Sachi Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in North Island

Tucked away at 112 Devonport Road, Sachi Japanese Restaurant is Tauranga’s latest gem, and after my recent visit, I can confidently say it’s the best Japanese dining experience in town. Sachi, which means “happiness” in Japanese, truly lives up to its name, delivering joy in every dish and detail. A True Taste of Japan From the moment you step inside, Sachi’s serene ambiance and welcoming staff set the tone for an exceptional meal. The culinary team, with decades of experience, brings authentic Japanese flavours to life using time-honored techniques and the freshest ingredients. Here’s what I enjoyed: • Takowasa: The marinated octopus was delicately seasoned, with just the right kick of wasabi. It was fresh, vibrant, and the perfect way to start the meal. • Chuka Hotate: These marinated scallops were a revelation—tender, briny, and bursting with umami. • Dashimaki Egg: Sachi’s dashimaki was a standout, expertly rolled and infused with dashi for a subtle, savory-sweet flavour. • Sashimi: The sashimi platter showcased pristine cuts of fish, each piece sliced with precision and served at peak freshness. • Grilled Eggplant: Smoky, melt-in-your-mouth eggplant glazed with a miso sauce that struck a beautiful balance between sweet and savory. • Kimchi and Assorted Pickles: These sides added a punchy, palate-cleansing contrast to the meal, highlighting the kitchen’s attention to detail and respect for tradition. Service and Atmosphere The staff at Sachi are knowledgeable and attentive, happy to explain the origins and preparation of each dish. The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, making it ideal for a special night out or a casual dinner with friends. Why Sachi Stands Out Sachi’s commitment to authentic Japanese cuisine, paired with its modern, welcoming setting, sets it apart from other options in Tauranga’s vibrant dining scene. Every dish reflects the skill and passion of the chefs, and the menu offers something for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters. Final Verdict Sachi is a must-visit for anyone craving Japanese food in Tauranga. Every bite was a delight, and the experience as a whole left me already planning my next visit. For the best Japanese in Tauranga, Sachi is now the name...

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 The most authentic Japanese dining experience in New Zealand, hands down. This is as close as you’ll get to dining in Japan without actually being in Japan 🇯🇵

The interior is absolutely gorgeous, striking the perfect balance between tradition and modern design. The warm ambience feels unmistakably Japanese. Every detail from the shoji-inspired accents to the open sushi bar reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and cultural authenticity.

But it’s the food that shines above all else...

The head sushi chef, Shohei, is an absolute wizard. Every dish we tried was a masterclass in flavour, balance, and presentation. The sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth fresh, the sushi tasted like Ginza, and the grilled dishes had that rich umami depth that’s so hard to find outside Japan. You could tell everything was made with care and deep respect for tradition. No shortcuts, just pure quality. 🍣

Having spent some time in Japan, I can honestly say it rivals what I’ve experienced.

Sachi is well on its way to establishing itself as the best Japanese restaurant in Tauranga, if not all of New Zealand. An absolute must-visit for anyone who loves Japanese food or wants to experience something truly special.

Huge respect to the team behind it 👏 Your passion and skill shine through in every bite. I’ll be...

Absolutely love this restaurant. My partner even insisted on giving compliments to the chefs cooking tonight. (The seared beef w/ leek sauce is divine !! A must try for sure.. the way the flavours stay on your tongue long after consuming the dish is amazing.)

The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, personally for my partner and I we had no trouble singing and dancing along to the music playing in the background while we waited for our dishes. And conversations were just really easy to have considering how busy it was tonight.

Unfortunately, our lovely server confused our order but to our surprise she was extremely accommodating and helpful in rectifying the issue. We didn’t catch her name but she really made our experience and we would love to thank her for doing an amazing job! We were expecting to be ignored but she came over and diligently took accountability. Thank you for making us feel seen, appreciated and full of food ❤️.

side note : If you don’t speak English I believe the restaurant can provide you with someone who can communicate with you in Japanese.

This is definitely a place we will be coming back to, the menu, music, food and people really make this restaurant special.

Thank you for a great evening! Franique &...