Sakura Japanese Steak House

favorite spot

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is an absolute disaster. The sushi tasted like it had been sitting out for hours—dry rice, fish that was questionably fresh, and a weird chemical aftertaste I can’t even describe. I’ve had better sushi from a gas station.

To make things worse, the whole meal was accompanied by a loud, dramatic argument between a couple at the next table. Zero intervention from the staff, who clearly didn’t care. The atmosphere was tense, awkward, and just plain awful.

Honestly, this wasn’t dinner. It was a front-row seat to a breakup with bad sushi as a side dish. Never coming back.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Love the Food, But Misleading Promo Left a Bad Taste

We’re regulars at this sushi/hibachi spot and truly love the food — it’s always fresh, delicious, and consistent. The staff is friendly, and this has been one of our favorite go-to places for a while.

That said, we’re extremely disappointed with a recent drink promotion they had on the table. It advertised a $5 reward for trying a new beverage, but they don’t tell you the drink costs exactly $5.00 — meaning your reward gets automatically denied because you have to spend $5.01 to qualify. Basically, you’re being tricked into buying two. And if you only try one and don’t like it? You’re out of luck and out five bucks.

This would absolutely be a higher rating if it weren’t for how sneaky and unnecessary this tactic felt. It’s an uncalled-for, catchy way to get people to spend more money, and it’s really upsetting to feel misled like that — especially at a place we’ve supported so often.

We hope management rethinks how they present promotions like this, because a great meal shouldn’t end in frustration over fine print

Usually there for sushi only, but have done hibachi. Sushi is phenomenal and the variety is great! Hibachi is always fun, especially with a group

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is phenomenal, but service was somewhat lacking this recent visit. It took forever to get our drink order in, and even longer to get our drinks, even though there were barely any other patrons. I think we waited longer than we dined when all was said and done.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 2

Awesome place with fantastic food. The Sushi Chef has unbelievable works of art for the tastebuds!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

A Watertown staple.. always a highly entertaining dining experience.. Exquisite sushi prepared by master chefs an added +. Never disappoints!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We came in for a family dinner and were absolutely delighted. Food was amazing but our Hibachi experience with Aiden was the best. We have been here in serval other occasions and frequent other Hibachi and this was by far the best we have ever had. His showmanship, humor and personalized experience made our dinner memorable. We will always ask for him anytime we return and can’t wait for our next dinner!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hibachi Steak, Hibachi Chicken, Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi

We had a large group, the chefs were skilled & entertaining, the food was good, they only had 1 waitress, she did her best. I felt bad for her. The manager screwed up the bill. Who puts a party of 25 on one bill?! It was clear that the manager did not properly prepare for a big party.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

Sakura is a hidden gem Japanese/Hibachi restaurant right over the Waterbury border into Watertown. I’ve been to dozens of of Hibachi restaurants across the country, and this one had the best tasting food combined with a comfortable atmosphere. The chefs/servers were fun and attentive, and we enjoyed the show.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Miso Soup, Salad, Hibachi Steak, Sushi Rice, Hibachi Chicken

it’s my brother rise off live vincent birthday and want give his full and everybody out pt Having go in my feed
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First time eating at Hibachi and we loved it. Very nice staff, great food. As well. Recommend. Will be back again soon. Their sushi is also very fresh.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We Love Sakura, eat here all the time. The variety of cooked food and sushi is perfect for our family. The quality and freshness never disappoints. I recommend this restaurant to all my friends and family.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Update three years later:
I wanted to give this place another chance. My partner and I were super hopeful and I will say, not everything is terrible. The drinks were pretty good. But honestly, I waited an hour and 45 minutes for my food to come out. My partner had their food for 30+ minutes by the time mine arrived. This, combined with high prices in comparison to other hibachi’s, and little to no communication from our server or management unfortunately ruined the experience for us. Genuinely hope they work on their standards. The waitresses all looked stressed and overwhelmed but also that this was a very normal occurrence. I guess I’ll drive out to another hibachi for now.

Original review 2022
Came in well before closing. Said that they were closed. I told them that online it says they close at 11pm… they said “they’re closing early”. Terrible service. Even made a reservation online.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 2

Always been one of my favorite restaurants, friendly staff, great food. Hibachi fried rice is unmatched!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hibachi Chicken, Chicken and Shrimp Hibachi