Sakura Japanese Steak House - OAKLYN

I visit this place frequently, and the food is consistently excellent. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I really appreciate how they've transformed the old Taco Bell location into a sushi restaurant. They even still use the drive-thru for pickup, which is quite convenient!

I always enjoy visiting this restaurant. The portions are quite generous, especially for the sashimi. I frequently order a side of steak, which is offered at an excellent price per pound. Plus, they have a drive-thru! The service is fantastic, and the atmosphere is relaxing.

I've ordered from Sakura multiple times, and the food is consistently perfectly cooked and delicious. I really appreciate the drive-thru window for pick-up. I highly recommend this restaurant!

As for my review: This sushi restaurant offers fantastic prices for high-quality sushi, comparable to takeout sushi places. As a sushi lover, I do get frustrated when sashimi isn't sliced properly, but the chefs here clearly know their craft. Each type of fish needs to be cut a specific way to bring out its flavor. I discovered a new favorite roll—the Boston roll—thanks to this place, although they forgot to add tobiko on top, probably because many people don't like roe. Still, it was delicious. The sashimi was enjoyable, and the miso soup was basic; I neither loved nor hated it.

When I arrived, the restaurant was small and reminded me of an old-style Taco Bell drive-thru, which initially worried me. However, upon entering, I noticed booths and a few tables, along with a counter that looked reminiscent of an old Taco Bell ordering counter. There was also a sushi bar where the chef was preparing sushi. I chose a booth, and a lovely lady promptly came over with the menu and asked about my drink preference. I was hoping for Sapporo beer, but it turns out they only serve soft drinks. I opted for ginger ale and settled in, feeling good about the warm and polite service. I browsed through the menu, which offered a nice variety of rolls and, yes, hibachi—though it’s prepared in the kitchen rather than at the table. The lady returned to take my order, and I decided on miso soup, Kani salad, and two rolls: the “Oaklyn” roll and a black dragon roll. Having eaten Japanese food since 1970, when I worked for a Japanese company called Kenwood Electronics, I was eager to dig in, having experienced some of the best dining in NYC at traditional Japanese restaurants with tatami rooms. The miso soup was exceptional, and the Kani salad was a bit spicy, as the server had kindly informed me. I was really enjoying the flavors; everything was quite delicious. Then my rolls arrived—each beautifully presented, combining traditional and modern Japanese aesthetics. To sum it up: outstanding! The rolls were firm and flavorful, with about eight pieces per roll. I briefly contemplated using a fork and knife, but opted for chopsticks, as tradition demands. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience!