I've been a loyal customer of Sakura for years, but sadly, my recent visits have made me question…read morewhether I'll be coming back anytime soon. While the Teppanyaki remains a strong point and it's still a great venue for family parties and events, the Sushi and Sashimi quality has deteriorated significantly over time.
With Todays visit, I started with the Hamachi Aji, which is Yellowtail served in yellow Aji sauce. When it arrived, the fish was practically swimming in the sauce, giving me an immediate impression of what was to come. The dish was overwhelmingly sour, with a mixture of lime juice and yellow sauce that reminded me of a Mariscos type aguachile dish, but without any of the expected spice. I wasn't a fan of the sourness, as I personally prefer sashimi in its pure, unadulterated form. By the time the Yellowtail reached our table, it was cooked in Lime juice. When I shared my feedback with the waiter, he explained that this particular dish was supposed to have a citrusy flavor and suggested it might not be to my taste. While I understand that regional differences exist, I've dined at many sushi restaurants, and this approach just didn't sit well with me.
Next, we tried a sashimi sampler, which included yellowtail, tuna, and salmon. Unfortunately, it was more of the same disappointment. The salmon had a distinct "briney" smell and a mushy texture, making it almost inedible. The tuna was bland and had a new borderline salty taste, while the yellowtail was the only fish that seemed passable, with decent texture and flavor.
It's clear that the quality of the food has worsened over the years. I first visited Sakura back in 2001, and I've watched it decline in both freshness and preparation these last few years. To add insult to injury, after I expressed my concerns to the waiter, I overheard him talking to the kitchen staff about my comments, and they were laughing about it in the back. That really left a bad taste in my mouth--not only was the food subpar, but the lack of professionalism in handling feedback was disappointing.
I didn't bother checking Yelp reviews before my visit because I've been coming here for so long, but after this experience, I'm definitely going to be more cautious about my next dining decisions. I won't be returning to Sakura unless I see a marked improvement in both the food and service.
