Sakana Sushi & Asian Bistro — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Had a late lunch on Friday. We were not aware that they were closing at 2:30. We arrived about 1:20. The food was very good. The service was not. The waitress had to clean off a table for us - was apprently a busy lunch time. She was demonstrably harried, stressed. Brought us both water (no ice, no problem), setting it down on the far end of the 4 seating table where the condiments were; had to reach for it. Brought my soup, spilling a bit about 3-4 minutes before the meal. Was going to put the food in the middle of the table, I had to say it was mine. She kept coming to take plates away, while I was still eating. At no time was it explained that they close at 2:30. Instead we were made to feel like we should leave with the non verbal cues. We both paid cash. Didn't get a receipt as done with credit cards. My friend left a tip, I did not. While we were departing she confronted us, adamantly, chastising, stating that servers depend upon tips. My friend explained that she had left a $5 tip (for an $18 meal). I stated that I did not leave a tip. Here's why: one of the best lessons for poor service is no tip. I experienced this when I was a waitress, and learned from it. I am happy to leave an appropriate tip for good service. Tips are not an entitlement. They are a reward for good service - a bonus for your wage. It was an unfortunate experience on all accounts. It has greatly soured me on returning even though the food was very good. All for lack of a $3 tip (for the price of my meal) - which is what I considered, and did not leave. Next time provide good service. Here's what should happen: in your greeting state that the restaurant closes at 2:30; smile; ask if we'd like ice in the water; remember for a table of 2 who ordered what (we were the only customers ordering at that time, others were finishing their meals); don't spill; don't keep coming to the table to remove plates while customers are eating - once is enough (you were rushing us out - non verbally); don't expect a tip, be glad when your service is done well enought to get one. Your demeanor made a nice lunch with a dear friend, finish unpleasantly. If you are unhappy with your job, get a different one. All jobs are challenging - give it your...

If you are a sushi lover or a lover of non disgusting bathrooms then this is not your place. First off I'm surprised by their high stars but standards have gotten quite low universally. First thing I noticed was the front of the house staff seemed to be all high school age, so no one in front had any experience when they were hired and it showed, that sucks because sushi is expensive and the level of service should be a couple of steps above that. I ordered quick and went to the bathroom, it was disgusting. The toilet and urinal had not been cleaned at all in a very long time, even seeing some black mold looking stuff on them. Food came quick for how busy it was, usually when that happens I'm pleasantly surprised but it's sushi it's suppose to take time. No salad or miso soup came with the sushi platter. This was the biggest shocker. The nigiri filets were not even half the size of any where I have ever eaten sushi and the sushi platter was very warm in temperature. I only saw the server once after taking my order and that was to drop the check. No one ever asked how my food was or refilled my empty water. Ignore the seemingly high rating, it's a lie. The owners must not visit the site much. That's how it looks. This review comes from a 20 year restaurant server who started serving at a Perkins and ended in fine dining in Seattle. Lowest I have tipped in...

Unfortunately I had a bad experience when arriving to this restaurant on Friday evening. Me, my son , and daughter decided to stop in and try a new place, she was really excited because she wanted sushi. First we stood there while the host was talking to another employee , and we were deliberately being ignored. Then when she did acknowledge us she instantly had an attitude, didn't even say hi or welcome, just do you have a reservation with a degrading look and attitude, just not friendly at all. I explained i checked the website before arriving, she still was hesitant about giving us a table. Just all together unwelcoming, seemingly very judgemental. It was Friday , I was happy to sit down and have dinner with my kids, and the host just made me feel uncomfortable from the moment we walked in. Thankfully I have amazing kids who weren't bothered by her dimenear, I however was . You would think you would get a better greeting from this type of establishment. Our server was great , all 5 of the sushi she recommended were great, the fried rice and lo mein were good. But due to the greeting and rude looks we got i wouldn't reccomend going if your looking for a nice relaxing , welcoming, evening with...