Sakana Sushi & Grill
| Address: | 5061 E Elliot Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85044, USA |
| Phone: | +1 480-598-0506 |
| Site: | sakanasushi.co |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–2PM 11AM–10:30PM 12–10:30PM 12–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Terri S
I visited Sakana twice in the past week.. On both occasions I stopped there because it was on the way home from my running errands, and because I was craving Sushi. I had been there a few months earlier, and remembered that their sushi was good (not great), that the prices were reasonable, and that their portions were generous. On both of my visits this week I sat at the Sushi Bar because sushi service tends to be faster than when you are seated at a table, and because I like to watch the prepared sushi as it is passed to the waitresses and to those seated at the sushi bar. On both occasions, I was seated at the sushi bar immediately, and my beverage and miso soup were delivered very quickly. (The miso soup is just ok.) On both visits, my servers were very friendly, and were great about answering questions, and explaining how to place my sushi orders when I was ready. On my first visit, I ordered the Mackerel (Saba) Nigiri special, and from the happy hour menu, Salmon Roe (Ikura), and two Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls. My order was served to me quickly. I enjoyed the Mackerel, and the Salmon Roe. Everything tasted fresh. I was a bit disappointed with my Spicy Tuna Hand Rolls. Although the portion of spicy tuna in each hand roll was very generous, the seasoning was lacking in general, and there was not even a suggestion of heat at all. I ended up adding wasabi and soy sauce to it for flavor. The tuna flavor was obscured by the mayonnaise (or whatever mayonnaise like substance) that was used to make the spicy tuna. it is not a preparation that I care for, although I realize many sushi places are doing it that way now. I prefer spicy tuna that is just tuna, hot oil, and a bit of seasoning. That said, for what I paid, I wouldnt complain. I left full, and the basic standard of good was met overall. On todays visit, I really was up for variety. After asking a few questions, I ordered the Sakana Lunch, which came with miso soup, 6 different pieces of Nigiri, a California roll and a spicy crab jalapeno popper. Once again, the miso soup (again, just ok) was brought to me right away. My lunch also came out very quickly, in spite of the fact that the restaurant was quite busy. While the fish was fresh and tasty, and it was MORE than enough food (I skipped the Nigiri rice and just ate the fish in order to finish my food), the California roll was pretty bad. It was fresh enough, but between too much rice, fake "krab", and too much mayonnaise - or whatever the binder was - it tasted pretty bad, and lacked any sort of balancing fresh note. I didnt even try to finish it. I felt like I got my moneys worth, and once again I was full. It was still a long way from a great dining experience. I also stayed away from many of the rolls because most include that awful fake "krab". Id say that Sakana is ok as long as your expectations are not too high. The service was friendly and fast, the prices were reasonable, most of the food was ok, and it was convenient. This just isnt on my list of favorite sushi places. The cooked food may be good. Ive never tried it.. It is also important to note that they close between lunch and dinner (2:00 pm - 5:30 pm)
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Jaclyn Ogburn
Usually go to ah so but came here to try because of good ratings. Was TERRIBLE. Spend your money elsewhere. Too expensive not too. My boyfriend and I went here today. A Friday night and having reservations at 7. As soon as we walked in trouble. Couldnt get a table, then we were sat at the bar from the manager and were allowed free drinks. Which the bartender kisha wouldnt even look at us ignored while she did whatever. Still giving this place a chance we ordered sushi. Come to My surprise that was messed up too. Soggy rolls with nothing but a dead leaf besides them. Still giving one more chance. Tried ordering our food. And server said we werent allowed to split anything (still getting full sides and a side order of chicken too). After I heard the rest of my table splitting entrees needless to say we paid for the soggy sushi and left. Terrible first and last experience.
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Tyler Style
Visited twice for lunch with coworkers. Good for a fast lunch if youre just looking to fill up on rolls. Ambience: dark, cramped, loud music - more along the lines of a college/20-something pub. Can be hard to have a conversation, and no privacy (tables are back to back). Clean and tidy tho. Service: pleasant & attentive but not memorable or personable. Food: disappointing mediocre American style Japanese. Lots of cheap rolls for lunch hour specials if thats to your taste. Rice is obviously made well in advance, its somewhat dry and doesnt stick well. Ive had both chirashi and the sashimi plate and not been impressed; sashimi pieces were not completely cut thru, for instance (multiple pieces still attached to one another) and the quality of the fish seems low (eg, the tuna tasted off to me, enough so that I didnt eat it).
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Tam K
Went to this location last night..I have been to 2 others in the valley and enjoy their food. The 3 starts is because I really loved the food! The sushi was amazing and I would happily pick this spot over the nearby Stingray or RA however our service was horrible! First the waitress came up to us a few too many times and we felt rushed then she disappeared....then after we finished our food she asked if we wanted anything else and we said we were not sure yet so 5 minutes later she comes back with the check and clears off our table never to rerurn again (an hour later) another waitress finaly checked us out. We were both shocked! Horrible service!
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A Private User
A few years ago this was the place to get sushi. Something changed. Now its nothing special. A few years ago if you didnt arrive right at 5:30 when they opened you could expect a wait. Now the place is half empty. I believe they are cutting corners and the place has lost its "japanese" feel. They are putting salsa and jalapenos on many of their sushi rolls. Taco Bell sushi? They give you little paper napkins instead of a cloth napkin for your lap. Never a good sign in my book. I doubt there are any Japanese people working there. Service is still friendly though. Used to be great now just ok.
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A Private User
This is the best sushi place ive had in Arizona. I lived in Japan for two years and fell in love with sushi. When i moved back one thing i missed most was sushi. Ive tried many places, but none of them compare to Sakanas quality, prices, and service. I also love the atmosphere. Owner and waitresses are very kind. The food is great, and it comes out to you in a timely manner even when its busy. The prices are not bad either, you do NOT have to worry about spending all your money. Well i could go on and on about how great this place is. I highly suggest it if you love sushi.
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Emily Garcia
I splurged like a fat kid here and even though I thought I was going to roll all the way home, I did not regret it one bit. Their specialty sushi rolls is where its at. They have great flavor combos and everything tastes fresh and super delicious. Their spicy rolls do not mess around- I could not eat 2 pieces back-to-back since i felt like a dragon spewing fire after each one (yet I kept coming back for more). Its definitely on the pricey side so I wouldnt come here all the time but would definitely return when I have the capacity to devour an entire menu all over again.
