Sakura Japanese Steakhouse — Restaurant in Riverview

I went to Sakura on Father’s Day, it was the only restaurant in a 20 mile radius that didn’t have a 2 hour wait, which should’ve been my 1st clue that this was a bad idea. So when we first got there, the hostess was very rude & short with us, then when we finally sat down we waited about 15 mins (in an almost empty restaurant) before anyone even took our drink orders. The when we did get our drinks there was a bug in my fiancé’s lemonade. When we brought it to the attention of our waitress she said “oh okay” and that was it, she took the drink & walked away like this was normal. Because we were starving we decided (against better judgement) to stay, I expected a manager to come out and apologize or at least acknowledge us, but that didn’t happen.

Then the bus boy comes around to and asked if we were done with our soup and salad and even though I told him “no” he still proceeded to take my bowl & my daughters bowl and stack them inside each other, and when I told him “I was still eating that, I said I wasn’t done” he apologized and put the bottom bowl that had the top bowl in it & half the soup spilled out back in front of me.

The chef was nice & entertaining, but by this time I was already turned off by the whole experience I couldn’t even enjoy my food. My kids had fun though, even though we then found out the waitress had given them both the wrong drink.

Then the check came...& to top it all off they CHARGED US FOR THE BUG JUICE! I was so appalled , I told the waitress “I am NOT paying for his drink and their was a bug in it” and her response was “Oh okay, I’ll take it off” again very nonchalantly, no remorse or fake empathy. So when she came back I requested to speak with her manager. Once the manager came over I explained to her about the bug, and the waitress’ response. And she said “Oh I’m sorry about that, I’ll take the drink off your bill” she wasn’t even surprised. So I asked her “So this is okay to you? That, that was her response to a bug being in his drink? My kids getting the wrong drinks & your hostess’ being rude?” She responded by saying (but 1st looking around the restaurant) “Well we have bugs all over the place, I just don’t know how one would get into a drink. I. WAS. DISGUSTED!!!! I didn’t even bother taking my leftovers. The manager was extremely confused as to why I was so upset.

I thought Sakura would’ve been a nice substitute to going to Kobe’s, who had no reservations available, but boy was I wrong !! If I could give 0 stars I definitely would. They need to clean up, & hire...

A Sizzle of Authenticity: Sakura Japanese Steakhouse Review

Nestled in the heart of Riverview, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse offers a culinary experience that blends tradition with modern flair. As you step inside, you're greeted by the welcoming ambiance, adorned with traditional Japanese décor and the unmistakable aroma of sizzling meats on the grill.

One of Sakura's standout features is its teppanyaki-style dining, where skilled chefs dazzle patrons with their culinary expertise right at the table. The lively atmosphere is perfect for group gatherings, date nights, or simply enjoying a memorable meal. From the moment you're seated, the anticipation builds as you watch the chefs deftly maneuver their knives and spatulas, transforming fresh ingredients into delectable dishes.

The menu boasts a diverse selection of Japanese cuisine, from succulent steak and tender chicken to fresh seafood and vibrant vegetables. Each dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a symphony of flavors with every bite. Whether you're a fan of traditional sushi or crave the sizzle of a perfectly grilled steak, Sakura has something to satisfy every palate.

One of the highlights of dining at Sakura is the interactive nature of the experience. The chefs not only showcase their culinary skills but also engage with diners, adding an element of entertainment to the meal. It's not uncommon to hear laughter and applause as the chefs perform dazzling tricks like juggling utensils or creating fiery onion volcanoes.

In addition to its exceptional teppanyaki offerings, Sakura also offers a range of other Japanese specialties, including sushi, sashimi, and noodle dishes. Each dish is crafted with care, using only the freshest ingredients to ensure an authentic taste of Japan.

Service at Sakura is prompt and attentive, with friendly staff ready to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions. The restaurant's commitment to customer satisfaction shines through in every aspect of the dining experience, from the warm welcome at the door to the heartfelt farewells as you depart.

Overall, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse is a culinary gem in Riverview, offering a delightful fusion of flavors, entertainment, and hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned sushi aficionado or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, Sakura is sure to leave a...

We visited this restaurant in January for my wife’s birthday and had a great experience. The portions were generous, the pricing was fair, and everything felt in line with what you’d expect from a hibachi dinner.

However, when we returned for my birthday, our experience was completely different. This time, we were seated with another group who appeared to be regulars and clearly knew the chef. Unfortunately, it was very obvious that they received much larger portions and were consistently served first, while our servings were noticeably smaller.

For example, two small New York strip steaks were split between our four steak orders (three adult and one child), with one of the other guests also receiving a portion from that same amount—but they were given significantly more than any of us. The same thing happened with the chicken, rice, and other dishes: large scoops went to the regulars, while we received much smaller portions. By the end of the meal, there was little to no food left for leftovers, which is unusual for hibachi and a big contrast to our first visit.

Overall, we left disappointed. What was once an enjoyable experience felt unfair and not worth the cost this time. Spending $150 for what felt like $30 worth of food, especially on a birthday, was very disheartening. Sadly, this second visit left us questioning whether we would...