Sakura Kaiten Sushi — Restaurant in Melbourne

Very disappointed with our experience at Sakura on Little Lonsdale Street (visited on a Friday evening).

Due to the one-hour dining limit, one of my friends arrived early and waited outside the restaurant for the rest of our group. While waiting, we stood in the designated queueing area and were drinking beverages we had brought—unaware that this branch doesn’t allow outside drinks (as the Sakura on Lonsdale Street does allow it, and we’ve been regular customers there).

Another group arrived after us and was also waiting for their friend. When both our groups were ready to be seated, the staff member with a bun and glasses completely skipped over us, asking the group behind how many people they had and seating them right away—without even acknowledging us. We had arrived more than 20 minutes earlier. Shouldn’t she have at least checked with us first?

When we politely tried to speak with her, I said, “Sorry to interrupt, but we were here first.” She responded very rudely, saying, “You didn’t tell me,” completely disregarding our presence. She then pointed at our drinks and snapped, “Throw away, throw away” in a very disrespectful tone. Even after we agreed to dispose of them, she repeated herself again in the same rude way.

I understand if outside drinks are not allowed—but shouldn’t staff explain rules with a basic level of respect? Because of her poor attitude, we decided to leave. As a long-time customer, I’ve never been treated this way before, and I will not be returning to the Little Lonsdale Street branch again.

We went instead to the Lonsdale Street Sakura, where the staff were friendly and welcoming as always. I highly recommend visiting that...

Located in the heart of Melbourne, Sakura Kaiten Sushi is my absolute favorite sushi train restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for anyone who loves to indulge in delicious sushi, especially if you enjoy dining solo like I do. Every time I visit, I am struck by how impeccably clean and organized the restaurant is. The ambiance is soothing and welcoming, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy a meal. The staff are incredibly polite and attentive, adding to the overall pleasant dining experience.

One of the highlights is their sashimi. The sashimi here is nothing short of extraordinary—fresh, flavorful, and truly a delight to the taste buds. Each bite feels like a burst of happiness, a testament to the high quality of the ingredients used. While the conveyor belt offers a variety of delightful sushi options, some items like hand rolls and sashimi are not part of the rotation. Instead, these items can be conveniently ordered through a QR code system, ensuring they are made fresh to order. This system works seamlessly, and I appreciate the added assurance that my hand rolls and sashimi are prepared with the utmost care.

As someone who often dines alone, It would be great if it allows you to order sushi by the piece. This flexibility is rare, as most sushi restaurants typically order 2 sushi per dish.

Anyway, this restaurant is a gem in Melbourne’s culinary scene. Whether you’re a sashimi enthusiast or simply looking for a clean, welcoming place to enjoy a meal, this sushi train restaurant is a must-visit. Each visit leaves me eagerly anticipating the next, a true testament to the exceptional quality and experience it...

Excellent alternative from the Lonsdale Street Sakura Kaiten branch, with more spacious seating at an identical price point. With several office complexes nearby, this conveyor belt sushi restaurant is a top choice for after work gatherings and casual business meetings. The relatively dimmed atmosphere and more separated table seatings offers significantly more privacy than the Lonsdale option, or any other conveyor belt sushi restaurant in Melbourne.

The selection of sushi, especially in the seafood department, outperforms any conveyor sushi options in Melbourne, which is backed by the freshness of the products and their outstanding taste. While you endlessly chow down plates after plates, the attentive staffs take away your plates and bowls (not the coloured plates, obviously) within one minute tops, providing customers with more usable table area, which saves you from frantically shuffling around your plates, making space for the platter that has just arrived.

Overall, this is definitely a top choice for people seeking for an exciting sushi experience with a relatively higher budget in their pocket. Although the drink / alcohol selection leaves something to be desired (comparing to competitors like Tetsujin in Emporium), the variety of seafood and hot foods option and their peculiar taste crown Sakura Kaiten as one of best choices for sushi in Melbourne city, or even Japanese...