Blue Sakura Leeds — Restaurant in Leeds

I've been meaning to visit for ages, and haven't got around to it, so my husband and I decided to splash out and visit for our date night. First things first, the design and atmosphere of the restaurant is lovely and quite romantic! There was also low music playing in the background which was quite nice. When we sat down a staff member ran through the pricing with us, made us aware of the two hour time limit, and the excessive food policy, and went through the ordering system on the iPad with us, which was actually pretty straight forward. When we ordered dishes, most of them came out staggered, however some came together, so bare this in mind if you are wanting dishes to come at the same time. Portion sizes were perfect (small), as there was loads of things we wanted to try, but weren't sure if we would like them. The menu had a description of each item, plus a picture which was great as my husband didn't know what anything was! Sushi isn't our favourite thing (we were there for the cooked dishes), however we had a few different bits which were all quite nice, especially the dynamite handroll, which was actually much bigger than I was expecting! I was disappointed that the soft shell crab was not available during the week, but I can understand getting a bit more for your money when you are paying the higher weekend price. My favourite items were actually the pumpkin croquettes and the beef short ribs. 10% service charge was added to the bill at the end which was fully deserved as the staff members were very attentive removing plates and bringing out items. Dessert was yummy as well, I had the deep fried buns with condensed milk, which was a perfect end to the meal, however a green tea ice cream, or something similar would have been welcome just to cut through all the heavy food we ate.

My overall opinion was good, and I would definitely eat here again, however I think that unless you are going to eat a lot, you may not get your money's worth with it being £39.99 per person. We are both big eaters, so definitely feel we got our money's worth within the 2 hour time limit. Our total bill for two with two soft drinks each plus the service charge was just under £100, so definitely on the pricier side of buffets, but food was all really...

I honestly don’t understand the hype around Blue Sakura. After hearing so much about it, I decided to give it a try, but it was hands down one of the most disappointing dining experiences I’ve had in Leeds. The food was shockingly bad—nowhere near average, and in some cases, downright inedible.

Let’s start with the sushi—easily the worst I’ve ever had. The fish quality was sub-zero—not fresh at all, likely frozen and thawed multiple times, which completely ruined the texture and taste. The rice was bland, poorly seasoned, and had an awful, almost stale texture. Good sushi is supposed to be light, fresh, and delicate—what they served felt like it had been pre-made hours (if not days) in advance and just plonked on a plate without any care.

The hot food was no better. Most of it seemed like it came straight from a freezer bag and was deep-fried just before serving. There was no freshness, no real flavour—just greasy, processed food that tasted like it belonged in a cheap takeaway, not in a restaurant that charges these kinds of prices. Speaking of prices—this place is a complete rip-off. For what they’re charging, you’d expect at least decent quality, but instead, you get mass-produced, frozen food that’s heated up and served as if it’s something special. Spoiler: it’s not.

The only saving grace was the service, but even that felt more like a tactic to rush you out rather than genuine hospitality. The staff were polite and efficient, but it was very clear that their main goal was to turn over tables as quickly as possible. You barely finish a plate, and they’re already eyeing up your table, ready to clear everything away and get the next group in. It felt rushed, impersonal, and made the whole experience even worse.

Overall, this place is a complete waste of money. If you care about good food, especially good sushi, avoid Blue Sakura at all costs. There are plenty of much better Japanese and sushi places in Leeds where you actually get quality food for your money. I wouldn’t go back even if the meal was free. One of the worst dining experiences I’ve had, and I wouldn’t recommend...

Blue Sakura in Leeds offers an exceptional dining experience that seamlessly blends exquisite flavors with a vibrant atmosphere. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with a warm ambiance and attentive service that sets the tone for an unforgettable meal.

One dish that stands out is the Salt and Pepper Chicken. Each bite is a perfect balance of crispy coating and tender meat, seasoned to perfection with a blend of spices that leave your taste buds dancing. Equally impressive are the Beef Steak Skewers. The meat is succulent and grilled to perfection, delivering a burst of savory goodness with every bite.

For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with a hint of spice, the Honey Chilli Chicken is a must-try. The chicken is glazed with a luscious honey sauce that pairs beautifully with the subtle heat of the chili, creating a harmonious and mouthwatering combination.

As for dessert, the Chinese Fried Buns are an absolute revelation. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, these buns are taken to the next level when dipped in the rich, velvety condensed milk. They were so delicious, I could have easily devoured two portions by myself!

As for pricing, it is more on the pricy side. For myself and my partner it was a total of £101.90, including service charge&drinks. They didn’t make us feel uncomfortable for wanting to take off the service charge which is good! I don’t think our meals were worth nearly £50 each, if it was an all you can eat style buffet, then it would’ve been worth it, but because the limit is 30 dishes, £50 each is just ridiculous! Only thing I can complain about is the price to be honest, Blue Sakura please put your prices down! The price is the only reason why we only treat ourselves there once every 2-3 months, otherwise we would definitely go every week for date night!

Overall, Blue Sakura Leeds excels in both its culinary offerings and its inviting atmosphere. Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or looking to try something new, this restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression....