Sakura Japanese Steak, Seafood House & Sushi Bar — Restaurant in Tysons

A Disastrous Dining Experience at Sakura Japanese Steakhouse

I wish there were a way to rate Sakura Japanese Steakhouse less than one star, as this recent experience fell tragically short of the minimum expectations of hospitality, let alone the generally accepted standards of a well-regarded establishment such as this one.

From the moment we walked in, we were greeted not by warm smiles and the welcoming fragrance of Japanese cuisine, but by an ominous aura that hinted at the calamity that would ensue. Seated as a large party with eight children and four adults, we were looking forward to a delightful evening filled with captivating teppanyaki performances and the promise of fresh, delicious sushi. Little did we know, this hope would quickly be extinguished, replaced by a memory we wish we could forget.

The first unfortunate event of the evening was not just a mistake but a domino effect that painted the entire visit in a darker hue. A seemingly inexperienced chef caused a full glass of cold water to crash down onto our table, soaking two toddlers and an expecting mother, creating a very uncomfortable situation. We understand that accidents can occur in the hustle and bustle of a busy restaurant; however, the staff's response was not only inadequate but downright disappointing. A couple of napkins were half-heartedly offered, and there seemed to be an urgent attempt to downplay the situation rather than sincerely apologize and adequately address the accident.

To compound the situation, the icy water disaster also ruined a plate of sushi, which was promptly taken away without replacement. Upon inquiring about the missing sushi, our waiter's dismissive attitude was salt in the wound. Eventually, only a single roll was begrudgingly brought out, a far cry from the original serving. The justification that we had already eaten "some" from the rolls was as astonishing as it was unacceptable.

I immediately sought out the manager, hoping to resolve the situation, only to be met with another wave of disrespect, this time from the person who is supposed to rectify the faults of the restaurant. Instead of understanding our predicament and doing what they could to remedy it, the manager seemed to trivialize the issue, leaving us feeling unheard and undervalued.

To top off this disastrous dining experience, our soaked 1-year-old had to leave the restaurant pantless. Meanwhile, no real apology was offered, and we were still fully charged in full us for the experience that was nothing short of an absolute nightmare.

In conclusion, Sakura Japanese Steakhouse failed us in more ways than one could imagine, both in service and in basic human courtesy. As a restaurant reviewer, I understand the pressures that service staff and management face, especially in busy times. However, this experience went beyond poor service, crossing into the territory of negligence and disrespect. We did not ask for anything free - we simply asked for what we were entitled to: a pleasant dining experience, good food, respect, and, most importantly, accountability for mistakes made. In the end, all we received was a night we wish we could forget and a vow never to return. Sakura Japanese Steakhouse, you have thoroughly...

The food was average hibachi fare. It's "Japanese", the same way Quickway and Sarku Japan is "Japanese". Presentation was haphazard and flavors were lacking.

The service was terrible. The restaurant is large, almost cavernous and yet all the staff congregate in one corner talking to each other. It took 5 minutes to get their attention and afterwards they were actively gossiping about us.

How would I know that you ask? Well we asked for a different cup of water as the one we had was cracked or streaked with something. And after they replaced it they stared at us from their corner and said things like "complaining...just water...crazy".

It made for an uncomfortable dining experience to say the least. But by the time our bill came I still tipped 20% because whatever maybe I am overreacting.

Unfortunately, as I get up to leave, our waiter comes running over with the bill and pointing furiously. They indicate that one of our meals was missing from the bill and that we actually owed 20 some dollars.

I was perfectly willing to pay and I did pay the difference. However, I definitely did not appreciate the staff insinuating that we shorted them on purpose! It was their mistake and I'm not sure why they were upset that I didn't catch their mistake. And by upset, I mean 3 more glaring staff members appeared and hovered as our waiter processed the second transaction.

If you're considering a meal here, please reconsider. You can literally walk a hundred feet to Kusshi Ko for actual Japanese food (not a perfect 5/5 restaurant but definitely an improvement...

The restaurant is very nice and well decorated. However, myself and a friend were seated with a group that was already sitting down enjoying their salad/soup. The waitress came over within a few seconds, asked us our drink order, and before even going to get our drinks requested that we hurry up and order our food since the others were “waiting” for us..

We hadn’t even opened the menu and browsed the options. We let her know and she repeated that we had to order because the others were ready to eat. Mind you, we don’t know these people and didn’t request to be seated at a table that had already been waiting for a while. She stood there while we browsed the menu (still not even leaving to get drinks) which felt extremely uncomfortable.

To make matters worse-- my friend asked for chopsticks and the waitress seemed surprised by his request... this is a hibachi/sushi establishment. She didn't share the same reaction to others at the table using chopsticks, but this was particularly offensive since we are Black and it seemed as if she didn't expect him to use anything other than a fork.

Immediately after the chef was finished cooking, they came over with boxes for everyone which also felt like we were being rushed.

The food had the potential to be good, just think our chef wasn’t the best. It lacked flavor, seasoning and the experience also was not nearly as fun as some of the tables surrounding us. Probably will not visit this location again due to the rude rushed service and...