Sakura Restaurant

The most underrated restaurant in Providence, and the best Japanese restaurant in the city...it is much better if you eat there then take out more

I have actually never been to this restaurant, but I just wanted to expose one of the reviews below for the fake that it is: crystalline states that ""... while we were awaiting our bill a cockr0ach crawled up the wall beside me. When we told the waitress she proceeded to squish it with her thumb and it's remains fell in my water!"" This scenario could never have happened for several reasons: a.) cockr0aches do not come out of hiding into a noisy lit room full of people, b.) they do not stay in one place for the time it would take to be pointed out to a waitress, c.) they scurry and would not easily be squished under a thumb, d.) if they ARE squished, their remains are pretty sticky - not likely to jump off the wall and into a glass of water. I know it seems silly to write about a restaurant at which I've never eaten, but when people write bogus reviews, all reviews become that much harder to take seriously. more

This is a college town and to be sure, like many places in town, there are times, if you abhor waiting and crowds, to avoid Sakura as the students are lining up out the door! When my family moved to Providence nearly twenty years ago, we were excited to find a Japanese restaurant serving sushi in our neighbourhood. Over the years, the owners of the restaurant have become very close friends whom I admire greatly, so this review is a bit biased. Amazingly, we don't speak the same language still, we have no problem communicating. The food has always been fresh, delicious, generous and beautifully prepared. BYOB without a cork fee is permitted and there is a liquor store around the corner. Repeat customers are always greeted with ""How are you?"" as they come in the door. In the winter there is often a wonderful fire in the fireplace and although I'm not interested in sitting on the floor there is a comfortable tatami room for those who want to feel authentic! The family who work and own the restaurant are amazingly kind hearted; I have enjoyed watching their family grow and work hard, hard, hard. I honestly cannot speak highly enough about Sakura Restaurant and it's owners. Kik Williams Pros: fresh and varied sushi Cons: more English would probably be a plus but it's not a problem for me more

I've been to many sushi restaurants across the country, and as far as quality goes Sakura is unsurpassed. I find their sushi to be always fresh, abundant and at the perfect temperature. It's a great value for the money, especially the quantity. The only negative aspect is that it isn't much for atmosphere. The waitresses are friendly enough but not overly welcoming, but the chefs are very friendly, outgoing and accomodating. If you can get past the atmosphere it is a very enjoyable experience. Also, so you know, it's BYOB, but there are liquor stores within walking distance where you can pick up sake or plum wine. Pros: Great food, good value, easy highway access Cons: Atmosphere more

This place is awful! My husband and I have never had such a bad dining experience. I honestly can't believe this place is still in business. The service is TERRIBLE. The staff acted like they hated us and their job. Cons: Service, Ambience, Overpriced more

I you know what japanese food is supposed to taste like, don't go there. more

I go to Sakura every Sunday night, and i have NEVER had a bad meal, ever. The sushi is always fresh and delicious and have recommened them to plenty of other people who now also share my love for Sakura. I do agree that the staff should brush up on their english, and the ambiance is abit low key. However, the food makes up for all of that! I recommened Sakura to anyone who wants to try or already loves sushi... Pros: Excellent Food, Low prices more

Being from the west coast, my perspective on good food is seriously different than local Rhode Islanders. Having said that, sakura might be good for providence, but it seriously sucks. I try not to rate a restaurant on one visit, so I recently returned and had a simil;ar experience - the sushi is edible but sub par and the service is horrendously slow but friendly nontheless. Its disgusting and reminds me of a frat room social lounge more than a restaurant. I realize that in general providence is not a city that has good food so sakura might do for those that have never known better. Pros: cheap Cons: service, sanitation more

My friends and I went to Sakura, lured by the room with tables on the floor. The food was incredible, and reasonably priced, but the staff should look into learning a bit more English. Over all, a fun night in a great part of pvd. more