Sakana Japanese Cuisine — Restaurant in Newport

Newly opened in Newport. I'm new to a Japanese menu and food options. Tried the miso soup, and a fried chicken dish (not particularly adventurous). Sushi options available - not my bag, didn't try, but lots of people were. Only issues: limited seating downstairs, a few tables, with a small bar area, and a separate seating susji bar (diner style seating). Additional seating upstairs, plus three hibachi dinning set ups (approximately 12-15 seats around the cooking grill each). The problem upstairs is NOISE! Very high ceilings, open seating area making the accustics horrible, very difficult to have a conversation. New operation, staff training ongoing obviously. However, we were seated immediately, but didn't see a server for anything for 10-15 min. Just before our server finally arrived, another group was seated, and the server took their order immediately. Server was friendly and helpful explaining food options. Upon leaving, there were three restaurant staff at the reception area - no one acknowledged our party. Lots to learn about customer...

Not going to lie, the sushi/sashimi was not that great (not bad, but not great). The pickup service was a bit below average. Three of the waitstaff were trying to find a way to seat a large party while a few of us were stuck waiting for them to figure things out before one of them got to us and our called in orders (almost 15 minutes for me). It's a new place, so they'll probably figure this out eventually. The call in order took 35 minutes, but that's fine (I think it was actually ready to pick up when I walked in, but, again, the waitstaff were trying too hard to seat a large party when one of them could have come over and gotten us out the door quickly).

The restaurant dining section was very bright and inviting. I think it has a nice bar set-up, but I just wanted to get in and out as quickly as possible.

I'll come back (there aren't too many places around that do Japanese cuisine and would like to try some of their hibachi dishes) and give it...

Came here with my husband and daughter. We were really impressed by the clean and upscale atmosphere. Our daughter was given a pair of children chopsticks which was really sweet. We ordered a sushi and sashimi for 2 people which gave us plenty to take home for $60. The sashimi was great quality and fresh. We also ordered fried ice cream for dessert. Really looking forward to them getting their liquor license. Their cocktail selection looks great. My only comment would be to add a child’s menu with smaller child sized portions. Maybe options like chicken teriyaki, shrimp tempura bento, and miso soup with udon. Really great restaurant and we highly recommend you...