Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sakura

    3.8 (4 reviews)
    Open • 11:00 am - 11:00 pm

    Sakura Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Sakura

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration
    Photo of Dani C.
    3
    24
    62

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Sakura Reviews in Other Languages

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Animae - Lamb chops

    Animae

    4.4(1.7k reviews)
    31.5 km•Downtown
    •$$$

    Such a special evening at ANIMAE…read more Led by Executive Chef and James Beard Award Finalist Tara Monsod, ANIMAE brings a personal, deeply cultural perspective to San Diego's fine-dining scene. One of the things I appreciate most about Chef Tara Monsod is how she stays true to the Filipino dishes and flavors so many of us grew up with, while still finding a way to elevate them beautifully. The Tuna Kinilaw, Crispy Pig Ear, Short Rib Kare Kare, and Pork Tomahawk Tocino were all standouts. Each dish still felt unmistakably Filipino, but Tara brought her own creativity through technique, texture, presentation, and refinement. The Short Rib Kare Kare felt familiar and comforting, but completely elevated. And the Pork Tomahawk Tocino was such a fun interpretation of a flavor so many Filipinos recognize instantly. Then came dessert. We tried the Sticky Rice Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Crémeux, Buko Pandan, and Matcha Mousse. I especially loved seeing Buko Pandan, another familiar Filipino favorite, presented in such a polished and creative way. And we absolutely LOVED our waitress, Joy! Her enthusiasm for the menu was contagious. She was genuinely passionate about recommending the different dishes and explaining them to us, which made the experience even more fun. And I have to give her extra credit because her Filipino pronunciations were on point! We noticed, Joy! That is what I love about Tara's food. She respects where these dishes come from and keeps the heart and soul of the flavors intact, while still making them feel fresh, sophisticated, and completely her own. And what made the evening even more special was Tara taking the time to come visit with us after coming over from her other restaurant, Le Coq. She was gracious enough to stop by our table and spend some time visiting with us. Such a thoughtful gesture and such a wonderful way to end an already memorable evening. Amazing food, incredible service, beautiful surroundings, wonderful company, and a chef helping Filipino cuisine shine in such a beautiful way. Definitely a night to remember.

    The chef that I had an interview with made me wonder what is the work culture is like behind the…read moreclosed door especially after she is being so disrespectful? I drove about 30 minutes there and back for an interview, only to find that the chef interviewing me did not seem to know I was coming or have any information about my resume. That immediately caught me off guard. She then proceeded to criticize my skills, even though my resume clearly explains that my experience comes from years of hands on work rather than culinary school. If my background was considered unsuitable, I'm not sure why I was invited to interview in the first place. Gas is 7 dollars a gallon now. Come on! Stop the disrespect! I also expected the interview to be a two way conversation where I could learn about the restaurant, the position, and the company culture. Instead, the conversation focused almost entirely on criticizing my qualifications. I was genuinely excited when I first saw this restaurant and was even looking forward to dining there as a guest. Unfortunately, the way I was treated completely changed my impression. If this is how prospective employees are treated during an interview, it makes me wonder what kind of respect she gives behind the doors. Probably none. Not every candidate has to be the right fit, but basic professionalism and respect should always go both ways.

    Photos
    Animae - The hub checkin out the menu. Our reservation was first seating at 5pm. We beat the crowd which filled the place later.

    The hub checkin out the menu. Our reservation was first seating at 5pm. We beat the crowd which filled the place later.

    Animae - Shrimp Toast

    Shrimp Toast

    Animae - Lobster Pasta

    See all

    Lobster Pasta

    Sakura - japanese - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...