Saji-Ya — Restaurant in Saint Paul

For warning— the gluten free menu is NOT gluten free. This was not a dietary preference but celiac, so it did matter. From what our server and the disclaimer said, the vinegar used for the rice is not rice vinegar so none of the sushi rice is gluten free. Our server actually pointed out that smaller “disclaimer” at the bottom of the gluten free menu (thank you thank you thank you for that). We don’t try to be fussy when we go out. We try to pick restaurants/cuisine that is more gluten-free friendly so we don’t make the kitchen go out of their way. Some places aren’t gluten free friendly and that is ok! But, having a separate gluten free menu, and then having only about three-ish items be actually gluten free borderlines on silly.

The consequences if we did not see that, or if our server didn’t point it out, would not have been silly. It is especially disappointing because when it came down to it, the seemingly best option ended up being steamed rice with sashimi on top and finely shredded carrots for $40+. The actually gluten free entrees also came with salad and miso soup— the miso soup is not gluten free…. Why is that offered on the gluten free menu then?

Atmosphere was fine. Drinks were fine. The rolls from those who could consume gluten were fine. Server was very knowledgeable thankfully. Don’t care to return, unless they update the menu...

We have been back 2x since the reopening, but been customers for 10+ years. The first visit since reopening was great in terms of the quality of food & flavor, just like it's always been before they closed. We ordered: Calamari, Spicy Tuna and Dynamite. 2nd time was last week & the Calamari was taken off the menu per waitress because it was a frequently returned dish. The Spicy Tuna and the Dynamite rolls we ordered looked nothing like before and I had to confirm with the waitress we received the right order, she said we did. Both rolls are supposed to have minced tuna and white fish but they looked to be made with canned tuna/fish and rolled sloppy. There was zero flavor, and I mean, it tasted like nothing, w/ no trace of the spicy oil in either roll either. I should've taken pictures so everyone could see whatever "fish" was in the rolls. Could we have sent the rolls back and walked out, yes. But it doesn't change the fact that Saji-ya either took short cuts the day we went or they are skimping on quality. We won't be returning.

*For reference, below is a photo I took of Spicy Tuna and Dynamite in visits prior to the re-opening, which is NOT what they...

Bit pricey but amazing ambiance and restaurant has an extensive menu, extremely high quality food, and excellent service- truly a local landmark establishment. 2025 update: I went for a combination of my and my wife's birthdays (within two weeks of each other) with my in-laws. They aren't quite as familiar with Japanese cuisine, but with some minor advice everyone loved their meals.

Our server, Miranda, was amazing. Very seriously, I have had at least ten server jobs, one at a Japanese restaurant, and Miranda did a great job. She was appropriately attentive without being suffocating, and she was witty and entertaining.

I ordered simply, from the vegetarian menu, and was pleasantly surprised by both inari and tamago nigiri, along with Miso Soup, and I shared in the carafe of sake that we ordered. (That I picked, off of the varied and impressive Sake menu.)

I wish I had thought to take pictures of the beautiful Maruko maki roll that my wife got, or the Donburi my brother in law got, or, or, or, (read: all of the food was beautifully presented and prepared). Saji-Ya maintains its status as one of the most premier Japanese restaurants and sushi spots in the...