Food is mediocre, comes out quicker than a regular Chinese spot, good food is not that quick and the restaurant is extremely disorganized. If you're a not use to better restaurant maybe it'll be good, but if you have taste and desire for something to really wow you this place is not it, place won't survive 2 years 2 stars being nice read more

Appropriately lit, and naturally decorated, it feels welcoming when you walk into Sakura Garden. All the staff were friendly, from the hostess, to server and hibachi cook. There were 7 of us for a birthday so we got our own table. Food was good. The fried noodles were a hit. read more

Sakura Garden - Scorpion bowl - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Everything is so delicious. Sushi is the best! Love coming here. Great service. Nice atmosphere. Clean and inviting.

Yummy sushi as always! I went for a solo date. Half priced sushi is always a plus! Dine-in only. I paired it with a delicious Mango Martini (not frozen) so be sure to ask that. I am always pleased here, do yourself a favor and go! read more

Sakura Garden - Shrimp tempura roll and Spicy tuna roll - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

It was an extremely busy night. We had a large party, celebrating a birthday. Our waitress was nice, quick to get drinks. We ordered our food and out comes our chef. We didn't get a great greeting and we were hoping for a more fun experience for the kids. I thought it was weird that he cooked the veggies last, not with the rice. I was also disappointed that we didn't get mustard or ginger sauce without asking. I can understand it for the kids but not adults. Also the noodles were extremely bland. Next time I will pass. When done, the waitress asked me 7 times if my portion of the check was ready. It kinda annoyed me. Overall the kids had a good time. read more

Definitely worth it especially for their half price sushi! Hibachi is great there as well!

Sakura never disappoints! They recently added their restaurant onto DoorDash but I still can't get delivery to Monroe which is a bummer. But I definitely still make the trip every couple months! read more

Great food at an affordable price. Friendly and prompt service. Classic ambiance. We love to come here for weekend lunches! read more

Sakura Garden - Sushi For Two - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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There was a bandaid in my food. They took no accountability and asked us if we ordered from somewhere else even when we showed our receipt. Wish I could give them 0 stars, I will never order from here again. read more

Sakura Garden - Bandaid in food - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I haven't visited Sakura in a while but was quickly reminded why I liked it in the past. It's decor and ambience is great. We had hibachi. The food and prices are average. I don't like having to pay $3.00 extra for noodles!!!! This is one of the reasons I don't visit as often as there are other places where I can get both rice and noodles. My family loves the rice AND noodles and paying $3.00 extra per person is like having another child/adult to feed. Seriously, a family of 4 or 5 adds an extra $12-15 to the bill. Enough about that....lol I love how the hibachi area is separate from the regular dinning and bar area. You don't feel like you're packed on top of each other. The tables and chairs are high so you feel like you have a great view of the table. I don't drink but my husband likes the beer selections and the couple dinning with us liked the drinks from the bar. The hostess is always nice during my visits and you are not sitting and waiting forever for service. There's a watermill which is cool. The kids throw coins in it for good luck. read more

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The food is pretty good but the hibachi chicken and other hibachi dishes are watered down. Too much sauce or soup.

My daughter and I came here for Mother's Day lunch. We liked the ambiance of the restaurant. We stated off with miso soup which was good. We then had soft shell crab and vegetable roll appetizers. Followed by a variety of hand rolled sushi. Everything was very good and we will be back. read more

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I am pretty sure this is actually a chain, so I'm writing specifically about the place in Hamden. Let me say one thing, I'm not a sushi fan. It's not that I detest the food, it's more like I'm indifferen3t about it. If I was stuck in Japan and my only choices were spicy tuna rolls and even some kinds of sashimi (few types, mostly those that use roe and/or squid I don't like), I would not starve. But as son as I could I'd ask for a Big Mac or NY-style Pizza, But I do like Hibatchi, a lot. It used to be that you always got a 2-shrimp appetizer. So, when I ordered a '+shrimp' I expected not only the +2 but a sizeable amount more too. So when I recently ordered and only got 5 shrimp, I felt robbed. Also, some of the veggies got noticeably burnt. Another thing that most Hiabchi placxe have added is a "Plus noodles $2 or $3" option where you can also get about 1/3 lbs. of noodles, they don't do that. There is another Hibachi place about a mile away on the other side of the grocery stores on Skiff St. They both offer noodles but most of their combos are about $2 less. I first went their. I had heard some unkind things about their food. When I came by around 1 on a Friday afrternoon the placer was so dark. It had an 'open' sign lit up, but the lot was ENTIREL empty . The place didn't even look open, at a key lunch hours on a common eat-out time. I circled the lot once and went back to Sakura. I only have 3 complaints. One is to dear God that 'Water Wheel is annoyingly loud and repetitive! I think you'd do a lot better with a water feature (maybe a rocky wall as well as multi-drop waterfall and a pond with some turtles? Kids love the turtles...) Secondly, my veggies were burnt, not forgiven when you cook Hibatchi in a kitchen. Third, no noodles. I would also add that if they are going to simply put thier sauces aside and have the waittress put them on the plate, they need more sauce. read more

My boyfriend and I visited on New Years Eve and had hibachi served at the table. Overall service and food was great! We started with a scorpion bowl which was very good but very sweet. For appetizers we had Honey bbq Spare Ribs and Crab Rangoons. They were both AMAZING- definitely the best Chinese food we have had in Hamden. The hibachi served at the table was all very good except the fried rice tasted a little old. Overall I can't wait to come back and try the sushi and more! read more

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Food was great and big portions. Inside is a nice atmosphere and we had good service as well. Recommended!

I had a very good experience! The food was good and the show was amazing. The chef at the Hibachi was great! The kids enjoyed it very much. Will take my family there anytime. read more

My family and I were very happy by our experience here overall, It was our very first visit & we chose to experience the hibachi side of the restaurant There is a big parking lot! We called about an hour in advance to reserve a table for 10, they do accept reservations! We were greeted & sat immediately upon arriving The Hibachi Entrees are served with a mushroom soup, salad, fried or white rice, Shrimp Appetizer & Vegetables. You have the option to add noodles for $3 extra. The mushroom soup has fried onions inside and it was really good despite the fact that I don't like mushrooms or fried onions. The food was absolutely delicious!!! Some of the entrees we ordered are: Chicken & Shrimp $23 + $3 Noodles = $26 Steak & Shrimp $24 Steak & Salmon $24 I tasted them all! & My favorite was as follows: Steak, Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp The noodles were good but not my cup of tea. My mom loved it, so you may too. :) They have a kids menu (ages 11 & under) I attached a photo - my nephew ordered two rolls for $8 -The tuna roll & chicken tempura, he really enjoyed them! Now, The experience with our chef was really great, it was some of my family members first time experiencing hibachi and they loved it, all the kids loved it too. Our chef put on such a great show, he was very kind to the kids and he was very engaging and entertaining. Overall, I did not give them 5 stars because we never received our shrimp appetizer that was supposed to come with the entree or the edamame's that we ordered. I do recommend & look forward to coming back and trying their drinks & other items on the menu. Thank you for the experience :) read more

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I've now been to Sakura twice! I went the first time and did the half price sushi (it says it's only certain dates and times but it's really all the time). Sushi was fresh and the first time we were right at the counter watching them make it. The second time we sat at a table near the bar. I ordered the pad Thai and originally wasn't terribly impressed, but it grew on me. The appetizers were good - although the shrimp tempura was a little weird. It was very greasy and came with a bunch of tempura fried... stuff. We had mushrooms, broccoli and a bunch of squash. It was 3 pieces of shrimp and really wasn't my thing. My stepdad really liked his fried rice though. It came with chicken, shrimp, and steak. He said it was delicious and even better with soy sauce. Overall, I think they have decent pad Thai, but I'd go for the half price sushi over anything else they have. read more

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Pack your bags Kumo.........there's a new hibachi/ sushi joint in town! I don't know where to begin here, there is so much going on. Just walking in I was taken back by the size of this place...very spacious. The owner(?)/host was super friendly as he greeted everyone who walked in. We explained how we were two out of a party of 8 and were a little early for our reservations. He happily led us over to the bar. The bar area is huge. Dark, nice date spot. We decided on Zentini and a hot sake. The bartender was very friendly and attentive. Wasabi peanuts were set out in dishes at the bar....dangerously addictive. The rest of the party made their way in and the host comped our drinks for "being Red Sox fans" and took us to our grill table. I loved these tables... they were bar height. It was a nice effect for hibachi, as opposed to always feeling slouched in a chair. The menu was your average hibachi , extensive traditional Japanese offerings and an impressive sushi menu. Grilled chicken, the fillet, lobster, scallops were all ordered hibachi style. You are given the soup, salad, shrimp appetizer, fried rice and veggie side. The chef was funny and did all of the typical hibachi jokes. A few people at the table opted for sushi roll appetizers, to include myself. We were so happy that we did. Everything was fresh, innovative and excellent. The RED SOX Roll, was a lobster mango roll. The YANKEES Roll was shrimp tempura wrapped with spicy salmon and covered in avocado and the PASSION Roll was seared pepper white tuna with mango and seaweed salad and drizzled with Thai chili sauce. Amazing! We were all entirely too stuffed to try anything for dessert, but we will be back. This place has left a great impression on us all! read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I started visiting Sakura Gardens during the "soft opening" a few years back. They had their share of opening issues but the staff was able to work past it and make the best of it. That is why it is called a soft opening. I normally only tried the Hibachi which was better than Kumo located down the road. Recently I have been taking advantage of the half priced sushi deals which are a REALLY good deal. The quality of the food is excellent however I have been there twice and they were out of tuna. (also spicy tuna) I just don't understand how you can be out of a core ingredient like that. The environment is beautiful and can also accommodate large groups in a special section. The hibachi chefs will by default do a show for you that is pretty much the same as any other hibachi place. Where they excel is the owner checks in on you as if you are his visiting family to make sure you are satisfied. There is a "river" that flows under the tables next to the hibachi area and the bar is well stocked and setup nicely. read more

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I've been coming to this place for a years and there has been certain things that have stayed the same with the place. The food has always been great but the service is not. The servers are always in hiding. They always draw blanks when you ask them simple questions about the menu. And at times, they act as if they have no idea about what's on their menu. 3 stars were only given because of the food. I also wrote a post about them on my blog. thisbrownchic.wordpress.com read more

Love love love their sweet potato roll. Better half is addicted to their vegetable tempura. Drinks are also nicely made and smooth.

Before Covid-19 we would frequent this restaurant. Which usually has good food.We decided to order take out now that the restaurant is opened after being closed due to the pandemic. I had a variety of cooked sushi options. After eating, I became very sick with norovirus symptoms, throwing up and other things I rather not mention. I think the restaurant is trying to make up for lost time, production and money by serving not so fresh food since they were shut down. I understand that businesses are suffering but you can't make up for your losses at the expense of your customers health by serving old food. read more

Meh. That pretty much sums up this dining experience. I had the yaki udon and white tuna sushi and it was simply uninspired. Appetizers came out together with hot entrees, and the sushi came out 15 minutes later. Definitely not worth trying again. read more

Sakura Garden - Scorpion Bowl - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The was food was good, that i have no complaints about. My problem is how serious the employees take my order. I ask for no vegetables in a steak & salmon entree and end up with 70% vegetables in the whole dish! I felt as if they were making a joke out of me since i asked for none they gave me extra. Would have loved it this wasn't my first impression. read more

Sakura Garden - EXTRA VEGETABLES when i asked for NONE - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The atmosphere inside if A+ and if I had to knock it at all, I would say that the food arrived too quickly. I was still working on my appetizer when my entree arrived and it was not like I took my time plunging into my appetizer! Perhaps they were overstaffed with eager chefs or under-patronized that day but I felt like I was served quickly and ushered out the door with extreme haste that day. read more

I usually love this place but i order takeout tonight and my girl got food poisoning from some bad seafood. She had shrimp tempura and a spider roll . We also order calamari which we didn't eat due to a strong fishy smell. Im thinking that they getting rid of old food. Definitely will not ordering again. Strong Maybe after covid 19. My gf has been throwing up all night since we ate. Hope she dosent need to go to the hospital. read more

Been coming to Sakura for a long time and always have gotten 2 salads instead of soup with the hibachi dinner. Called to get takeout today and the woman on the phone said that as of today they don't do that. She barley could tell me why and I pressed her to see how much the salad would be and I suggested $1 and she seemed to say yes as if she doesn't know. Last time we got takeout they forgot our Gyoza and I had to come back for a refund. Sadly this woman will be losing a lot of a business as we will just go to Kumo down the road and be treated well like they loyal customers we are. read more

Absolutely great food! Friendly waitresses and waiters. Food is made to order, and delicious I might add. My personal favorite is the sushi bar, fresh seafood, great quality.. highly recommend for sushi and hibachi read more

Sakura Garden - Fresh sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

i wouldn't even give this place one star! went for hibachi dinner with my family but had to leave as soon as food was done didn't get a chance to eat so we packed the food to go, when we got home opened the boxes there was a roach in my noodles absolutely disgusting. i took the food back and the manager never apologized and said i put the roach there cause i could not afford it. never going back. read more

Sakura Garden - Roach in food - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The decor and ambiance of this place is great. Dim mood lighting and lots of glittering decorations. I only got two things but both of them tasted phenomenal! Had fried noodles which had a garlicky honey taste. I don't even know how to describe them but they were great. The fried rice with Yum Yum sauce was awesome. I had so much for leftovers that I could eat it for two days. Definitely will return! read more

My all time favorite Japanese restaurant. Been eating here for 5 years now and would never change. They have awesome prices and some of the freshest sushi I have ever had. They also have a large selection of liquor. They specialize in scorpion bowls, which are perfect to share with a friend! Hibachi is also amazing here. Always take friends and family here for special occasions. read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

My husband and I stopped in about an hour before closing. Also it was his first time at a Hibachi. So I was really anxious for us to have a great time. We ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer, which we shared. It was very delicious and piping hot! We also ordered a Scorpion Bowl for 2 which was also delicious. Then the Hibachi chef came out and put in a great performance. He was very enthusiastic and fun. It was great because it was close to closing and it was just the 2 of us. So we had a great time and we went home with tons of yummy leftovers. read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Probably the most skilled Hibachi chef I have ever had. The miso soup had nice flavor and it wasn't overly salty. The ginger salad dressing had great flavor too. The meal was executed at a good pace. My only complaint is that my filet mignon was cooked more than i like. I ordered medium rare and got medium. They offer noodles for an extra price which I think is a little much. Many places offer them with the meal. The rice and noodles were just ok and seemed to need a little more flavor. Otherwise, typical hibachi fair. read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

Sakura Garden was my first hibachi experience and I was fully impressed. Do not judge this book by its cover. It is located in a plaza next to a Price Right but you'd never know by the looks of the interior. There is the most precious water wheel and fountain at the entrance. As far as the hibachi experience goes, there are a number of options on the hibachi menu. The prices are reasonable and you get tons of food. On Sundays there are specials on all sushi and sashimi. Our chef was entertaining and did lots of cool tricks while cooking to keep our attention. Throwing broccoli intro our mouths and sake. He was very fast as well. The food was delicious. I have no complaints! I will definitely be coming back! read more

We celebrated a birthday at the hibachi and I have to say it was a big "meh". The decor is a little overdone but impressive nonetheless, just wish they spent that kind of time on the food. The hibachi chefs wear weird American/Texan uniforms with cowboy hats which sets a strange tone for the evening right away. The highlight of our meal was definitely the scorpion bowl (available in several flavors) served with a floating, flaming shot of 151 in the middle. The mushroom soup was musty, and the hibachi meal decidedly so-so. I didn't get sushi, but glancing at the menu the rolls were priced tiny bit more than you would pay elsewhere. In my opinion, Hayama in Orange and Kampai in Branford, where the food outshines the show, are still the best hibachi options in the area. read more

Very nice on the inside. Friendly staff. Very good vegetable fried rice with more variety of vegetables than anyone in a 20 mile radius. Highly recommend. Prices are good. Great date environment. Highly recommended. read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

I was really trying to give this restaurant more than a 1. Today was the first time I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant. Understanding that it is graduation season, we reserved dining for 830. Upon arrival they were busy, as expected and the table was ready as reserved. Who are very excited and happy to see the waiters and the chefs scurrying around entertaining the crowd as it was the hibachi style restaurant, quietly and anxiously awaiting our time. 840 past, we said nothing because we thought they were a bit busy even though the chef came and being in to perform his artistic skills with the neighboring table not acknowledging us but it was OK. 8:55 hit, no one still coming to even greet us. A young lady arrives, and takes a drink orders and we gladly gave them expecting her to come back to take order. She goes about to serve the new tables as well as old,We waiting patiently still nothing. When 9 o'clock hit, I got up, went over to one of the servers and said it will there be anyone taking our order. He asked where we seating and he then turn to the waitress and she said she will be over momentarily. She makes it to the table by 9:15, She takes our order and finally delivers the soup in the salad and we ask when will the chef becoming says they still have not come out and it's almost 930. The chef arrives at 9:30 and he begins to cook the meal. He completes cooking the meal about 950 and wow he is cooking the meal here they come with to go plates without anyone asking for them. After they passed out that to go plates then they come running over with a bill letting us know that it is after 10 o'clock and that they are closed and she needs the cash out her register but didn't realize that we were there at 8:30 and didn't have a way there to even serve us and now here it is they're rushing us out of the restaurant. Could it be that they didn't know how to handle a crowd when they come in during rush hour? Could it be that they didn't have enough staff on in order to serve the people in the restaurant? Could it be that they just didn't care that there was poor service and not one person could come over to even apologize? Could it be they didn't realize we had just received our meals before trying to force us out of the restaurant as if we had just come in? I am going to allow you to be the judge, because I believe if I say anymore, I will be talking out of frustration. I have just giving you the fax now you can choose to go if you like. read more

Came here for a girls lunch to celebrate my belated 21st and it did not disappoint! Our service was awesome and attentive, food was a tad expensive, but absolutely amazing! I got the sexy girl roll and the spicy tuna salad. And my Scorpion Bowl was on fire! Literally and figuratively! Will be back for sure. read more

Sakura Garden - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

The previous review was almost a year ago, and still no response from the management. Let that stand for itself.