as you picked them up. Tempura was average - exactly what I expected. Make it worse than what I got, I'll be pretty mad. Make it better, and I'll be pretty impressed. What made me take away more than one star was the ambience. This place feels ... grimy, almost dirty. And for a Japanese restaurant - that is an absolute no-no. I can't tell you why - maybe it's the old ripped carpet, the poor lighting (which isn't romantic, just dim), or the plastic chairs. Or maybe every single other Japanese restaurant that I've even been to was TOO clean ... hmmmmm.
(3)Matt W.
This is always a favorite for me. I have been coming here for years. I consider it the best sushi in the Twin Cities. Figure on $25 a plate including 2 drinks for one person. I average about 3 rolls for a meal, that's not too bad considering that sushi can get quite expensive in this city. My girlfriend an I usually escape with under a $60 bill with 5 rolls and an appetizer. Still, the sushi is always great, the menu always has something special, and the service is nice and attentive.
(5)Justin S.
Decent Rolls Good Price Good Service Nothing amazing but if you want sushi for a reasonable price you get what you pay for
(3)Ava C.
I wanted to rate this place 3-stars but they get 4 from me for one reason: Ahi Poke. I'm from Hawaii and I've been needing my fix of Poke (pronounced poh-kay; and is the Hawaiian equivalent of ceviche) and Saji-ya makes a decent bowl of it! It's pricey ($11.95) and served with shredded carrots and crushed macadamia nuts, but I'll be back for this, yay Double bonus for Saji-ya's location, only a 10-min walk from Mitchell, right on Grand Avenue, and ample dedicated parking. Their 1/2 off sushi menu at happy hour is also a very worthy reason to stop in and give this place a try - Also like the crunchy scallop roll. Worth every penny! - Not a fan of the California Roll
(4)Ashley S.
I'm a California girl and LOOOOVE Sushi, so I'm super happy to find a nice sushi bar here in Minnesota. A little pricey, but seems about standard prices for Minnesota. The staff is super friendly and kept me company as I was dinning alone. They even remembered my bosses coming in the day before talking with them. My check total was around $38, I love their veggie rolls(appetizer) also had their Twister roll and one other that I can't remember the name. I was there during Happy Hour and had their happy hour white wine( yummy)$4.50 a glass nice :)
(4)Vee V.
The food was just not good for the price they charge. The sushi at Cub Foods would have been more satisfying for me and my wallet...even though my friend treated. My friend and I ordered the Tonkatsu as an appetizer, pork chop breaded in panko with a sauce they call the Bulldog, which was a brown tangy sauce. The panko crust fell right off the pork, it's wasn't even clinging by any standard, shit just slid straight off. The pork was white and chewy. Sauce was too thick. I could have made it better at home. I went with a sushi combo, it came with 5 pieces of nigiri sushi with a tekka-kappa roll, miso soup and Saji-Ya house salad. Soup was mediocre, the salad dressing was like a bland thousand island and not memorable. The nigiri pieces were fine, but there was this weird tofu rice piece. It seriously looked like animal skin wrapped around rice. I can't believe I even tried a bite, it was super sweet and unappetizing. The decor screams "trying too hard." Seating was all black, we were in an area where we had to step up onto a platform but then down into a booth. Wasn't comfortable to get into or to sit at because there was too much space between the table and bench on both sides. Or server was super nice, our water was filled quickly, and she asked us if we needed anything frequently...it sort of came to a point when it was too much asking. I hate to complain about too much service, but even my friend after the 5th or 6th time she came by asked if it was rude that he was annoyed by it. Although I appreciate it, it just starts to interrupt the conversation at the table too often. I doubt I'd be back. Probably plenty of other places in the area to try.
(2)Linda L.
This is also another best Japanese Restaurant I like in the Twin Cities! The Sushi is really fresh. I loved the atmosphere. Especially when they are real Japanese! I love their lunch Bento Boxes! Foods are always fresh and yummy! Been going there for over many many years!
(5)Erin G.
I came here tonight with a friend and we split the dragon roll and the philly roll. Both were very good. I also had a martini with patron and some jalapeno. Overall very good, not over the top or anything but still very good. I'll come back.
(4)Brent H.
I've been here twice now and both times it's exceeded my expectations. The food tastes amazing, the service is top notch and I love the beer selection. We didn't try the sushi, but I heard that was excellent too. I highly recommend this place to any and all my friends. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Mike B.
This is a sushi only review. Rolls themselves were fine. But the prices was steep for the quantity and the selection of maki rolls wasn't all that expansive or diverse. Who knows, maybe I would have had better luck choosing other sushi preparations. Service on our lone visit was amusingly awful. Friendly enough, but painfully slow given the place was dead, with several botches. Not awful. Total meh place for me. I've had better experiences at Wakame and Bagu.
(2)Alexander M.
I grew up coming to this restaurant, and because of that I never really knew how good it was. Whenever I go to a different place for Sushi I am just disappointed! The crunchy roll is a personal favorite
(5)Amy A.
We are here last night and loves the food. Thought it was great although the portions are small and prices high but seems on par with other sushi restaurants in the Twin Cities.
(5)Karyn P.
I love the happy hour menu. You just can't beat the price and the sushi is excellent. Service is always nice I tend to go early before they get busy.
(4)Peter L.
Excellent Sushi! Great Service! We will be returning!
(4)Ken W.
Great date night place! Love their sushi and the atmosphere and decor. Service is good too!
(4)Matt G.
Great looking place in a great looking neighborhood. The outdoor patio looks very nice, too bad it was too cold to sit on when I was there. The sushi here was...different, but in a good way. The spicy salmon roll is my favorite, I get it wherever I go. I've never seen anyone put lettuce in it before but Saji did and it was very good, and very spicy. In fact we got three of the more spicy rolls on the happy hour menu and they all had great kick to them. The happy hour menu was great at went from 3-6. Great place to stop for sushi before a Wild game!
(4)Patti K.
This is my go-to Japanese restaurant in Saint Paul when I don't feel like going downtown. It's solidly good Japanese food that will probably satisfy your Japanese friends. The menu has changed quite a bit since my first visit. They seem to have kept some of the more inventive bar food (e.g., wasabi chicken wings), but also broadened the authentic Japanese offerings to include more kinds of grilled fish (just like most Japanese people have on a regular basis). They also included a dash of Hawaiian food such as lomi lomi salmon and poke. I wanted Japanese comfort food, so I ordered grilled saba, rice and miso soup, and hijiki (black seaweed salad with tofu). My husband had the fried calamari. The calamari was exquisite, cooked just right and not rubbery. The two sauces were very good. One tasted like tonkatsu sauce (like a Japanese A1), and the other a spicy mayonnaise-based sauce. My saba was slightly dry and needed seasoning, but with soy sauce it was good. The hijiki was just like what I had in Japan. The miso soup was a bit salty, but in line with what you would find in some parts of Japan. And they did a fine job with the rice, too. I've enjoyed the lunch specials here. For about the same amount of money you might spend at a certain national chain yuppie fresh bread and salad place, you can get an authentic Japanese teishoku (set menu) lunch complete with entree, salad, vegetable, rice, and soup. The service was friendly and prompt. The music was a little clubby, and the Japanese lamp-style decor reminds me of Japanese street stalls. They managed to convey the feel of a Tokyo street without actually hauling in too much from Japan or trying to be too authentic. You can get sushi at any number of places, but real Japanese food is harder to find. Skip the sushi and try real Japanese food here.
(4)Tim R.
The sashimi and nigri portion sizes are generous. The ambiance is nice. The waiter we had was dense and my order, a cooked mackerel dish, was taking so long that I told them to cancel the order and just run my credit card. The dense waiter tried to charge me for mackerel dish. Wow. Time to hire some new waiters.
(2)Jennifer S.
Light on time and desiring a lighter dinner prior to going to a classical guitar concert, this place fit the bill. Lucky for us, we were pulling into the parking lot just as another driver was about to back out of their parking space. Score! We were promptly escorted through a sea of busy tables to sit at the sushi bar. A server took our other-than-sushi order, and then we waited a bit to request our choice delicacies from the sushi chef closest to us. The spicy tuna rolls, and the eel roll were all good, and the various sashimi were fresh and tasty. The enoki mushroom appetizer we selected was also nice.
(3)John C.
In for a quick eat n drink during Happy Hour on Saturday. I had the Spicy Scallops and a few Sapporo's out on the patio. The Scallops were delicious and the beers ice cold and tall. The waiter Luther was quick, friendly and attentive. I do wish they had WiFi and there was a slight CC issue that was taken care of but I will defiantly be back.
(5)Elizabeth H.
We landlocked Twin Citians have a good number of sushi joints to choose from and I consider this a "middle of the pack" place. It's a neighborhood joint, which is fantastic, if you just want to run in and sit at the bar for a quick drink before a show or after a busy day. No fancy reservations or feeling like you are under dressed. I generally come for the happy hour, which is conveniently timed even on weekends (4-6pm). The flavors are dependable and comforting (California, scallop, spicy tuna) at prices I wouldn't be able to afford otherwise. The appetizers (dumplings, edamame) are fresh and filling. Stay away from the dynamite rolls. They taste like "pet be gone" (you know that stuff you put on your cat's paws to prevent them from licking) on rice. Was there even fish in there, dude? But I'll be back. When I've got the craving, Saji Ya gives me what I need.
(3)Gaile S.
This is my favorite Sushi restaurant. The rolls are always fresh and the drinks are strong. Sit at the sushi bar and order from Manny. He is the best! He will make you unique rolls, with the freshest sushi! I am not sure what the other poor reviews are about, but my experience here is constantly fabulous. The customer service, food, drinks and atmosphere all get 5 stars!
(5)Stephanie O.
Some of the best sushi around, whether it's Tuesday in the heart of happy hour (4-6pm), or Saturday night at 8pm. Their food is always fresh, and I love their egg drop soup! I usually get their spicy salmon, crunchy scallop, or the dynamite rolls, and they NEVER disappoint! The staff is friendly (even when I seem to eat ALL their ginger).
(4)Amy R.
Sometimes being a fan of a place is more about the food and atmosphere, although I do really like the atmosphere here. This place is all about the memory. One of my best friends and I ate here and had one of the best times ever. Lots of laughs at my expense. I had ordered one of their salads which had avocado which I was very excited about. Love huge chunks of fresh avocado. Not paying too much attention and diving into my salad, I harpooned one of the green chunks that happened to be one big ass pile of wasabi. I know the two look nothing like each other, but when you're lost in good conversation nothing else matters sometimes. I spent a fair amount of time in the bathroom trying to get my eyes back to their normal color and blowing my nose in hopes to rid the intense sting from the wasabi. Shiat! I have had wasabi, but never in a big chunk. The sushi we shared was alright, but somehow didn't hit the spot. Charming atmosphere, friendly service and good memories for the most part.
(4)Mr M.
Overpriced, not good, quality poor. After ordering a usual 3 course meal, appetizers, entree, and desert, my individual cost came out to be well over $70. The bill came in over $350 for my entire group. PORTIONS were small. Appetizers are not ideal for sharing. All entrees are mediocre. The sushi is contemporary. I ordered several rolls including the restaurants signature rolls and they were buffet quality, such that you would find at Great Moon or Hibachi Buffet. Total disappointment. For the money you would spend here, YOU ARE BETTER OFF GOING TO KYOTO, OR AKITA. Sushi there is way better!! $25 per person all you can eat. The only good thing about this place is the sake.
(2)Dani H.
The happy hour here has great prices! It was unfortunate that I wasn't super hungry since their meals looked superb. I'd highly suggest the seaweed salad and miso are delicious. Their sushi is incredibly fresh tasting. I'm huge on service and theirs was great. Our server was busy when I arrived so I was greeted quickly by another asking for a drink order. The prices were quite good regardless if it was happy hour or not. The location is a big plus with some very nice shopping nearby. I would highly recommend a visit.
(4)Jen S.
I'm surprised the reviews for this place are so low. I've been here a handful of times recently and I love this place! I haven't tried anything other than the sushi, so I can't speak for the rest of the menu, but the sushi is really good and service has always been perfect ( we always sit at the sushi bar). Check this place out, pick out a couple rolls and ask the sushi chef to make one of his choice. You won't be disappointed. Yum.
(5)Kristi C.
My tour of sushi in the cities continues. An improvement in the sushi over recent experiences. Our server Victoria was sweet, efficient and friendly, would give an extra half star just for her great service. The decor mixes modern and traditional touches, and they offer a couple of patio options as well. The surprise of the evening was the perfectly chocolate-y and most chocolate layer cake! Message me your suggestions for my next review!
(3)Jim C.
A bit conflicted writing this review. I've eaten at Saji-Ya many times over the years. I love the atmosphere and the service is uniformly good and they have a great happy hour. Unfortunately, the food was quite mediocre during our visit last week. I love miso soup, but Saji-Ya's seems a bit saltier and earthier tasting than most other restaurants. My wife ordered the "Okisuki" which is described as a variety of seafood and vegetables in a lightly seasoned broth. Sounds okay, but "lightly seasoned" equated to "truly bland," driven by the most prominent vegetable in the soup--boiled cabbage. I had the Sushi Imperial--a chef's choice of nigiri and maki sushi. The presentation was nice, but the sushi was unremarkable. All the pieces of nigiri were grouped closely together, each separated from the other by a thin slice of lemon. Unfortunately, the lemon was absorbed into fish, overpowering the subtle flavors one typically enjoys. Our waiter, Gabe was great and the team of hydration specialists kept our water glasses topped off with amazing regularity, but unfortunately, I'm going to say, "sayonara" to Saji-Ya and seek sushi satisfaction elsewhere in the future.
(2)Sunn K.
Been coming here since I was about 10 yrs old! The place has changed quite a bit but the quality of food has NOT. My all time faves that you have to try and will not be dissapointed! I know you'll come back and thank me!!! 1. onion lollipop 2. steak rib eye kabob 3. spicy octopus salad (off the menu but request for it) 4. green tea ice cream (I've had plenty of brands of this but theirs is the best)
(5)Paul L.
Always the best fish and service. If you know the difference between the best and the mediocre, you should come here. We have been customers for 17 years since moving from NY.
(5)Jon F.
Fantastic spicy tuna and crunchy roll. Chicken tempura was a smash hit with the kids. Bento boxes were fabulous - steak and shrimp were tasty. Great service from Becky and Pat!
(5)Milly M.
Saji Blah... service is good though.
(3)Max S.
High prices, C-grade sushi, small portions, and slow service. Recommend anywhere else.
(1)David J.
Let me preface this and say, "Yes I am a SF sushi snob." Then let me say, "There are good places to find sushi in MN, like Fuji Ya, Origami or Azia." The fish is not fresh. The prices aren't reflective of the quality of fish. Basically, you're paying for a sushi restaurant on Grand Ave, and the prices are reflective of Grand Ave.
(2)Angeli H.
Love this place. The food is fantastic and the prices are decent. The ambiance is wonderful - try the patio if it's nice outside. The service isn't always the absolute best, but it's worth it for the prices.
(5)George N.
This was our staple sushi bar for a couple of years, but too many poor experiences had us remove it from our list. The fish is usually good to great, but we've asked the staff questions that were poorly responded too many times. The last three times we went to Saji Ya in ascending order. #1 we took the family out for my birthday and decided to do Teppenyaki, we sat down with the family and ordered some sushi appetizers. The chef came out and started asking us to cook our Teppan food and when we inquired about the appetizers we're told they would be coming, but we ordered them as appetizers. I told the waitress to cancel them, since we were going to eat dinner and had not received. She indicated that she could not and at that point I asked for the manager. When I was explaining to the MOD what had occurred, our server actually busted in and told him I was lying. Enough said, we left, and never came back for Teppan, but came back a couple of additional times for sushi. #2 we stopped in with my parents and ordered a large plate of sashimi, without rice. When it came out it was nigiri, with rice. When we stopped the server, she indicated that we could eat the nigiri and still get our sashimi. Not wanting to waste, we said alright, and asked for ponzu (lemon flavored soy souce). The ponzu that came back was habanero-flavored and when we indicated that it was flaming, our server told us that was the way they make it. Enough said again, although we had been there several dozen times before without the flame-o-gram ponzu. #3 Last chance. My wife and I came in before we were going to hit the theater. My soulmate is none to fond of hot or rubbery items, so we outlined doing Omakase, essentially "you pick" but indicated nothing too spicy or too chewy. What came out was a stream of hot and chewy entrees, including what I would assume was the head chef Manny's rendition of the Flaming Octo-moe. Alright then. We'd had hit or miss at any place we've been to multiple times, but being a fairly regular patron, getting three strikes in a row, and you're out of here.
(2)Virginia M.
i love this place. their sushi is really good. i love the outdoor patio too.
(5)Brandon P.
For what it is (sushi in Minnesota), it's not bad. Any sushi here is going to be overpriced what with us being landlocked in the land of 10,000 frozen lakes. We just went there this past Monday (not busy) and it took FOREVER to get even our miso soup and salad. I understand if a restaurant is busy on a Friday but this was a Monday. We did get free edamame but not much of an explanation as to why it took almost an hour to get pre-made soup and salad. Overall, the service was fine but for the price I would probably go elsewhere even though I live a block away.
(3)Adam W.
I'm still pleased with Mr. Saji. Our visit on Friday found the place slammed--every table occupied. The salmon sashimi was fresh and smooth like butter. The yellowtail: amazing. If you don't want to lay out for the full raw fish experience, check out their happy hour. Great prices on taps and selected sushi. The only sadness here is the parking situation. The useless lot next to the restaurant is even more useless now that it is clogged by Dixie's valet service.
(4)S W.
Sometimes I don't get the hate, as much as sometimes I don't get the love. Saji-Ya is a great summer break. I like Saji-ya. Before there were many many options, it's where the Japanese nationals I knew would steal away to for food, and I can see why, the menu has some good comfort food options. The sushi is OK, I don't delve too heavily into that part of the menu - it does the job. I agree with the assholes who rain on the parade saying you're not going to get GREAT sushi anywhere in MSP and that's that. ...But the non-sushi offerings are pretty freaking awesome and extensive. I like the small plate and fish options, from the Kinpira Gobo to the Jack Mackerel, Kama, smelt...hell, there's three different kinds of mackerel alone, all grilled, all excellent. The grilling is pretty heavy, it's true, but it's been like that in almost all of the dive-y noodle counter/ sushi counter Japanese-comfort-food places I've loved in many a state (like the sorely missed Katsu sushi.) Atsu Age, Age Dashi and Goma Ae are all pretty decent also. Pork Katsu app in ginger sauce is OK. It's not Obento-ya, but the patio puts this place into the four star experience realm. You can have a fine and very low-carb feast for reasonable prices. If you like fish and you like it cooked, you are in for a treat. I think my totem animal is an albatross, because I can pretty much eat my body weight in herring, so I realize I'm not exactly the average person. I've always had very very friendly service here, and I love the patio if you can get there when it's not insanely crowded.
(4)Mon P.
I've been there a couple of times, and have only had so-so experience with the food. I decided to take my mom here because we wanted to try their traditional menu. We ordered grilled enoki mushroom, hamachi kama, salmon skin salad, and agedashi tofu. The best thing that we had were probably the complimentary edamame, hot tea and agedashi tofu. Everything else was below average. The worst dish would be hamachi kama. It was so burnt on the outside that the fish had an incredibly bitter tasting. Ive never been to Japan so I dont really know if traditional grilled fish is supposed to be all burnt. My mom has visited Japan numerous times, and she's never experienced all burnt grilled fish there. The salmon skin salad was ok. The veggie and dressing were good, but again the salmon skin was incredibly burnt and incredibly bitter, and that completely ruined the dish. The grilled mushroom was so-so. I think I'm pretty much done with Saji Ya. I wont return.
(2)Jill R.
I ate here for "Dine out for Life" and enjoyed every minute of it. It was my first time here, and came with friends in the mood for sushi. The waiter was very helpful with explaining which of items on the menu were going to come served which way, and which would be the best for sharing. We tried about 7 different kinds of sushi and loved each of them. I'll continue to go back again and again!
(5)Julian M.
Met up with our good friend Dan here tonight. We are used to seeing Sushi spots every where in Vegas, but have been looking for one here in Minneapolis. Dan picked the place out and it turned out to be a great Sushi place. We are not very familiar with St. Paul at all, so we were glad Dan knew where to go. Atmosphere is classy, modern and trendy. The booth we sat in was pretty cool because you had to actually step down to sit in it. Waiter and staff were great as well as the food. We all had some sort of roll with two apps. Will definitely be back!
(4)Linda H.
I remember this place in the late 80's when it was alot smaller and just a place that shared the same building as Dixie's. I never went here until about a year ago and only now feel like I can fairly write a review since i have experienced both the regular dining room as well as the teppanyaki tables. Both times coming here we had some sort of coupon or certificate and I can say that neither time did the waitress treat us differently because of it. I think its probably because, even though we did have 40 dollar restaurant.com certs, we still had a pretty big bill in the end. This is not a place to go if you are counting pennies. The sushi was pretty good, I really can't remember what we had but it was good. Our most recent visit was up in the teppanyaki area and I can say that the Chef who performed at our table was one of the best chefs I have ever had at any teppanyaki restaurant. He was personable, funny, and very talented. The quality of the food cooked at our table was far superior to that of Benihana or Osaka. The shrimp were much bigger, they had more of a variety of grilled veggies, and the soup was better. The drinks were very overpriced and not so good. I will definitely come back here but will drink water or some refillable drink next time to save some money. I would rate this higher had the waitress not given us a dirty look when we left because we only added an additional 5 dollars on to her already calculated in tip of over 20 dollars, giving her a tip of almost 30 dollars on a bill of around 80 to 90 dollars. Since when is over 25% not enough of a tip? FYI-This looks like a fun place to bring someone on their birthday as they bring the birthday person a large piece of chocolate cake with a candle that is like a giant firecracker, its really pretty.
(3)Peter M.
Someone wrote a review which said, "don't come for the food, find the experience". Sorry, but I've been there, it is an attractive decor, but the food is the first reason to go. From the sushi to the tendon, they fulfill the expectations that any fan would have. Make the effort for a relaxing dinner and the opportunity to connect to your date.
(4)Qaiser B.
I am not a big fan of sushi and I do not drink alcohol, that said Saji-Ya has been a nice place to hang out with some of my friends, I tried the shrimp tempura roll which was fine. it has sort of a lounge set up close to the bar which makes it a little informal and easy to hang out with friends. The stools in that area will give you a slight backache if you keep sitting on them for a long time. So try to grab the seats next to the wall. Trust me you would appreciate my advice on this one. Also the servers are very pleasant which makes the dining\hanging out experience even better. I loved the pineapple juice there :-)
(3)Gary B.
I cashed in a gift card from a customer last night and took my wife and step daughter out to dinner. It was a mixed bag. The sushi, as always, was fabulous. However... My wife, not a big sushi eater, ordered the special sea bass "cooked in foil" that was new on the menu. When it came it was one of the poorest excuses for a meal in a high-end restaurant I've seen in a long time. It was presented IN the foil (think Boy Scout cook-it-in-the-foil campfire cooking and you have the idea), grossly over cooked and a very unappetizing color. For the first time in her life, The Dot sent food back (though it took some convincing...she's a Minnesotan, dontcha know?). The manager came over and "made it right". Dorothy's got the salmon steak as a replacement. I learned this morning that it was pretty dry (I had given a 4-star review... but I've just downgraded it to a 3-star after hearing that.). So... mixed bag. Saji Ya should NEVER have served that bass. Even perfectly cooked the presentation was miserable. I expected more from them. However, they, without question, made things all better. I've been eating at Saji Ya for ages, and this is the FIRST time I've ever seen a bad meal there. I'm pretty sure that at the end of service that night there were some serious discussions in the kitchen.
(3)Andrew P.
We had a nice, quiet evening there tonight. Good sushi and the service was great - you hardly knew they were there yet you did not seem to wait.
(4)Carey G.
I went there last night with a date for a last minute bite to eat. Although we did arrive at 9:30pm and were informed they closed at 10:00pm, I do not think it called for the hostess to start stacking the chairs loudly in the other room while giving us grim looks. I have been in the industry before and understand that last minute customers suck, but I am still paying a sufficient amount for mediocre sushi/sashimi. Tiger Roll -The best of the bunch, but certainly very bland. I should have expected that they do not work with soft shell crab much up here Tai -It was alright, but seemed strange Hamachi -Definitely the worst I have ever had! Albacore Didn't taste that fresh If I were to compare with Uptown Sushi in Houston, this would be like putting McDonald's versus Beck's Prime. I gave you a change Saji-Ya, but you will not earn my business again...
(1)Annette L.
This was my very first experience with sushi and I think it spoiled me, to be quite honest! This was a surprise dinner-date with my boyfriend, as I had mentioned wanting to try this restaurant. The décor is very eclectic, mixing Japanese and bohemian styles. Their drinks were superb -- I ordered a martini called a "Cherry Blossom" which was garnished with a lovely pink lotus flower, and my boyfriend ordered a Japanese beer (Sapporo, I think?). We ordered Yaki Niku as an appetizer (thinly-sliced beef in Japanese barbecue sauce) and it was wonderful -- the meat was tender and cooked to perfection with very little fat, and the sauce was great. We each ordered bento boxes as our main course: mine was their newest dish, "Masa's bento from the sea," while he ordered the Shrimp Tempura & Chicken Teriyaki. Prior to receiving our main course, we were each served a bowl of Miso soup, and a Saji Ya salad. I'm not certain what kind of dressing they put on the Saji Ya salad, but it was fantastic. And the Miso was very flavorful. The main course was the pièce de resistance, however: salmon and onions steamed in foil (SO tender and amazing), ginger broccoli (cooked perfectly), battered scallops (which were hands-down my favorite part of the meal), 2 pieces of California roll and 2 pieces of Spicy Tuna roll, with shrimp and veggie tempura. Sadly, the only downside to the main course was the shrimp tempura, but that's only because I don't care for the texture of shrimp. Other than that, the meal was divine. This place is easily worth 5 stars, and I will be returning as often as I can possibly afford to!
(5)John S.
Overpriced and poor service. We always go out for sushi and have been a few places around town. We have never paid more for such meager portions. The seaweed salad was by far the smallest and most boring in memory. If the waitress loosing our order was not enough, the $130 bill for 2 people w/ a pair of drinks topped off a horrible evening. So much for celebrating a special event at Saji-Ya. Will not be returning.
(1)Emmy L.
Usually I get really good service when I grab lunch from here. Sushi is good, a little over priced but good. The server/host however was working the bar and drinkin with his customers. Left with only soy sauce packets and sushi. Where's my napkin & chopsticks!
(3)Austin L.
My two visits have been mixed. Reviewed individually, one visit was a 2 star, the other 3. My first visit I took my mom to lunch for her first sushi experience. I wish I would've picked another sushi restaurant. We ordered a Ginger Broccoli "small plate". Well, it certainly was small. We received about $0.50 of sadly steamed broccoli with a watery brown sauce on it, somewhat reminiscent of ginger. Our Unagi was the oddest shaped unagi I've ever seen, the pieces were cut in long, thin triangles and had sharp edges. The order of Hamachi was of reasonable size, but I left one on the plate, I thought signifying something was wrong with it, but our server (who was generally otherwise attentive and friendly) didn't ask about it. My second trip was with a friend, largely on the back of a deal certificate we had. We split a sushi dinner plate, I forget which one, and maybe a few other items. It was much better than my first visit, which I mentioned to my friend a couple times. This visit was the make or break, I wasn't coming back a third time after a second bad experience. The sushi wasn't quite up to par vs. a Midori's or Fuji-Ya, but for the price (even if it wasn't a deal), it was solid. Again, our service was attentive and friendly. The cheap plastic furniture is a bit off putting. Parking is pretty decent for Grand Ave. Saji-Ya just lacks a hook, whether it be crazy specialties, drinks, or ambience, it's just a step behind. Next visit I'll try to sit at the sushi bar, I always have better luck at the bar...
(3)Scott D.
Good food, overpriced. It's difficult to justify $20-30 per person for patio seating that overlooks a parking lot and an entree served in a compartmentalized tray. While I'm happy Saji Ya decided to include traditional Bento Boxes on its menu, there's no reason to charge $20 for rice, half a chicken breast, and a marshmallow dessert. As an cheaper alternative, try any of the numerous take-out restaurants that serve more substantial Bento Boxes for a third the price. My recommendation: stick to the sushi, dine inside, and expect a typical casual evening out for twice the cost of other nearby hot-spots. On a final and positive note, our server was excellent - not overbearing, knowledgeable, friendly, and prompt with our orders!
(3)Alison T.
Great sushi here! Given the gorgeous weather last night, we really enjoyed the 2nd floor patio for happy hour and dinner. Service was slow at times, but the vegetable tempura was delish and all of our sushi selections were very well prepared. Loved the wonderful hotate (scallop) nigiri sushi and the Manny Roll. The Lychee martini and Drunken Mind Sake were perfect summertime cocktails. We preferred the overall atmosphere here compared to Fuji Ya in downtown St. Paul, plus parking is much easier with a private lot shared with Dixie's. This is now my favorite sushi destination.
(4)Valerie H.
We ventured over to Saji-Ya for a friend's birthday last night, a little concerned about the mixed bag of yelp reviews. Luckily we didn't encounter any problems during our visit! The staff was accommodating to our large party -it seemed like everyone else at the restaurant was also celebrating a birthday, so they were prepared for groups.) Checks were split without hassle and our food came out pretty quickly. I'm not a huge sushi fan, so the boyfriend and I ordered a few things to split- the steak skewers were good, but I'd pass on the onion lollipops if I were to return. Imagine an onion ring on stick...minus the hole. Pure onion breaded and fried. Pack some gum because you'll need it after eating one of these! The boyfriend ordered the Saji-Ya, which was "just ok". My crab and shrimp sushi pieces were fine, not too much you can screw up with that. The sushi was reasonably priced, but the appetizers seemed kind of expensive for the portion. Would I come back? Maybe, if I'm in the area. I'm curious about the teppanyaki tables on the second floor.
(3)Crysta M.
The sushi was fantastic! We got the chef's choice platter, perfect amount for sharing and a great variety of fish. Our server was was attentive without being annoying, the SA was a little too obsessed with keeping our water glasses full but he was fairly unobtrusive about it. Word to the wise, if you're wearing a skirt and heels you may want to avoid the sunken booths. They look amazing and I love the idea, but practically not so great. It was almost impossible to enter gracefully (to be fair, being graceful in heels is frequently difficult for me) and stepping out without giving the sushi chefs at the bar a show was a bit of a challenge as well.
(5)Amanda L.
This is the spot to go if you want to see ignorant senior citizens bully disabled customers and their families. This situation will be promptly handled by their uninformed, unorganized staff by you guessed it, tossing the disabled party out into the street during a public street festival while the cane dependant patrons ride remains inside . So yeah, you can get a good roll anywhere, but when you absolutely, positively have to be treated like worthless garbage this little dump is the place to be.
(1)Nora G.
Haven't been in to dine in quite some time. I visit MN once a year, and as a former employee, I like to come back to see what's new. Since it has been over 12 years since I was living in MN, Saji-ya received a beautiful facelift and the atmosphere became very inviting. I love the new sushi bar, and the cocktail area looks like a nice place to grab a drink and catch up with a friend. Pricey, yet delicious. I loved the smelt small plate and the tuna tartare. It is one of my favorites. I also love the dynamite roll--but I forgot to order it extra spicy-- habanero is hot, but I like a little extra kick than the average Minnesotan. I will be back, even though I don't know anyone anymore.
(4)Kim P.
I went to Saji-Ya yesterday with some friends, largely due to the fact that we wanted to eat outside and the restaurant has decent patio dining. I initially felt excited because the place was moderately busy and our server was very adept and prompt with our orders. For drinks, I ordered a raspberry kiss (Prosecco, lemonade, and raspberry liqueur) which was delicious and one of my friends ordered a pina colada (too sweet). The food....left something to be desired. We ordered veggie tempura, a vegetable/beef hotpot (sorry, don't remember the exact name), and Cali rolls. None of it was bad, per se but nothing left me craving more either. The tempura had a decent crust but the whole dish was haphazard in terms of execution, presentation, and the vegetables chosen for the dish. The hotpot was a giant portion;everything in it was good except the beef which was stringy and a bit chewy-gristly. When I end up paying $30+ for my meal, I'd prefer the food to be so good that you want to surreptitiously lick your plate so the overall value of the food you get versus the price you pay is an epic fail. Service: A Drinks: B+ Atmosphere: B Food: C-
(2)Alyse B.
Went here for the second time for their happy hour which was pretty weak in the sushi department.. Only a $1 off a few of their least expensive rolls. I got the seaweed salad as well which was literally only 3 bites in a tiny bowl about the size of a soy sauce dish. Service was pretty decent, but I will not be back.
(2)John A.
Saji Ya's is one of the better Sushi places in town based on the Sushi itself and though the interior has changed a few years ago (I liked it better before, the new chairs are painful) it is still a nice place to eat. The food and drinks are expensive but as stated above, the food is pretty good. (Almost worth the cost) The service has been up and down over the years and is a crap shoot each time we go weather the wait staff will have a sense of humor or the ability to check back often on their customers but we have had some good ones in the past. In the end I would say give it a shot if you have a few extra bucks to spend. (Try the number 9) but if you can't afford the cost, go to Osaka's or Akita's for a cheeper price. (But also a cheeper product, but still pretty darn tasty)
(3)Alan B.
My wife and I enjoyed a very nice dinner here in February 2013. The service was very good. We had the salmon sushi, a spicy tuna roll, some other rolls, and the sukiyaki. All were very good. We recommend Saji-Ya.
(4)Thai L.
awesome happy hour! food is pretty good, typical american-washed-japanese cuisine. sushi isn't the best or freshest. but try the small plates, they're usually a pretty good bet. The drinks are also pretty good. Its on Grand Ave, so you know the prices are inflated a bit. and also brings in an older white crowd. We were there recently with a group of mid-20s Asians and were probably a bit too loud for the restaurant, but the manager came by and joked around with us, so that was cool. and i think the owners are actually Japanese, which is a rare thing in the Midwest.
(4)Gilbert A.
Saji-ya was my first introduction to Japanese food (of any kind) in the Midwest. I had been driving aimlessly through St. Paul my second week after relocating from Hawai'i, and stumbled across Saji-ya almost by accident. Lost, without map, and on the brink of starvation, washoku (Japanese food) seemed like a reassuring comfort to this Hawaiian guy. My waitress at Saji-ya was a blond with blue eyes...Scandinavian, I thought. This struck me as peculiarly odd: In Hawai'i, the same place would be staffed by issei, nisei or sansei, all of them fluent or proficient in Japanese. But in acceptance of my chosen Midwestern path, I knew I needed to shrug this minor disturbance off. Besides, I was hungry. She turned out to be a charming server, a student at the U of M who had taken the job as a way of preparing for a year-long stint of English language instruction in Japan. Upon reviewing the menu, I was immediately baffled by Saji-ya's prices. With five dollars, one could get two full rolls of sushi at dozens of fast food sushi joints in Hawai'i. Here, that would've given me half a roll. I felt short changed. Yet again, I reminded myself that I was now in the Midwest, and needed to adapt. They have to ship this stuff thousands of miles, right? [Actually, this is historical revisionism at work. I would never have explored restaurant economics at the time. Yes...I was really pissed]. So there I was, a broke (but famished) college student who had just spent $300 on textbooks that would be conveniently outdated by the end of the quarter. I briefly contemplated dashing for the exit, but felt that would've signified a defeat of my working class, Asian upbringing. And so I did what any college student would do in this situation: I went broke. Using my friend Visa, I ordered all manner of sushi, sashimi, teppanyaki and a few other side dishes. I noticed a few vegetarian options, but stayed away from them (this is a sushi restaurant, after all). Though pleased overall, there was a lack of consistency with my selections. I was less impressed with the nigirizushi (my favorite kind), and consequently, attended more to the better-prepared makizushi. An hour later I was Thanksgiving Day-full, and ready to sleep. Sensing a slight irritation from my server (she wanted to close her table), I ended with a few sips of sake before leaving. Buzzed and overly satiated, I must've looked like a not-as-smart-as-I-think-I-am Macalaster student as I paid for my $65 bill and stumbled out the door.
(3)Colin C.
This place is awesome because their happy hour is awesome. $2 16-oz tap beers from 5 - 7 p.m. Toss in some sushi and sake for discounted prices and your probably taking a cab home. Service in the bar area is fast and friendly too. Great happy hour establishment.
(4)Michael N.
I ate quite a bit of sushi in California and in Asia - was craving some so thought I'd try Saji-Ya. Nothing special here. I'd probably try a few other places before coming back here.
(2)Michael P.
I would love to give this place a better review because it is so close to where I live but I can't. For what you're paying for sushi, you don't get much back. The sushi is subpar and not really satisfying. There were 4 of us and we each ordered a roll, and split them. We also got some edamame. The edamame decent but it lacked the typical flair that I'm used to, it was very much lacking something, maybe it was just a little over steamed? Also the sushi wasn't that fresh, and some of the rolls were not what I was expecting at all. They weren't wrapped the same way I am normally accustomed to, some were not wrapped in seaweed paper as normal but in a rice paper wrap or something else, that might just be me though. But over all the sushi lacked flavor and didn't have the normal sushi pizazz that I love.
(2)Rhonda G.
I was getting a craving for a sushi roll, and wanted to not really leave the neighborhood. I am such a fan of Dixie's that I just don't tend to bother coming here. I don't know how to add split hours, but they are open M-S 11:30-2:30 for lunch. I think it's cool how there are various types of seating, such as the couch, an upper patio, and the interior has a lot of black. So it covers various moods. We started with some fried calamari, I suppose we were expecting more of a tempura batter. It wasn't bad, but the way they do it you can't help but compare it to the Greeks, who have it down.The dipping sauce was very strong. I got a very small side salad, which totally satisfies my iceberg lettuce lovin' taste topped with a thousand island style dressing. I had the twisted sushi roll, twisted in 2 types of fish, stuffed with cucumber, rice, and cream cheese. It all tasted fresh, and I was plenty full. I don't know if many people "travel" to Grand Ave., but it's a nice staple here. It's true about the prices, not cheap eats, but worth a shot if you happen to be around.
(4)Sarah K.
I don't know if I can objectivity rate the sushi at this place considering all other sushi eating experiences i have had have been on the west coast so need I say more......I have been spoiled from the get go and as a result my standards have been set pretty high!!! Comparing sushi in San Fan to a place on Grand Ave. seems simply unfair. I would compare the rolls at this place to the same rolls I have bought at Kowalski's. Would I go back?-probably not, but I gave this place a try. The whole dining experience from the wine, to the ambiance, to the sushi, to the service was just ehhhhh. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say there are much better sushi places to eat in St. Paul, as well as other places in the cities.
(2)Cortney G.
Saji Ya is one of my favorite restaurants on Grand Avenue. I love the layout, love the food, love the staff. The edamame (basically the nachos of a sushi bar) is always perfectly steamed and their rolls are spot-on. The sashimi is good (I've had better, but it's definitely better than decent), the staff is always prompt and super nice, everyone has suggestions if you can't decide what to get. Plus, they're not enormously overpriced like some other sushi spots in the TC. This girl is definitely a fan.
(4)Laura H.
It was decent. The interior was crappy, they need to replace their horrid carpet and the whole place would look much better. For being such an iconic place on gand ave, I was unimpressed. Happy hour prices were okay, but they make you sit at an awkwardly low table leaving major space for soy sauce spills. You basically sitting on your neighbors laps and it's hard to even concentrate on your date when the loud drunken business men over take the lounge area. I would take sushi tango over fall dining at saji-ya any day - and that's not saying much. I'd say their strength is having an outdoor patio, something most sushi places lack. However the crab shell in my Cali roll was the last straw. Nearly broke a tooth! Service was slow and unwelcoming, which is disappointing for Minnesota, nice is what were known for!
(2)Rob G.
The food is not bad. It's definitely not very authentic and a little pricey for the quality. The sushi is good but recommend going for late night happy hour for the best deal. Not a very good selection of drinks. It would be nice to see more selection.
(3)Amanda P.
Good sushi and special rolls. The fish is always fresh, and the appetizers are excellent especially the gyoza and fried corn patties (can't remember the name of them). For sure go to the happy hour, $2 taps including all japanese and summit beers. Definitely a deal. I like the atmosphere as well, quiet and a nice lounge area with couches and tables that you can eat at.
(4)Rob R.
Very overpriced for average quality rolls. Nagiri better sized for cost. Separation from Dixies makes you think the Zydeco music is in with you. Service not very quick, but knowledgeable. Price ended a second visit.
(3)Jennifer W.
Sooo bummed because I can walk to this place and it would be so perfect if it was good, but it's below average. My suggestion is to go during happy hour if you are going to go, however I still feel it is overpriced for the quality of food.
(2)Mai L.
I don't think people in the Midwest take me seriously when they hear me say, "I take my sushi seriously" because it seems the sentence that almost always follows is, "Oh, I know of a great sushi restaurant." Sometimes just before they finish I scoff like a socialite and spit," No. Really. I'm not interested." I mean come on this is the Midwest their most notable restaurant, Aquavit went out of business. I'm going to quote Forrest, "And that's all I have to say about that.." Oh yeah the review. It's unfair of me to review this place. So here I'll try to set my personal distate aside and say, I think you can say their sushi is good only if you've never had better.
(1)Scott M.
I've had acceptable sushi at Saji-Ya but there are better restaurants for sushi in the Twin Cities. A frequent complaint of mine with Saji-Ya is the terrible service we would receive at the sushi bar. Our server would deliver one drink order and then forget about us for the rest of the night. On several occasions, I resorted to getting up, walking over to the bar, ordering drinks from the bartender. I finally stopped dining at Saji-Ya after our sushi chef served us spoiled fish. I was dumbfounded that he would do that since he was a friend of one of our guests and he recognized my wife and I as frequent guests. My only conclusion was that he did not know what he was doing. For those who like teppanyaki, Saji-Ya has several teppanyaki tables. I've had good food and service at those on the two occasions I have had teppanyaki.
(2)A. T.
When I was up in Minnesota over the summer to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousin, they took me here, knowing that my cousin and I love Japanese food. To begin with, the server I had was excellent. (Don't know her name, but all I remember is that she had a tattoo of some song lyric/poem on her arm.) She would always check in on us, and was always ready to get us refills. She also knew the menu very well. The wait time for the food was about 20-30 minutes, but when I went there, it was very crowded, so that's probably why. All of our meals were excellent--my eel, shrimp tempura, and avocado maki sushi (called the Dragon, under the maki sushi section) was absolutely excellent and fresh, my aunt's chicken teriyaki and my cousin's tempura were pretty good. The soy and ginger sauces and wasabi were also very good. And, according to my uncle, so was the sake. It was a little bit pricey, but was worth it. An excellent place that I cannot wait to come back to when I visit Minnesota again.
(4)Natalie C.
(Keep in mind I'm an optomistic person.) I'd say more 2.5 instead of 3. This place was ok. The sushi was better than northern MN grocery store sushi, but it's a disappointment compared good sushi. Especially for the price. It was twice as much and half the amount as the sushi I at a few days ago, and not as good. What made my experience good was the atmosphere. We sat on the balcony on a nice spring day. The inside of the place looked pretty cool. So... don't come to the resturant for the food.
(3)Kristi G.
Although it is a little pricey for some of the typical rolls that you can get, it more than makes up for that with the really relaxing, almost therapeutic atmosphere. Very elegant, but not off-putting if you come in wearing jeans. The selection is realyl nice, and if you happen to be with someone who isn't into sushi, there are loads of other options as well. Try the sushi bar, and you can get really great, made-to-order sushi, all from well-trained, and very friendly chefs. The head chef himself is wonderful, so having samples from him is a real treat. The tea is superb and the saki selection is very nice, and well-priced. They even have their own parking, which is a real plus in that area.
(4)Josh O.
I'd say this place is pretty decent Japanese. We went for lunch, and I got the sashimi lunch combo. It was good, though I only got six pieces of fish for $10 which strikes me as a bit pricey. The miso soup was pretty good though. I don't know when I'll eve be back for lunch again, but I'd try the curry next tie (I love Japanese curry).
(3)Amy C.
I agree with Mai ... you would only say the sushi at Saji-ya is good if you've never had any better. I lived in Japan and San Diego, and have spent time in San Francisco and New York ... not to mention LA and other Metropolian (and coastal) cities. I've had AWESOME sushi. This sushi is only acceptable if nothing else is available. That being said, I currently live in St. Paul, MN so not much else IS available. I give this place two stars because it's at least a lively atmosphere and the drinks are nummy. The Pometini is tasty tasty! They have two small teppan tables upstairs and the service has always been good when I've visited. I can't really recall what sushi I ordered because it was so ordinary. But I will say it wasn't gross, and I've had gross sushi, even in California. Sometimes the parking situation is annoying. They share a lot with Dixies, so it fills up fast and then you are stuck trying to park on Grand Ave. or side streets. Could be worse. There is a small bar area with little tables and a bar where you can sit. They will let you order sushi there, which is nice.
(2)Boone D.
I've been to this place quite a few times. The regular service is above average. I've never left less than a 15% tip for them. However, I've taken to sitting at the sushi counter when I come alone because the sushi chefs there are great. They are chatty, friendly, and knowledgable. I've tried new things because of them (sometimes for free), and they are very happy to make something over again if it's not exactly what you want. It's one of my favorite sushi places in the area, and I would highly recommend it.
(4)Laura Y.
My favorite sushi stop in the twin cities. Friendly staff, great sushi, and the prices CANNOT be beat if you come at happy hour! Rolls are only $4-$7 between 3pm-6pm daily, even on the weekends! I usually get the crunchy scallop roll, and the harumaki which is a delicious vegetable egg roll. I'm picky about certain vegetables, one of which is cucumber, which seems to be in a LOT of sushi rolls. The staff at saji ya is always very friendly and willing to accommodate by substituting a different ingredient for me at no additional charge. This is one of those restaurants I bring all my friends to when they come from out of town! 5 stars.
(5)