Sakura Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Karachi Division

Sakura is a high-end Japanese restaurant. It is expensive - the bill for 3 of us came to about 20K but was well worth it. The DHA branch is relatively recent. It has a nice, luxurious decor with light music that is pleasant but does not intrude. The place is not large but good use of mirrors gives it a more spacious feel.

The cutlery and crockery are elegant, and probably bespoke. We went at 19h on the eve of a weekend and had the place to ourselves. The service was attentive and helpful. The waiter guided us to their Japanese specialties while being mindful of our preferences.

An establishment's washrooms reflect its attention to detail. I found it very well maintained, and set up to suit the ambience of the restaurant. I found that a nice touch.

Sumptuous, tasty, and well prepared, is how we found the food. Miso soup is traditionally plain and simple, they managed to keep its essence yet make it rich with flavor. The karaaga chicken was soft, well cooked, and came with a delicious sauce. The sushi tasted fresh and succulent. The signature robata BBQ fish was tender and zesty. It was delayed so we were given a salad on the house to compensate. All in all, a great experience with a different cuisine.

Japanese cuisine does not employ spices as liberally as traditional Pakistani food, so you will not feel the fullness that one does with Pakistani food. That does not mean that the portions are small - they are adequately sized.

Some improvements I would like to see are better chopsticks. The cheap, disposable, wooden chopsticks feel out of place with the decor and ambience. Also, if I am paying for a high-end Japanese experience, I would like a more thoughtfully curated playlist. Listening to random, non-Japanese music on Spotify with occasional reminders to upgrade to Spotify Premium mar the vibe.

Still, a great place to dine. Highly recommended for a special occasion and if you want to try something different and...

Went to their recently opened branch in Seher Commercial DHA specifically for sushi. This area has developed now into a proper food street with loads of high-end eateries. Restaurant itself is conveniently located with plenty of parking space plus valet available too. Ambiance, furniture and decor is similar to their restaurant in PC hotel. Ordered their 26 piece Moriawase Sushi Platter which costed PKR 9,550/- before GST i.e. PKR 367 per piece. So this is probably the most expensive sushi you can have in Karachi. However it was wonderful. Sushi was fresh and tasted delicious. The sushi station is open so you can see it being prepared live. We then ordered their green tea matcha ice cream which was a huge disappointment. It had no flavor of green tea and at PKR 1,250/- for 2 scoops, it felt like a rip off. The total bill of 26 piece sushi, 1 ice cream, 1 large mineral water bottle and 1 soft drink was PKR 13,050/- for 2 persons. However the restaurant offers very health discounts on many of the banks' credit cards. So we availed the discount and our bill was reduced down to PKR 9,000/-. This is easily one of the most expensive restaurants in Karachi. You don't pay for economy here, you pay for overall experience. Staff is polite and courteous. Service is swift. Payment via credit cards is highly recommended instead of cash due to bank discounts. We managed to save nearly PKR 4,000/-...

I had the pleasure of dining at Sakura DHA, and it was an exceptional experience. The highlight of our visit was the exquisite culinary creations by Chef Bilal and the impeccable service provided by our server, Hammad.

From the moment we walked in, we were warmly greeted, seated promptly. The ambiance of the restaurant is both inviting and elegant, setting the perfect tone for a memorable meal.

Chef Bilal’s expertise is evident in every dish that comes out of his live kitchen. The steak was a standout, with flavours that were both bold and harmonious. The presentation was artful, showcasing the chef’s attention to detail and creativity. Another favourite was the steak with black pepper which was perfectly cooked.

Our server, Bilal, was attentive and knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations and ensuring our dining experience was smooth and enjoyable. He anticipated our needs without being intrusive, and his friendly demeanour made us feel right at home. The level of service we received truly elevated our overall experience.

Overall, Sakura DHA offers a dining experience that is second to none. Chef Bilal’s culinary genius and Hammad’s exceptional service make it a must-visit destination for anyone who appreciates...