Sakae Japanese & Korean — Restaurant in Kigali City

I recently had the pleasure of dining at SAKAE Japanese and Korean restaurant, and I must say, it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. This establishment truly deserves a glowing review.

First and foremost, the food at SAKAE is absolutely amazing. The menu features a wide array of Japanese and Korean dishes that are prepared with great skill and attention to detail. From the delicate sushi rolls to the sizzling bibimbap, each dish is a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every bite, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to high-quality cuisine.

The atmosphere at SAKAE is equally impressive. The restaurant boasts a modern and stylish interior that exudes elegance and sophistication. Whether you're seated at the cozy booths or at the sushi bar, you'll be surrounded by a chic ambiance that adds to the overall dining experience. The staff members are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.

Speaking of service, the staff at SAKAE truly goes above and beyond to make your visit memorable. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. The servers are attentive and prompt, ensuring that your needs are met and that you have a seamless dining experience. Their passion for providing excellent service is evident in every interaction, further enhancing the overall enjoyment of your meal.

In addition to the outstanding food and service, SAKAE also offers a diverse selection of beverages, to perfectly complement your meal. The drink menu is thoughtfully curated, providing a range of options to suit different preferences.

Overall, I can confidently say that SAKAE Japanese and Korean restaurant is a must-visit establishment for food enthusiasts and lovers of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The combination of amazing food, great atmosphere, and impeccable service creates an unforgettable dining experience. Whether you're seeking a memorable night out or simply craving authentic Japanese and Korean flavors, SAKAE is the place to be. I highly recommend it and cannot wait to return for another exceptional...

I am very surprised by the good reviews! Did the owners change, maybe?

We were completely underwhelmed, to say the least.

Had a nice start with shared Gyoza (tasty, jucy inside, crispy outside - very promising). Then it went downhill.

Had Salmon Maki as another starter. Meh! The sushi rice was lacking balance. Tasted far too sweet - no acidity to the rice, it had never seen any Mirin (although it is available in Kigali and otherwise easy to substitute with a vinegar-mix). The Nori was mushy, so the Maki must have been sitting around for a long while. That we actively had to ask for wasabi didn’t help improve the impression.

Now it was time for the main dishes. We had ordered: Donkatsu chicken (which was fine) Tempura Udon (they were out of Udon and only told us halfway through the dinner - why not right away?) Ramyun (ok-ish, but honestly didn’t taste different than your go-to Korean bag-soup from the supermarket) Sizzling vegetables (a horrid experience, truly inedible, as they came in a sticky, glibbery, sugar-loaded mess of a sauce).

In a nutshell: half the food was ok, the other half was unavailable or downright inedible.

Apart from the food, the fact that we had to wait for approximately an hour between starter and first main dish, all main dishes came out one after the other with significant time in between, so each of us basically had to eat each by themselves, service was the opposite of attentive and this place is significantly more expensive than other really good restaurants…

…made this a very poor and disappointing...

This was 10/10!!

Working on a project in Kigali that requires visiting restaurants and I must say, I’m glad we visited Sakae. Vineet and I visited Sakae Japanese and Korean Restaurant for the first time and enjoyed it so much that we were back the very next day.

From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere felt warm and inviting, with a mix of Japanese and Korean elements in both the menu and the setting. The staff were friendly and attentive, making the dining experience smooth from start to finish.

On all visit, I ordered: Gyoza (dumplings) — Crispy on the outside, soft and juicy on the inside, perfectly pan-fried. Ramen — Rich broth, fresh noodles, and vegetables cooked just right. Sushi rolls — Fresh salmon with a clean, buttery taste and great presentation. Tempura prawns — Light, crispy batter without being greasy. Kimchi stew — Comforting, flavorful, and served piping hot with rice.

Every dish tasted fresh and well-prepared. The portions were generous, and the pricing felt fair for the quality. I know I say this a lot but it’s a fav; and is now one of my top spots in Kigali for Japanese and Korean food. If you enjoy authentic flavors and a calm dining experience, I’d highly recommend trying Sakae , you might find yourself coming back the next day too.

Tip: Come hungry and try a mix of both the Japanese and Korean dishes for the...