Sakura Japanese Steak House - OAKLYN

Dining in was a bit awkward at first since there were no other customers, and it felt like it was primarily set up for counter service. The restaurant was quite busy with takeout orders, and they even have a drive-thru. After a brief moment of uncertainty, we decided to sit at a table, and the cashier came over to take care of us. The staff was very pleasant, taking turns to bring out our food. The food itself was delicious and reasonably priced. We will definitely be coming back. Next time, we’ll know to seat ourselves right away.

Every time I visit, the rolls are absolutely delicious. The service is quick, and everyone there is warm and friendly! On one occasion, they even gave me some delicious mochi as a complimentary treat to make up for a brief wait—such a generous touch!

Thank you, Dr. Innerfield, for everything you've done, as well as to everyone who has supported me throughout this process. My gratitude is beyond words.

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!

I was really impressed by how swiftly my food was prepared, and the service was exceptional. The staff made me feel incredibly welcome. I also appreciated the drive-thru option, which added a lot of convenience to the whole experience. I ordered the lunch special, which featured hibachi shrimp, shumai, and smoked salmon sashimi. I have no complaints at all! Everything tasted fresh and delicious.