Skill my favorite restaurant in Des Moines. I've been coming since they opened up. Every week a group of old guys meets for sushi and fellowship. I've seen the staff change, but still, many of them are like my kids.They work hard and try to make you happy. We used to go at night sometimes, but it's more of a young person's place at night.They have great cocktails. They have a variety of sushi rolls, lots of creative rolls and the sushi is fresh and good.But the thing is , if you have friends that aren't really into sushi , they have lots of alternatives. I think it goes with there.Customer service ethic of trying to make people happy. If you've never been , it's a great place to take friends and if you're by yourself , they have a bar area where you'll made be made to feel welcome as a single. read more

The vibe seems to be a loud bar that serves asian cuisine. It is overpriced for the serving sizes, but the sushi was excellent. The volcano roll was good, and the sashimi carpaccio (maguro only) was some of the best I've ever had. Service was friendly. read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Volcano Roll - seared tuna, wasabi sauce, spicy tuna - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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45 minutes late on a pick up order and we are still waiting. Poor form by this group.

I've been to Sakari many times before, but this was by far the worst experience out of all. The restaurant was so loud my friend asked if we were at a club, although I will say it was decorated nicely for Christmas. The wait was over 1.5 hours for the sushi (not to be seated but to actually receive the food), and the $17+ speciality rolls were TINY. The size of cali roll. Honestly very disappointed for the price, but I will say it tasted good. I will not seek out this restaurant for sushi. Would highly recommend walking down the street to Thai flavors. read more

I got a call from my daughter this morning, She was excited for us to join her for lunch at this amazing sushi place she had gone to. I checked the online menu and it looked great. Party of 4 Sat afternoon, the service was TERRIBLE. Waiter took our beverage order. And half the appetizer order. I was waiting on my husband to place our order, the server said he would come back. He did but only to ask for our main order. When I said we were wanting to order appetizers he said the he had placed that order already. I reminded him that he said he would be back to take our order...he rolled his eyes and took our order. We placed our entree order as well. I asked him about a seafood dish that was on the menu on their website again rolled his eyes and he said they took that item off the menu. Everyone at the table ordered Sushi. I ordered the Teryaki Don. The apps came out... They were lackluster. The vegetable Pot Stickers the filling was wet and mushy. The veggie Spring Rolls were eatable mainly because the sauce was amazing! The Sushi entrees arrived and I had everyone go ahead and eat. The server eventually brought my entree and asked the others how everything was tasting. My entree was not only cold (the Jasmine rice side was hot) not only was it cold all the vegetables in the dish had at sometime in their life been over cooked as everything was mushy...cold bland and mushy. I have eaten better food out of a can than was served up at Sakari. My daughter had the same dish as part of her bento box and she had the same opinion..it had the texture of processed canned food. While I know that I was not served canned food, there was nothing about that dish that screamed freshly prepared. It was more like re-heated leftovers from a school cafeteria. When our lackluster server eventually came back he noticed I had untouched food on my plate he asked if I needed a box, I said no and added it was cold when it came out of the kitchen he looked at me blankly and hand me my check! The members of my party that ordered Sushi said it was great and apparently the non vegetarian appetizers were good as well. I am just not a big sushi lover! All I will say is if you only do Sushi well ...only do Sushi! I would venture to say that if the plate of food that I was served today was served to ten people in the same manner that it was served to me that at least nine of those people would have tasted the Teryaki Don then push it aside on the plate and eat only the rice as I did! It was just that vile! And there was no excuse for the crappy service. Nice enough place, not that busy! But the service YIKES! i have waited on tables and have been a bartender. Just be friendly and attentive. As bad as my experience was I still left a 15% tip. (I am not a Monster or a Karen) If the food and service would have been better I would have been more! This was our first experience at Sakari! Unfortunately you only get one chance at a first impression! That is why I am posting this review; maybe they may fix some things, maybe the server will try being pleasant then maybe someone else's first impression will be a good one. read more

Dinner before a concert. I could have stayed all night here instead of the concert. Food was amazing. Service was outstanding and ambiance was warm and fun. This was our first time and won't be our last. This will be a must go to. Server assisted us with our questions and substitutions. My daughter and I fought over the final pieces of each dish. read more

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4.75* (out of 5) Food: 5* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 5* 03/31/2023 Several friends recommended this place within a few days, so we took the opportunity to stop by with friends from Brazil who also enjoy sushi. We were advised to get reservations as they are very busy and even at noon on a Friday, the earliest we could get a table for 4 was 8:15 - so I highly recommend getting reservations. We arrived a few minutes early and were immediately seated near the sushi counter (see pictures). A very modern and lively atmosphere along with friendly service. Our server was Deja L. and she was fantastic - excellent recommendations and a friendly demeanor...the kind of person you would want representing your business. We started with drinks and a shared appetizer - I ordered the Cherry Vanilla Cola (see picture) and we shared the Combo Dynamite App (see picture). The drink was good as expected and the Combo Dynamite App was dyn-o-mite (as the name implies). For our meals, I ordered the Volcano (see picture) and my wife ordered the Fire Cracker (see picture) - both Chef's Special Maki and both on the recommendation of Deja. We really liked both of them and would definitely order them again as well as recommend them for you to try. Our friend ordered the Salmon Roll w/cucumber (see picture) and also really enjoyed it. We were definitely tempted to order dessert, but ended up deciding to pass and stop for another cocktail on the way home instead. We can definitely understand the strong recommendations for this place as we offer the same - fantastic food and service...just make sure to make reservations! If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. Photos copyright: happyhourdesmoines.com & thefoodanddrinkguy.com read more

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It took quite a while to get my order in spite of a light lunch crowd. The food quality rivaled that of gas station sushi. If you know sushi I would suggest you eat elseware. read more

This place is my ultimate fave for sushi, the vibe, and just great meeting spot for time with SO's or friends! I literally send every out of towner there because the food is that amazing! Freshest I've ever found in this state! Now as for service!! I have 3 faves!! Nani is by far top dawg! She kills it every time we are there! She knows our order and can tell by our pace when to offer the next drink! Love, love, love her to pieces!!! Hiram is awesome on Nani's days off and fun! He will take great care of you if you get him! And last but definitely not least Macy! I've only had her once but really enjoyed talking with her about things I'd never tried and trying her recommendations! She knows her menu! If you have not been, GO! The food alone is so worth it! read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - a variety of sushi dishes - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This place is a vibe and I'm here for it! Staff was amazing and the food was even better! read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Amazing sushi - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Excellent service. Jordan was super nice & attentive. Fun ambiance w/ awesome tunes. So happy to have veg dumplings as it's rare to find on a menu. LOVED their dressing on the salad that is served w/ entree. Had a fun & delish eve! =) read more

Not recommended for take out: -Up charge-about double the prices on this YELP Menu -No place to park due to area construction Otherwise, the pick up order was decent and customer service was nice. However, if you're in the area, I recommend Sakura Sushi instead by Hy-Vee. read more

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This is probably one of the best sushi places in DSM metro. It definitely helps that they don't skimp on the yum yum sauce! My absolute favorite roll is the Bruce Lee. The crab Rangoon dip and garlic chili edamame are also great if you like spicy. They have an awesome cocktail menu but more are pretty sweet so I only had one before switching to wine. Our waitress was kind enough to bring out a free dessert and sing for our friend which was special! I don't recommend actually ordering the Rice Krispie roll (I'm not a huge fan of Rice Krispies) but it was a fun treat. They also bring around "saki bombs" throughout the meal which is a super fun touch but it's definitely angry orchard lol. They don't have an apple flavored saki on the menu. Final notes: parking is really terrible with the construction going on and the restaurant definitely smells like a sushi place. I definitely recommend for parties and fun date nights. read more

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Years ago I really wanted to like sushi, but every time I went out with someone they threw me to the wolves... I had no idea what to order and almost everything I tried I just wanted to spit out. All my foodie friends liked sushi so I knew I had to be missing out on something... One day one of my friends (Trish) decided to take me under her wing. We went to Sakari for a late lunch and she helped me strap on my training wheels. Starting with the basic she ordered bento boxes for us and a few rolls to share. She taught me about how the different flavor profiles were laid out and what worked with what for me in sushi, raw v. cooked, nori v. soy paper, fried and inside out rolls, etc., unagi and spicy mayo, how to properly use soy sauce, wasabi, and ginger (palate cleansing), and branching out from rolls to nigiri and sashimi. And that's how enjoying my journey with sushi started. Years later I've been able to help others enjoy sushi by following the same path. I'm not exactly a downtown person, and I don't get back to Sakari as often as I should, but Sakari will always hold a special place in my heart. The groundwork started there for what is now one of my favorite foods on this great big ball of dirt! You have to try the dynamite shrimp and don't skip out on their wings! https://sakarisushilounge.com/ read more

Service is on the ball, great sushi, great vibe, great food! Gets better every time I visit.

I've always gone to Sakari over many years and it's my favorite sushi spot. However, Ive noticed the last couple of times, the sushi rolls being much smaller than usual but still same price. We also had a group of 6 people and they brought all of our orders out on one large platter instead of each persons order separate which is inconvenient to them have to ask for separate plates and attempt to scoop each roll off of the platter to each person. read more

Great service - beautiful plate presentation! I got the spicy salmon + cream cheese and volcano + cream cheese... amazing!! read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Spicy Salmon and Volcano - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Vistised some family in Iowa and they took me to one of their favorite spots. Place was vibrant and popping. Food was outstanding and the service was exceptional. We ordered a variety of dishes from a 3lb cowboy cut to carpaccio. Owner was very welcoming and frequented our table often to provide free spirits on the house. Didn't realize southern hospitality existed elsewhere in the country especially a landlocked corn field state read more

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Food is fresh and well served, the dynamite shrimp is a must when eating here. Service was a little slow but it was very busy. Nice place to eat read more

The restaurant smells disgusting. I would equate it to the smell of a poorly ventilated public restroom. The kind you want to get in and out of as fast as possible. The bar must be on the floor in Des Moines because this restaurant was somehow packed while I was contemplating cancelling my food after sitting there for 60 seconds because of the smell. They gave me no wasabi with my sushi order and they don't require people to wear masks and are packed during a pandemic but ok. The yellowtail was a dark pink color when it supposed to be white/light pink. Got home, opened it and threw it out. You can see the yellowtail in my photo. I'm sorry Des Moines but I'm not impressed by you and and the fact that this place has good reviews or is busy is actually horrifying. read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Fish from the yellowtail roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Fried chicken wings naked - sauce on the side. Ghost pepper sauce my fave Dynamite shrimp - hot and crispy NY strip steak with rice and octopus salad Beef short ribs with rice and squid salad - my go to meal when I'm not craving sushi read more

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Sakurai has a great happy hour. Monday -Thursday 5-7. Domestic bottles and draws of Karin for 2.50. House rolls for 5 and Dynamite shrimp or crab appetizer for 5. The food was delicious. The staff were all wearing masks, unfortunately the table were not socially distanced. Love that the soy sauce came in individual containers vs a bottle on the table. Great service and great food. Most likely would carryout next time since the tables were very close together, but thats a personal choice. read more

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Sushi was delicious, staff was friendly, plenty of alcohol options. We love this place. It's a little pricey so we only go on special occasions. read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Great food, great service but the loud thumping bass noise sucked! I felt like I was sitting in traffic having to hear some damn inconsiderate idiots noise that he calls music. Stop the noise and I may be back. Otherwise it's not worth the pain! read more

Sakari is definitely one of the best sushi restaurants that I've been to while in Des Moines. Their specialty rolls always taste fresh, the service is good, and the drinks are tasty. So far, I've tried the Incredible Hawk, beef roll up, sweet potato tempura, dynamite crab, and Iowa Surf and turf. Everything is always a 10/10 in terms of flavor, freshness, and portion sizes. The presentation is always on point, too! I think the sushi here is reasonably priced, so you can get a good amount of food for a good price. It's also great to come with a friend or two so you can order different rolls and try more sushi! I've also had the white peach saki. My first time trying saki, and man, that drank was so darn good! The sushi does take a while to get to you, so you may want to eat a light snack before you get there or get an appetizer if you're extremely hungry, but I think the sushi is always worth the wait. read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - My friend had the Incredible Hawk, I had the Beef Roll up. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Decided we were craving sushi and wanted to try somewhere new. Parking for this place is confusing and essentially non-existent. Somehow people were able to park behind the building but we have no idea how they got back there. We ended up being able to park on Ingersoll in front of a building east of the car wash and walked up to the restaurant. We were seated right away. The restaurant was fairly full and busy for a Saturday night about 5:30pm. Unfortunately some of the tables are so close together you feel like you can't have a private conversation seated so close to another couple. We ordered the crab Rangoon dip. It was piping hot when it came to our table. Wish there were more pita chips to go with the dish. It was a little spendy, but very good. We ordered 3 sushi rolls. One of our go-to rolls is the dynamite roll. They also had an Iowa surf and turf that had bacon in it. This one as great and had a slight bbq flavor to it. We also ordered the wild caterpillar. The spicy mayo on this roll was amazing! Definitely worth a try if you're in the area. Tons of sushi choices to fit your every need! read more

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My FAVORITE spot in DSM for Sushi! I try and go every chance I get. The sushi is fresh and the staff is so so friendly. They also have the best watermelon sugar martini!!!! They're open 11am-2pm and then reopen for dinner hours which is 5pm-11pm. I've never tested this out, but I heard if you sit at the bar they give you free sake bombs - which are also delicious! read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Amazing food and a great atmosphere!! Our favorite place in Des Moines. Highly recommend eating and drinking here. read more

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Food was great, service was even better. It was super clean inside, fun atmosphere, staff were super friendly and helpful. 10/10 would recommend!! read more

Everything was delicious!! They have all the different choices of sushi roll and nigiri. It was all fresh and so beautifully Presenter. The wait staff was very friendly and helpful. Pricing was reasonable I will definitely eat here again, if I am in the area. Thank you for a wonderful meal. Everyone else... Enjoy! read more

I love Sakari. I come here several times per month at lunch. Large variety of Sushi, everything is made fresh to order, gluten free and vegan options too. Udon and Sakari Burger are not to be missed either. Plethora of Sake flavors and a full bar round out a great atmosphere and experience. read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Sakari Roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Great place! Food is amazing nice place and great people if you are looking for a spot for good sushi go here!

Smells inside like backed up sewer! They must be use to the smell. Asked to be seated! The huge lady at the counter, seated us at the 1st table! Immediately we sensed bad vibes & kept getting evil looks from her! I sat on the outer chair! We all placed are orders! Waitress & food was great! But her attitude has to go! Maybe cause my grandson is 1/2 black & 1/2 Italian (the kind of person who doesn't like mixed people) THEN tells me "push in your chair" & continually yelling get this chairs put up, teenagers running in and out! When she told me to pull my chair in, I should of responded " wide load coming through!" We drove from WDM to be threaded like shit! No wonder it stinks inside! When you leave don't lite a match or it'll look like Christmas Vacation, hold your breath til you get in your car! Owner needs to have a sit down with Ms Thang & her attitude read more

When I'm looking for a good happy hour, Sakari is always top of my list. Their food is delicious and cheap ($4.50 house rolls). But, the kicker is that somehow we always manage to get a round of sake bombs on the house! How can I say no to free sake bombs?! Also, they get pretty busy during happy hour however the wait for food is never long! During my most recent visit I figured I would switch things up and try their tempura udon. The soup base was flavorful. But, it was really lacking in garnishes and vegetables. Their tempura udon comes with two pieces of tempura and then soup and udon noodles which is quite plain compared to most restaurants. read more

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Since I've been here almost 30 times over the past four years, I figured I should update my review again! This is still my favorite place in the Des Moines area to get sushi! They've expanded their footprint by doubling the space. There is now a much larger bar, seating area, private room, larger bathrooms (both with changing tables), and outdoor seating. It's great that they have more space as it's always busy. I recommend reservations if you have a large group. We do bring our infant daughter along without any problems. We almost always go during happy hour and always get the Dynamite Crab Roll. We also get red tuna and salmon sashimi and at least one more roll. I still enjoy the Godzilla but the Iowa Surf and Turf is pretty yummy too! They are still rather giving on the Saki bombs and have an alternative if you can't have beer. Obviously, since I've been here a lot, I like the place! read more

Sakari Sushi Lounge - Marty Da Party, Godzilla, Dynamite Crab, and Red Tuna sashimi. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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This was one of the worst experiences I have had a restaurant! We had a party of 11, the serve left and literally never came back to service her table but charged a $7 gratuity per person, unbelievable! Some of us never got our complete order or refills on our drinks & it wasn't even busy! I will NEVER be back! read more

food is great, staff is awesome. Macie the bartender is always happy and positive. will always go back to see her.

Good sushi and drinks! I started eating here for occasional outings but now I go every Tuesday as a regular. The staff is good everynight but I always make sure I go to see macie. Never disappoints!​ read more

I've never had anything bad here. It's my go-to for sushi. My only complaint is they are so busy and popular sometimes my take out orders can be 60+ mins but very worth the wait! read more

I wanted to try a new Japanese restaurant around town because I was disappointed about the original restaurant that me and my boyfriend used to eat at in Des Moines for our dates. So I decided to look on yelp to do my research for a good Japanese restaurant and I stumbled upon this restaurant. It was my last weekend with my boyfriend before I went home for the semester so I wanted to pick out a decent restaurant that we both would enjoy. This restaurant had quality reviews so I chose this restaurant. This restaurant was located on a busy street so I would suggest to park across at Staples and just cross the street. When we first came in, I already noticed how busy it was inside but we were still being seated right away as well as catered too by our lovely waiter. The ambivalence was nice for a bar setting. You also have a choice to sit at the bar or just on a regular table. This restaurant is great for a girls/ boys night out or date nights for couples. I wouldn't suggest to bring kids to this restaurant because it's more for an older audience such as college students or older folks. The portraits on the wall are also a nice touch to add to the setting. Right away I knew what I wanted to order because I made sure I did my research of what were the top things that people ordered. Therefore, me and boyfriend both ordered the Sakari strip and one Godzilla sushi to share. I had high expectations for this restaurant and they definitely did not disappoint at all. The food was great along with the fast service. The steak was super delicious and juicy. I think it's one of the best steaks I've tried in years. I also loved the Godzilla sushi. I just wish it came with more because I felt as if were too little. However the food, was more then enough. The dinner entrees already included a house salad and miso soup. It even included another side dish to choose from with our meal such as seaweed salad (which I choose), kimichi, or Kani salad which is an extra $1.00. After we were almost finished, I also ordered a drink which was fruity but not too strong(since I barely like to drink at all) called sour berry lolly. I also enjoyed eating the lollipop that came with it. I really enjoyed this restaurant and I gave it five stars because it was one of the best restaurants that I've tried here in Des Moines. Me and my boyfriend had a very nice experience with the food, the waiter, and had a great date night for the both of us to enjoy before I left. I will more than likely be back here again with my boyfriend when I'm back in Iowa. read more

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