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Sakura
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Thu 4:30 pm - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 4:30 pm - 11 pm
Sun 12 pm - 2:30 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
33 reviews for Sakura
Review Highlights
"Probably the best place for sushi in Akron OH."
(in 2 reviews)
"What really delighted me was the sashimi and nigiri platter."
(in 5 reviews)
"Sakura is wonderful every time."
(in 2 reviews)
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33 reviews in English
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Review from Nick K.
8/22/2011 16 Check-ins Here
Best sushi in Akron!
Seriously. This place is great. My favorite rolls are the Chop Chop, Spicy Scallop Roll, Tempura Shrimp roll and the Crazy Roll. As far as hot food is concerned, the Yaki Udon with Shrimp and the Japanese Fried Rice are incredibly good.
The service here has been spot on for my wife, son and I and have never heard anyone else complain either.
They've recently expanded their space so now there is even more room and less wait. -
Review from Eric Z.
North Canton, OH
1/12/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I don't eat fish, so if sushi is what you're after, don't bother clicking the "useful" button on this one!
Some co-workers and I often visit Sakura for lunch. It can at times get busy, but we've never had a wait to get a table. The restaurant was remodeled last year which makes it nice and roomy.
My typical order at this place was usually the chicken katsu. It was delicious! I'm trying to go meat free these days (hey don't judge me!) so it might be vegetable tempura for me on my next visit.Listed in: The Yelp 100 Challenge!
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Review from Liz R.
12/10/2011
Sakura was recommended by a fellow business traveler at the Holiday Inn. When I looked them up on yelp and found stellar reviews, I knew I had a winner.
Restaurant is located in a sprawling strip mall. The sushi bar is large, with at least ten seats. Three sushi chefs were kept busy the Thursday night I was there. The sushi menu is extensive, with the basic rolls and sushi/sashimi (both come two per order, with an average price around $5), but most of the menu is 'special rolls'. Dozens and dozens of special rolls. They would benefit from a picture menu (hint!).
I went with the scallop sushi and Twin Brother roll. The scallops were very fresh, sweet and smooth. The TB roll was spicy fried crawfish and cucumber inside with shrimp, sliced avocado and fish eggs on top. They also drizzled on eel sauce - I would have preferred a spicier sauce, but the roll was still tasty. $13 for 8 large pieces (slightly larger than Cali roll, for comparison).
After watching my sushi chef (the one in front of me, who made my first rolls and sent out a little bowl of shredded krab and octopus - love that!!) make a roll wrapped in camo-colored soybean paper with a large crustacean tail sticking out, I had to ask what it was. Cowboy Maki. After checking the menu - tempura lobster tail (!) with cucumber, spicy sauce and fish eggs for $9 - yep, sign me up! While not the largest lobster tail ever, it was definitely more substantial than a shrimp. Not as spicy as I would have liked (roll did not come with a sauce on it), but the overall flavor was still outstanding. Similar size to the TB roll, but only 6 pieces.
My waitress was busy (she got seated with some needy family tables), but others checked in on me too, with everyone keeping my water filled, and answering any questions I had about the sushi they took to their tables.
I will return. -
Review from Jennifer C.
Akron, OH
Love Sakura for it's location. I work in Fairlawn, so having a place that is close by really helps out. Of course, there are three other sushi places that are also in the area: House of Hunan, Sushi Katsu, and BigEye. However, Sakura generally wins out for their speed and spicy salad.
Probably not the most traditional or 'authentic' (seriously, do people still judge places by authenticity in America?), but the food is pretty darn good. The Golden Dragon, Pink Lady, Green Hat, Sakura No. 1, and Valentine's roll are all good. Huge fan of their spicy salad. -
Review from Lori T.
Raleigh, NC
10/4/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Best sushi. Creative and fresh rolls. Nothing ordinary. Beautiful presention. Never disappointed.
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Review from Matt K.
3/30/2011 42 Check-ins Here
Maki Mondays are the best. Most Maki rolls are typically around $3, when usually 5 or 6. They are starting to create more and more rolls, which I think is key to a great sushi restaurant. A ton of selection will keep you coming back for more.
The staff works hard and are really nice. I work nearby so I'm there a lot and they recognize most of their regulars.
Not the best sushi you'll ever have, nor the best in the area, but it's very good. My favorite rolls are usually tempura, but my new fav is the Sakura roll. The Spicy Salad is also a big favorite among the locals.
Kind of small, but a good atmosphere and I would highly recommend stopping in.
Update: This location has since re-modeled and added outdoor seating so I have changed my review to 5 out of 5 stars. -
Review from Mark M.
Mogadore, OH
8/31/2011 5 photos
I've had sushi on both coasts and Sakura is by far the best sushi I've ever had. The newly remodeled dinning room is great!!! My favorite rolls are: Jalapeño Yummy, Sushi Cake, Torch Dragon, Fire Maki! And everyone must try the Spicy Salad!!!
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Review from Andrew D.
11/19/2010
I've been a fan of Sakura since I started eating sushi about 10 years ago. Now that I've traveled a bit and managed to sample some of the best sushi around, Sakura still holds up as a very good establishment for the price, quality, and atmosphere.
The restaurant is situated, as many things are situated in Akron, in part of a strip mall next to an obnoxious family-style restaurant, formerly a steak house. Sakura itself is a kind of minimalist modern Asian-inspired place but not obnoxious or pretentious. They just set up a nice little seating area with places to sit and eat, and make it comfortable for everyone.
The menu contains a lot of mainstays in therms of maki rolls, special rolls, sashimi, bento boxes and so on, and there are a number of house specials included within. Every week, they have an additional board of new or special creations, as well. The quality of the ingredients is good and the presentation is quite nice. I've never had a bad meal at Sakura, though occasionally the rolls can be a little too salty... whether the salt is in the rice or the sauces, I'm not sure, but it doesn't detract from the taste too much. It could simply have been my selections last time that led to the salt-overload.
Last, the service is normally quite good and very friendly. They not only tolerate but encourage me and my friends in our sake-bomb habit. I think, because of us, they actually added that to the menu. -
Review from J H.
Loveland, OH
12/27/2010 4 Check-ins Here
My wife and I have been loyal patrons of Sakura since they opened. Similar to a previous review from Andrew D, we have had sushi at all the places where you "have to try", and throughout all of our travels throughout the region, even to New York City, Sakura is still the best. I always tell people the number one thing I look for in a quality sushi restaurant is consistency. I have had wonderful sushi at several places, but rarely two trips in a row. Sakura is wonderful every time.
We have had everything on the menu, literally. But a few of our favorites are:
From the sushi menu:
Uni (hard to find good Uni, its typically unbelievable here)
Sushi Cake
Stoplight
Lovers Cake
Any of their spicy rolls, particularly spicy yellowtail
From the Hot menu:
I get their beef negamaki usually which is awesome, but occasionally ive had the chicken teryaki which is good
Appetizers:
Their age-tofu is impossible to beat
spicy salad.
Enjoy! -
Review from Karin M.
Oklahoma City, OK
3/6/2011
Tiny little facade in a typically Ohioan strip mall, but inside the courteous and helpful staff are waiting to lovingly massage your tastebuds to ecstasy.
We got 3 rolls, one from the special board and two from the regular menu. We branched out on the special, New Moon, we aren't the most adventurous eaters and it was well worth it. So good.
We ate at the sushi bar so we got to watch them whip (wrap) it up right in front of us, we also scored some sort of crab/squid salad amuse bouche that was lovely.
Top 5 sushi experiences of my life, can't wait to come back. -
Review from Prakit D.
9/13/2010
Best sushi in Akron and probably one of the best in NE Ohio. The food is excellent and there are lots of variety in term of rolls. Some items on the menu are creative and some sound so appealing, it make you want to give it a try.
The place is small but the atmosphere makes up for it. Also you can get good deals on some rolls every Monday as they have Specials going on. Service is wonderful and the food is great value compared to other Japanese restaurants. Definitely recommend. -
Review from Jessica M.
Akron, OH
1/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is my go-to sushi place, and has been for around two years now. I have never been disappointed by Sakura. The food is always amazing, very fresh, and the menu is huge!
My favorites are the Butterfly Roll and the Spicy Salad. The spicy salad makes me smile on the inside!
The wait staff is always very attentive and helpful, which makes up for any language barriers that you may experience. The owner is very nice and always on hand...I love that he knows who i am when i walk in, but it may be all the tattoos i have, lol.
It can be a bit pricey to eat here, but it's worth every penny. -
Review from Candy W.
Atlanta, GA
4/3/2009 2 photos
The best sushi in Akron (including Cleveland area in my opinion). Less expensive than other sushi places in the area. Their maki (rolls) are very creative including:
- spicy craw fish roll
- yellow tail & jalapeno rolls
- lobster tail tempura with spicy sauce roll
- spicy salmon roll with thin-sliced lime
- soft shell crab roll
Their basic items, like, California roll, regular nigiri and sashimi are good,too. Chirashi (assorted raw fish over a bowl of sushi rice) with free soup and salad is also a good deal.
They always have special deals ($1 sushi and 1/2 priced sushi) that rotate every week. Please check with the local media or call them for details. Very friendly service but some staff members are not native English-speakers, so speak slowly when you order. -
Review from Steve C.
Akron, OH
8/10/2008
We heard there was good, fresh sushi in Akron and this is the place. I would agree with that. The quality of the sushi is comparable to House of Hunan, a couple miles down Market Street. But Sakura would be my pick for sushi between the two for one simple reason - the maki roll offering is much more creative and interesting. There were nice, small touches as well, like providing a small salt shaker alongside the edamame instead of salting it in advance. I would have expected the miso soup to be a little better - not bad but very average.
The staff was very good but the ambiance was just a little "flat", although the kids will enjoy the prominent fish tank.
All in all, the best in Akron for sushi in my experience. -
Review from Melissa S.
Akron, OH
11/26/2009
Pleasantly surprised by this place. Admittedly, I'm always scared of any restaurant in a strip mall but I thought I'd give it a try. The place was packed but we were able to get a table immediately.
Good quality and good value. The sake list is lacking but I managed to find one that was decent. I will definitely be back! -
Review from Steve M.
5/20/2010 4 photos
Great sushi in Akron OH?? You bet. Definitely worthy of 5-Stars.
You wouldn't know it from the location, which is in a mini-strip mall, and rather hidden if you don't know what you are looking for.
The inside is fairly small, but it is nice and clean.
The staff is very friendly, and very attentive.
And the food.... Terrific. I went with 4 business colleagues, and we had a 'group share' of our rolls and food, which was very fun, and gave me a great sense of their many offerings.
My favorites were: Happy Family roll, Spider Dragon, Red Dragon, and Green Dragon.
I would subtract 1/2 a Star for location, but definitely 5 stars for the food and very reasonable prices.
I haven't ventured to any other sushi places when here on business, but why would I? This place is great! -
Review from Christine B.
Canton, OH
7/22/2008
I love this place!!!! The service is very nice. The servers are attentive and sweet, but not trying to be part of your meal. They are very very good about refilling drinks. I drink tons of tea when I eat sushi, and my cup is never below half full when I am there.
The prices are great and the sushi is delicious! We eat mostly vegetarian and shrimp rolls and they've all been amazing. The eel and octopus is great too! We had a fermented soybean one that left something to be desired, but it was expected. It just tasted fermented, which we should have known we were not going to like.
Great place for groups, couples, singles, and families. Casual if you want to be OR you could dress up and still feel comfortable. Once again, I LOVE IT! -
Review from Lauren M.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
2/26/2011
The best sushi you'll ever have! The sushi is amazing, unique, and priced just right. I was amazed to find such great sushi in northeast Ohio. I was beginning to lose hope until I found Sakura!
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Review from Christopher C.
Brunswick, ME
6/10/2008
The food is good. I'll give them that. That's where all the stars come from.
However, the service was hella awkward. Some how overly-attentive and alienating at the same time. The layout was awkward as well. I wouldn't choose to go here again, but if someone were to take me there, at least the food would be worth it.
Really, though, Big Eye down the road is both closer (to Akron) and way nicer. Also in a strip-mall. AK needs to get it's sushi joints out of strip-malls. It's just weird... -
Review from Amy H.
Medina, OH
3/14/2011
Sakura is a hidden nugget along route 18. Tucked away in a strip mall, it would be easy to miss. Don't do it, though.. don't miss it! You will find some tasty sushi offerings here for a reasonable price.
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Review from Michelle M.
Wadsworth, OH
3/30/2011
Great sushi needs more room!
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Review from Emily M.
Chicago, IL
9/2/2011
I'm only speaking on my carryout experience at Sakura, but it was a very good exprience. The staff was very friendly and gave great recommendations. I had the pink lady and the seaweed salad. Very delicious.
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Review from Rick A.
Massillon, OH
10/26/2010
The best sushi in Akron or Canton without question. Sakura #1 roll is the tastiest I have ever had. I don't think you can go wrong here. Friendlier service than most sushi places too. These guys got it down.
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Review from Joe I.
12/3/2010 3 Check-ins Here
My 2nd home. I love their chirashi box. The sashimi is delicious, fresh and never warm, and the sushi chefs prepare the food beautifully. This is the place for any Japanese food.
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Review from Kate K.
Chicago, IL
6/19/2007
It is an established fact that I am a Fish Freak... I love me some sushi. When I am in San Francisco I eat a hearty sashimi dinner at least once a week. I like to think that I have a reasonably well developed palate when it comes to sushi and sashimi. My friends know this. It is for this reason that the past several times that I have been home to visit, my BFF Tony and my "he came along with the BFF" (herein abbreviated as HCAWTBFF) Andy have refused to take me to their favorite sushi place in Akron (Sakura). Because, as Tony puts it, I am a "sushi snob" and they were afraid that I would be condescending in comparing it to the outstanding sushi they presume I eat on a daily basis in California.
I assured them that I would not be as such, but let it drop on the past few visits (which were shorter in nature) as I knew I would be back in SF soon enough when I could have cheap and fresh fish out the wazzoo.
I have now been in Ohio for... um... eighteen days. After about day ten I began craving sushi so much that at night I was dreaming of toro and hamachi and sake and other fishy delights... in fact my dream of eating mass amounts of sushi was so vivid that I woke up one morning with drool upon my pillow. I have been going through some serious sushi withdrawal. I needed fish and I needed it fast... so when an opportunity arose to go out to dinner with my BFF, HCAWTBFF and their better halves this evening, I INSISTED that they introduce me to their favorite sushi joint, swearing on a stack of bibles that I wouldn't be snotty or condescending about it. That I would take it for what it is: Good sushi in the Midwest.
My expectations were low, I had thoughts of store quality pre-packaged sushi roaming in my head... you just never know.
I was very very very pleasantly surprised.
I ordered a sashimi and nigiri combination dinner - it came with soup and salad - priced $23.99. Pretty good price, considering the location... a little more pricey than I wanted, but sometimes ya gotta pay to get your fish on.
The soup was a little fishy for my taste. The salad was a typical iceberg lettuce salad with some sort of sesame dressing on it.
What really delighted me was the sashimi and nigiri platter. It was beautifully plated and I was pleased to see that I had a very large portion of both sashimi (15 pieces of assorted fish) and nigiri (10 pieces.) The slices of fish were very thick, too. Included were tai, toro, maguro, hamachi, akagai, sake and two fishes which I couldn't identify by taste (though one was really fishy - I didn't like it too much). The maguro was obviously frozen, not fresh (you can tell if tuna has been frozen because it tastes watery and mealy)... However, this was made up for by the OUTSTANDING quality of the toro - it was so good I almost cried - tasted like butter. The sake and akagai were also outstanding... in fact I'd say that the quality of the toro, sake and akagai at Sakura rivaled that of the quality of the same fishes at some of the better West Coast sushi joints I've been a patron at over the years.
The menu also has a great selection of rolls, including a couple of really inventive ones using non-traditional ingredients (such as Frosted Flakes - I know, eww - but, the HCAWTBFF swears that it's a delicacy.) I didn't try any rolls this evening, but the others did and what they had looked yummy. My only objection is that they seem to use smoked sake in a lot of their rolls - I prefer fresh - if I wanted smoked salmon I'd just eat some Lox, you know?
A little pricey, yes, but so worth it for the Fish Freak stuck in the Midwest. I left Sakura with my tummy full and my endorphins flowing from the yum-yumness of good sushi. I is a happy Kate.
If you're ever in Akron, Ohio - check this place out - totally worth it.
Fish primer for those who don't know:
Tai - Snapper
Toro - Fatty white tuna
Maguro - Red tuna
Hamachi - Yellowtail
Sake - Salmon
Akagai - Red clamListed in: My Summer in the Midwest
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Review from Amy H.
Richfield, OH
7/24/2011
Best Sushi roll place in Akron/Cleveland, and I personally think of all the Japanese restaurants I've being to, this place has the best sushi roll. My favorites are Sakura number one, tiger crunch, sogo, butterfly, magic sgone.... many of them. The sake are also very good at this place.
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Review from Elle S.
San Francisco, CA
5/4/2008
the best sushi in akron, hands down.
every time i go there or get take out i am blown away.
i pretty much always get the same things and then try one new thing. i tend to usually go with the same group and we all agree.
rolls i adore:
red dragon
spicy scallop
chop chop
their salad dressing is yum, even though the salad is simple. all the japanese dishes like chicken teriyaki came out looking and tasting amazing - NOTHING negative at all! house sake is yummy and inexpensive.
something i'm really pick about when it comes to sushi is the rice. sakura has perfected sushi rice - not too chunky, not too vinegary, PERFECT. consistency and flavor alike.
seriously, do yourself a favor and pick up some rolls from here sometime. yummooo. -
Review from Ryan M.
Louisville, KY
10/11/2009
A good sushi standard.
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Review from Andy L.
Fairfield, CA
11/24/2007
Probably the best place for sushi in Akron OH. Good rolls, good sashimi.
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Review from Elizabeth J.
Akron, OH
3/9/2007
In an unassuming strip mall sits a most fantastic dining experience! Sakura is the best place in Akron for sushi. Two can dine for about $20 on their Maki Dinner specials...you get miso soup, salad with the most amazing ginger dressing, and your choice of sushi rolls. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try one of their many specialty rolls, which are large enough to be a meal on their own. Their recent remodeling has turned this tiny eatery into a very charming place to enjoy a delicious meal.
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Review from Yi-Hsin W.
Boulder, CO
8/14/2009
Sakura has decent sushi, but not very authentic. The price is average, and the restaurant is clean. However, If you wanna have better sushi and wouldn't mind driving about 25 min to Wadsworth, I would recommend a sushi bar named Kasai there.
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Review from Bryan J.
Akron, OH
10/20/2009 1 photo
Good food and very fast service. Decent prices. This is the best sushi I have had in Ohio. Yeah I know it's Ohio, but Sakura is really good.
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Review from Donnell S.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH
10/17/2009
I hit it up for the lunch specials and monday night sushi specials. Great food. Full tummy. I go at least once per week.
