Sakura Bistro Tapas & Sake Bar

Service: 5 starsAmbiance: 5 stars, quiet, comfortable Food: 3 stars I had the chirashi bowl, and the fish was fresh. But, half the fish was pretty good, the other half tasted like nothing, and they used the "fake ahi" - I don't actually know what this is, but it's dyed to look like ahi, and isn't. The tamago had way too much sugar in it. There was barely any soy sauce on the table. I kept forgetting to ask for more. The salad was drowning in dressing - way too much dressing. Servings were generous. There's a whole other half of the menu - I'd try something else if I went back.

An Underwhelming Lunch Spot in OaklandI stopped by Sakura Bistro Tapas & Sake Bar for lunch while visiting Oakland, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. The service was lacking--you have to put in a lot of effort to get seated, request the menu, place your order, and even to pay. It was a bit frustrating to feel so overlooked.As for the food, it was just okay--nothing particularly memorable. While the dishes were fine, they didn't stand out, and there are definitely better sushi options in the area.All in all, Sakura Bistro may work in a pinch, but if you're looking for a quality sushi experience in Oakland, there are better alternatives available.My Criteria: 5 stars: The best food I have ever had, or an excellent option given the price. 4 stars: Good food, a restaurant I look forward to trying again. 3 stars: Good food, a restaurant that I am indifferent to. 2 stars: Below average experience, will not go again. 1 star: This restaurant should be closed.

My friend and I came here for an early dinner on Friday after a conference. It is on the second floor of the building with the Oakland Asian Cultural Center. The place was empty, so that concerned me a little, but the restaurant looked nice and clean. Since it was our first time, we asked a lot of questions. The waiter was attentive and answered all our questions kindly.We ordered soft shell crab, sushi, dumplings, and sake. Everything tasted great and was reasonably priced. Once we were leaving, there were a bunch of people who came in (looks like we just missed the rush!). I had nothing to worry about because everything was fantastic! I would highly recommend to folx looking for small bites and drinks.

The service was quick and welcoming. The food was great especially the Sushi. Tao music kinda threw me off but it was fine

This is a great place to come with a big group! They have a large menu and everything we ordered tasted really good. If you have picky friends, there's something for everyone on the menu.First off, the tea was so good. It wasn't the tea you get at chinese restaurants, it tasted roasted. The service here was also very good - my tea cup was never empty despite me drinking so much of it! Hamachi Sashimi - We tried the hamachi sashimi and the fish was thick and tasted fresh! Fish Taco - The fish tacos were spicy mayo salmon and avocado. The taco shell was made of fried seaweed. Such a creative idea and the fish was tasty! The perfect appetizer. Lion King Roll - The house special sauce was the perfect texture - not too creamy. This roll was good and came out warm. Dragon Roll - Some places use crab meat instead of shrimp tempura but this place has both in the roll!! The rolls come with a good number of pieces and I have no complaints about the flavor. I could just order rolls here and I would've been satisfied! Chicken Teriyaki - The chicken teriyaki was juicy and flavorful. I may be basic but if it's available, I'll order this. So simple but so delicious!The place was also very clean and spacious! Park in the lot underneath - they validate parking here if you ask. I'm excited to bring my some of my friends here - I think it's a nice place to hang out, drink tea, and eat till my belly's full :)!

I've been here several times and they can make some improvements on their customer service, but in general, their service is ok. You sometimes just need to go up to where their workers are congregated behind the counter to ask them for more tea or napkins or take-out containers. I was here for a very large gathering of more than 80 people for a private party that was buffet style. They were unprepared and the sushi ran out before 3/4 of the guests had gotten their food and it wasn't replenished until the end of the evening. The rest of the food items were replenished such as the short ribs, teriyaki chicken, salad and noodles, but everyone was clamoring for the sushi.Other times I've been here, I've had their lunch special where you can choose any 3 items from a page for $19.99. That's a great deal. Yesterday, I had the teriyaki chicken, mixed tempura, and California rolls. It also came with soup and salad. It's not often busy in here, but they've been able to survive all the lean times from the pandemic. Hopefully, they'll stay in business.

Extensive sushi menu with chef specials. Excellent service. Our water kept checking in with us and was very attentive. This location is located on the second floor of the Pacific Renaissance Plaza. There is ample parking underneath which makes it a plus.

Before yesterday, this was my GFs sushi spot in chinatown but now its a spot that's questionable.Idk if they should get a 2 star from my rating but its borderline. The main things that makes it questionable is the cockroach we saw at our booth crawling on the bench seating. The miso soup was ehhh, it was really watery. The picture I added was of the saba shioyaki bento box. I understand food is expensive in general and maybe ive been spoiled from other japanese restaurants but for $17, I feel like the portions were slim. The bento box did come with a salad and miso soup, too. My gf got the Dragon Roll and usually those specialty rolls leave her with some leftover pieces but she ate it all this sitting. The edamame was good and salty so that was good. Im not knocking the whole meal bc the food was edible and tasted decent. Its just for what you get, im sure theres another japanese restaurant where you can get more for your money.

I've been here twice. First time was a few months ago: fine, but not amazing. I gave it a second chance because I felt the seating was the most comfortable of the nearby options (I'm disabled, hard pass on firm or narrow chairs). The food was well-prepared, the staff were friendly, and the interior is charming, I might even I'd say I also returned for the ambiance.They had made some interesting updates to the menu, go ask what a Crispy Happy is. I also dig the dual Japanese/Sichuan menu, getting hot and sour shredded potato and salmon nigiri at the same time is awesome. Prices are a little high, but they don't skip on portions at all. They serve my favorite tea, too, genmaicha I think.If you weren't impressed with this place before, maybe give it another shot. I saw at least one other party sitting there a long while, they split a bottle of wine out of some nice-looking stemware. I think this spot has heart, I hope it sticks around.

The Sakura Combo is delicious!The pieces of sashimi and nigiri were nice portions. Pleasant dining atmosphere and very attentive service!