Sakura Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Indiana

Sakura is a perfect example as to why you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. This is OFFICIALLY my new favorite restaurant! Our first visit was takeout and it was phenomenal. We will definitely be returning for both dine-in and further takeout meals.

My husband and I both enjoy seafood and hibachi so we opted for the Shrimp & Scallop Hibachi Dinner for (2). This included spring rolls, green salad with sesame mustard dressing, hibachi soup, fried rice, hibachi veggies and hibachi scallops and shrimp. I was pleasantly surprised to find upon opening our order that the Dinner for (2) actually includes not only the sides individually but also that the entree was also packaged as individual meals with the fried rice and vegetables.

The salad was very fresh and the dressing was excellent while being on the side. The spring rolls are perfectly sized appetizers and the soup had excellent flavor. Both the shrimp and scallops were obviously fresh, fabulous quality and precisely cooked with the scallops being cooked perfectly with a slight sear. The veggies were a quality hibachi mix full of flavor and texture that were an exceptional compliment but tasted so good they could be enjoyed on their own. The rice, again perfection, flavorful and extremely complimentary to the overall dish. This is TRUE hibachi and we were able to fully enjoy all of the flavors and textures of our dishes without thick, heavy sauce that so many so called hibachi restaurants are using. If you're local to this area the taste and quality is comparable to Nagasaki & Zuki. For those not local, this should compare to any higher quality hibachi.

The pricing is EXCELLENT, even for dinner with lunch being even better with pricing about half for luncheon hours. Our meal was only $30 before tax and tip for everything and even my husband has leftovers, meaning the portions are nice. The menu is also quite extensive including chicken, steak, filet mignon and lobster tail hibachi options in addition to the shrimp and scallops. Hibachi options also include many combination options in addition to the Dinner for (2) options, which offer a small discount for purchasing (2) of the same hibachi dinners. They're not limited to hibachi, however and also offer sushi, sashimi, Chinese dishes, tempura, appetizers and even a kid's menu that I can recall just from the one visit.

It's been a VERY long time since I've been so happily surprised by a restaurant and Sakura is truly a gem, especially for any true hibachi lover. I'm looking forward to many returns where I can try some other dishes as well, hopefully one with a group to make that easier since I love most everything on their menu. Sakura does not disappoint and is a MUST visit...

Tl;Dr version. Everything is really great... Except the food, which falls flat.

We ordered carry-out here for the first time recently, just to try some different sushi options in the area. The website interface is super easy to use and intuitive which was a nice change of pace compared to the usual. Although the bones of the building resemble the Dairy Queen that used to reside here, it looks very nice on the interior and the presumed owners were very courteous and friendly. Our food was fresh and hot when we picked it up and everything smelled delicious.

We got multiple rolls and noodles to share, just to have some variety. Now don't get me wrong, none of the food was outright bad. But it was hard not to find at least some fault with just about everything. The tempura batter was dense and chewy, the chicken was oddly soft and slightly undercooked, the spicy tuna was under seasoned, etc. Although the price was phenomenal and the portions generous, the food was all merely OK with a few bright points scattered throughout (boba was good, noodles well cooked, eel roll hit the spot). While I'm sure we'll give it another shot to see if we got a fluke experience, I find it hard to recommend this place over any competitors unless you're just looking for the cheapest and/or...

I just want to say that the staff at Sakura are so friendly and polite. I love the food; it's Always good and, I have never had any problems or mistakes when it came to my orders. They have lots to choose from, including sushi! Plus, an easy ordering system on their website and that includes Special Instructions, in case you have a Food Allergy or whatever. Also, they have drinks (can drinks for only $1.50) and desserts! Not only that, but, the website offers discounts! Like $5OFF$30... Free egg roll... and, Happy Hour Coupon - 10% after 5PM!

I have enjoyed the General Tso's Chicken and fried rice and/or noodles before, as well as the Sweet & Sour Chicken and fried rice and/or noodles.

Last night, I ordered the Chicken Fried Rice with an extra egg ($1) and although I am Not a fan of veggies (like bean sprouts, daicon, green onions, white onions) I am ok with broccoli and carrots (if it comes with the dish).

The CFR that I got last night was excellent and so delicious! Only thing that would have made it better would have been the addition of broccoli and/or carrots. And some Yum Yum sauce, as well, that I forgot to add to my order.

If you are in the mood for great Asian food, I highly recommend checking out Sakura Japanese in...