There is so much to share about Sapphire. 99% is good, because the owner goes above and beyond and pours her entire heart into the employees and the restaurant.
Owner: Rayna, kind hearted, authentic, honest, reliable, and works until she physically can not anymore. Rayna, is easy to talk to, particular on what and how items are served and has great customer service. Not only does Rayna have great service but she encourages staff, is fair, and would offer family, friends or employees her last dollar.
Tara, the general manager is a great leader. She goes above and beyond to make sure all employees have fair opportunities, and make money to feed their families. I have quit literally seen Tara give her shirt off her back. Tara believes in those around her. She forms her own opinions, gives back when she cans, remembers names, faces and loves to tip her baristas on her coffee order. Tara can come off as intimidating or hard at first, but if that is your encounter I challenge you to get to know her heart, because quit literally she would give it to you.
Dakota, is the new assistant manager. If there is one thing to say about Dakota it is that he is honest, persistent, funny, a great server, and able to spark joy in anyones life. Dakota is one trustworthy person, who I hopes goes far in his adventures. If there’s someone I would tip the bill to it would be him.
Matt, the sushi guy. Yes the funny one with tattoos. He lights up the sushi bar, and if I’m being honest without him there for the time he was away my service wasn’t the same. His jokes, personally, and ability to leave things at the door is the type of person you want around. He is great company, thankful, and easy to be around.
Courtney is also a server I would highly recommend. She’s tall, and typically must work as needed. However her smile, energy and willingness to bust the table, refill drinks, move quickly and be creative while kids are at the table is astonishing.
We can not forget Lisa, she is funny. She brings energy, a twinkle in her step and eyes and greats positive moods around her. She’s always personable with you if you’re in her section or not.
When it comes to Sapphire, it’ll always be one of my favorite places. It has done beautiful things for Detroit Lakes and in each of their employees lives. The resturant is not always going to be rainbows and sunshine. It’s not a perfect place, staff come and go. Staff have hard days, and you know what •staff shortage• is real and I feel in my heart instead of leaving negative reviews on restaurants feeds that are critic and attack on someone personally is so unneeded. Life is short, restaurant’s are pushing, working their butts off and are understaffed. Let’s spend more time focusing on the positives, and those who showed up then the one bad experience you may have had. I encourage you next time you want to leave a review or see a restaurant employee having a hard day, tip them a fair amount, gift them a coffee gift card, thank them for their time and energy. Thank them for pushing through their feet pain, knee pain, and discomfort that can come from walking 25,000 steps in one long shift at a restaurant’s for nobody to tip on Togo orders, to say thank you,...
Read moreSapphire is a true culinary treasure, seamlessly blending exceptional dishes with impeccable service, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast. My recent dining experience there was nothing short of spectacular, and I’m already eager to return. The sushi at Sapphire is simply outstanding. Each piece is a masterpiece, crafted with precision and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. The fish melts in your mouth, and the rice is perfectly seasoned, achieving an ideal balance of texture and taste. Whether you choose a classic nigiri or one of their inventive specialty rolls, every bite reflects the chef’s expertise and commitment to quality. The broasted chicken, often overshadowed by the stellar sushi, is a revelation in itself and deserves equal praise. Juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor, the chicken is broasted to perfection, boasting a crispy, golden exterior that delivers the perfect crunch. It’s comfort food elevated to an art form, highlighting Sapphire’s ability to excel across diverse offerings. What truly elevates Sapphire is its outstanding service. From the moment you step inside, the staff welcomes you with genuine warmth and attentiveness. Our server was knowledgeable, providing excellent recommendations without being overbearing, and every request was handled promptly with a smile. The meal’s pacing was flawless, allowing us to savor each course at a leisurely pace. The ambiance at Sapphire perfectly complements the experience elegant yet inviting, with a modern flair that feels both sophisticated and comfortable. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual evening out, Sapphire delivers on all fronts. For sushi that dazzles, broasted chicken that comforts, and service that makes you feel like royalty, Sapphire is the place to be. Highly...
Read moreI unfortunately would not recommend this restaurant.
Ramen was not great. Broth was lukewarm, overly salty, incredibly watery--likely packet broth or something else of the sort--and definitely not bone broth as it's supposed to be. The mushrooms were rubbery and overcooked. Boiled eggs were cold and slimy, the egg white undercooked. It was as though all the ingredients were done separately, left out for varying periods of time, and then thrown together. Pork was alright. Sushi was okay, but fell apart. We watched one of the sushi chefs wipe the counter, dip into different toppings and types of fish, reuse the same cleaning cloth over and over again, and then go right back to work--which was a little concerning, but I hope in the end that our worry was misplaced. Sushi selection was heavily limited and Americanized. Friend found a shrimp tail in his hibachi--which itself contained no shrimp. Said hibachi was served lukewarm. Waitress was neglectful and standoffish. We sat for 45 minutes with empty cups and no food, without her so much as stopping by or entering our line of view. Sake was ordered but never served.
We try not to be overly judgmental when we eat at new places, and usually walk away with at least a moderately pleasant experience. However, I can't say I'd recommend anyone with educated standards dine here...
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