Sakana-Ya Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Sydney

⭐️⭐️ 2/5

I visited Sakana Ya in Crows Nest after hearing a lot of good reviews, but the experience didn’t live up to the hype. The food was far too expensive for what was served. The portion sizes were disappointingly small — even the main dishes felt like appetisers. For the kind of price they charge, I expected something special, both in quality and presentation, but it was quite ordinary. The flavours were fine, but nothing that justified the premium pricing.

What made it worse was the lack of attention from the staff. They didn’t offer any sides or even check in to see if we needed anything else. The whole experience felt rushed and impersonal, as if they just wanted to turn tables quickly rather than make guests feel welcome. For a restaurant that’s supposed to offer an authentic Japanese dining experience, it missed the mark on both value and service.

Overall, I left feeling disappointed and honestly a bit frustrated that I had spent so much for so little. There are many better Japanese options in Sydney that offer tastier food, larger portions, and friendlier service for a much more reasonable price. Definitely not worth the hype...

The food here is always incredible, beautifully presented and delicious as always. Never have had a bad experience here before the service has always been exceptional until tonight.

When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted by a tall waitress dressed in all black with heavy eye shadow from the moment we gave her our booking details she was particularly surly and abrupt. No smiles just a look of annoyance continually plastered on her face. When she served drinks it was with a bang on the table. Food brought out with a frown. At first we thought maybe she was having a bad day? No she was quite pleasant to the table behind us. We left scratching our heads? Couldn't for the life of us think what we could have possibly done to offend this waitress. What could have been a pleasant and enjoyable meal turned out to be partially the meal from hell. That being said the other staff members were lovely, then gentleman who works there regularly and takes calls and a waitress dressed in blue was also polite and friendly.

Food was still exceptional but let down by the waitress behaviour...

I don't really have high expectation for Japanese restaurants in Sydney because they are all the same. Sakana-Ya, though, was very original and delicious. I tried Sashimi, Hot Udon, Fried Prawns and Sushi bento. None of them were disappointing. In fact, it was all so fresh and good. I visited this place yesterday and I couldn't stop myself from visiting today again. I might visit there next week again. Sashimi and Udon are like the best. I don't know how they manage to cook the noodle so chewy and elastic. The soup flavor was also deep, simple but classic. Sushi was very different from the 'usual' sushi, so I was slightly surprised to see it. But it was very ingenious and of course, yummy. Service was also fantastic. I saw 4 servers for two days and all of them were so kind even when I went there just by myself.

The only shortcoming of this restaurant is the price, I guess. But considering the service and the food quality, (Also the location. Nearby my place) I can't really complain...