Sakura - Essex

During my business trip to Essex, I searched for a Chinese restaurant in town and found Golden Roll Chinese and Thai as an option. However, when I arrived at the restaurant, I discovered that it had a new name, Sakura Chinese and Japanese Restaurant. I visited around 2 pm and inquired about their combination takeaway options. To my disappointment, they only had teriyaki combos available, so I ordered the chicken and beef combos as well as a Red Curry Chicken combo. The server mentioned a 15-minute wait time, which ended up being closer to 30 minutes. Despite the delay, the server was apologetic and informed me about a promotional 10% discount until September. My bill came out to around $20 after the discount, but there seemed to be a small calculation error. When my order was ready, the soups were initially forgotten but promptly added by the server. Upon bringing the food home, my wife and I were disappointed by the small portions. The chicken and beef servings were meager, and the soups and salads were notably underfilled. The quality of the food was average, with the rice being flavorful after adding soy sauce, but the meat was dry. The Sakura egg roll was satisfactory, and the curry was tasty but overly spicy. The lack of customization for spice levels was a downside, as my wife found it too hot to eat. I noticed signs for all-you-can-eat options priced at $10 for lunch and $15 for dinner, which may have been a better choice. Overall, I do not plan on returning to this restaurant or recommending it due to the inadequate portion sizes and feeling like I was being overcharged.

Sakura is a hidden gem in Essex that is definitely worth the drive. We have dined there twice and both times the food was delicious and the staff were friendly and accommodating. We ordered from the Lunch Buffet Menu, where you can write down your requests on a pad and have your food prepared fresh and served piping hot. The quality of the food, presentation, and service is exceptional considering the price. Don't miss out on this fantastic dining experience at Sakura.

This is the best sushi and Oriental restaurant I have ever had the pleasure of dining at. Will go again and again.

Attended Jan post New Years. Had eated Sushi in BC, Dim Sum in Vancouver and Toronto, all in weeks prior. I am an Asian Foodie to be sure. Better Sushi tha BC, as good as anywhere I have eated it. The fried rice...(not a rice fan) was awesome. Great sashimi counts, and for me a barometer is always Edamame.

We dined at this restaurant during the Santa Parade and the food was fantastic! If I had to make a minor criticism, I would suggest hiring more wait staff because that can make or break this place. Although we loved the all-you-can-eat sushi and the prices were great, we noticed that some customers waited so long to order that they ended up leaving. I never received my soda and some tables waited a long time to be cleared. However, once we placed our food order, the service became quick.