Saji-Ya
| Address: | 695 Grand Ave, St Paul, MN 55105, USA |
| Phone: | +1 651-292-0444 |
| Site: | sajiya.com |
| Rating: | 3.7 |
| Working: | 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10PM 12–10PM 4–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 17
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Jonah Sullivan
These folks are trying, and theyre probably giving the majority of their patrons just what theyre looking for. Still, I was more or less thoroughly underwhelmed by my experience. I was seated at the sushi bar, as is my wont. My waiter was fairly disinterested, and appeared to me only once during the course of my meal. I actually had to ask another waiter to fetch him after Id spent about fifteen minutes waiting for the check to be presented. The sushi itself is typical sushi-boat-and-rolls fare. I ordered $60 omakase, and the chef preparing the meal - who needed that term explained - proceeded to produce eight pieces of nigiri, a caterpillar roll, and a tempura shrimp roll. The quality of the fish was mediocre, and the caterpillar roll was fairly dripping with a bland spicy mayo. In fact, the only factor that saved this review from a single star was the moderate inspiration displayed by the tempura shrimp roll. Verdict: If youre a discriminating sushi consumer, take a pass. Go instead to Fuji-Ya.
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A Private User
Pros - I really liked the atmosphere and traditional layout. Good saki and drink menu. The server catered to our requests. Cons - The sushi menu was small with few unique items. I asked them if they could tempura fry my california roll and they didnt even know that was possible, but they did it. The server said that was the first time they had ever done that! We had ordered a rainbow roll and I was very disapointed. Rainbow rolls are supposed to be vibrant and show off the freshness of the fish, but when the server brought the roll it looked like one slab of fish in the roll. The fish was so bland and old I couldnt tell the difference between some of the fish. Overall - I would recomend trying out saji-ya, but ultimately if your looking for good sushi you will find better else-where.
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A Private User
Let me start by saying I eat sushi on a regular basis. I have eaten all across the country have eaten at upscale places and whole in the wall places....this place is clean excentric with high prices on things that should cost less and small portions you pay full price for half the portion even below half....if you feel like spending 60$ and walk out hungry than this place is for you ....its general knowledge that a sushi roll has on avg 8 pieces for around 10$ or regular tuna 5$ this place is expensive with poorly made sushi and around 4 rolls for 9$...ridiculous....this place is designed to rip off americans who want to try something new. The wasabi is also weak...i hope they change their ways cuz this is wack
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A Private User
I love sushi and have been pretty much everywhere in the twin cities area. a friend and I went last night to check this place out. I ordered the sushi imperial and let me tell you, the fish quality was god awful. It looks NOTHING like what you see in those pictures up there. It was dry, and had gross pieces hanging from the nigiri. Pretty much disgusting and unacceptable for $25. Also, we were seated on the patio and could see a MOUSE running around inside the teppenyaki area. when we mentioned this to the server she barely reacted. What a waste of money.
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Joel Rogness
Fine, if aging, Japanese restaurant. Our sushi was good, but the small plates all featured a thoughtless pile of carrot and cabbage shreds that felt very much like the sprig of obligatory parsley that used to make a plate fancy. It was like they were bored. Overly complicated menu, food that perhaps once was inventive, a decor in need of updates, and the flood of more ambitious and interesting restaurants make Saji Ya feel like a vestige of the 90s. I prefer smaller restaurants with a clearer vision.
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Karina Kausch
I do not understand how this place stays open. I have tried Saji-ya twice (about 2 years apart) and have had the same awful experience. The service is slow and you feel as though you are a burden to your server. It took a solid ten minutes before we were even greeted. The sushi selection is nothing special, but it covers the basics and some traditional rolls. Unfortunately, every single plate has been warm...not room temperature warm...but like its been sitting under a heat lamp.
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A Private User
Horrible, over priced and not good. The fish tasted fishy, not good fishy, old fishy. the endamame was so stringy we had to spit it out. (sorry) We spent $40 on a "to go" and it was not only tiny (which I do not mind) but horrible.(which I do mind) Would never eat there again. I should have guessed when there was no body in the place at dinner time, but tried it any how, mistake.
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A Private User
Took my adult familly to Saji Ya for teppanyaki. This is a fun dinner, good food nice presentation. Our chef was great. Had us all laughing as he cooked. You get a lot of interaction with the staff with this dinner. Really enjoyed it. Going to book Saja again when the Family gets back together in Mn. I want to try the other side of the resturant and see if it as good
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Nicholas Zinos
We used to like going to this place and the sushi was very good, and then they completely remodeled it. I must say in all honesty I really hate the remodeling and havent been back since. Way too hyper-chic for St. Paul - maybe people in L.A. like to sit on bean-bags when theyre eating their food, but not me.
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Christopher Barnett
Homemade sauces that are well balanced, fresh sushi, and great atmosphere. The teriyaki chicken was deliciously marinated, and was succulent fresh, cold, and as reheated leftovers. Service was prompt and friendly, and you can tell that they really care about how their food tastes at Saji-Ya.
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Briona VanAlst
Ive been here twice now and its ok. First time the sushi rice was bland and dry. Second time the Miso soup was so salty I couldnt eat it but the sushi was good. Indifferent lunch staff, never offered to refill my empty water. Maybe they should just skip being open for lunch.
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David Brown
We went to Saji Ya for New Years Eve dinner. The food did not compare favorably to that offered by other Japanese restaurants in the area, e.g. Tampopo, Origami. The service was very slow and our overall experience was very disappointing. We will not be going back.
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Suzu Foxglove
There are multiple things on the menu that make you go "oh my god, this is the best thing Ive ever eaten." Particular nod to their yaki niku don. The mochi is also an excellent finisher. Staff is also allergy consious and responds well to questions and requests.
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Brandon Hanna
Teppanyaki celebration. Tasty food with flavorful pieces of vegetable and shrimp. Egg drop soup was yummy. Updated teppanyaki cooking stations with prompt service and friendly staff. Ask for Jorge the Teppanyaki chef, hes superb and puts on a good show.
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Tonya Barton
It was ok. I wouldnt go back, everything tasted the same because they use the same seasonings for Everything! I need to note we had the personal chef experience and seated at the grill table. This is an expensive dining experience that leaves you flat.
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Abigayil Cisek
I cant eat gluten so was initially really happy they have a gluten free menu. I have been here twice and ordered from the gluten free menu twice. One time I was fine. The second time I was violently ill. Cant chance it to go back, wish I could.
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A Private User
Though our waitress was awesome, the food was not. The rice in the tuna roll and dynamite roll was steaming hot-- it actually slightly cooked the outer layer of the fish. Unpleasant and wrong. Also, the entire place smells like carnival grease.
