Sakura Sushi - Richmond, BC

Tucked away into a strip mall containing other ghetto-licious joints is Sakura Sushi.  I'll tell you now, if I wasn't looking for it, I'd walk right by Sakura since it looks like a hole in the wall but we decide to stop and try their offerings because it's dive places like these that always surprise you.  The Piglets hope this formula applies here.

A VERY small place but we're immediately greeted and seated by a woman, presumably one of the owners.  As we sit there, several take out orders come and go and I can see why - there's only seating for about 13 patrons and even that's pushing this small space.  We're given menus and served hot tea and complimentary miso soup shortly thereafter but I can barely concentrate on the menu as there are a barrage of posters and specials outside on a board, on the walls and beside the till.  There's no fancy fare here save for a few items made with real crab, a unagi cheese nigiri and a rice dessert item - mostly tried and true stuff that we all know of.  AHH, what do the Piglets want to order????

Roll Combo - $10.25

California Roll

Dynamite Roll

Spicy Tuna Roll

This combo is an oldie but a goodie - even though these are just simple rolls, they are excellent here at Sakura.  Rolled tightly but not too much so, the rice is firm but not sticky, there's a good balance of filling (lots of spicy tuna) to rice and the rolls themselves are a good size.  You can tell that these items were made with care and definitely skill as they don't fall apart when you pick them up or dip them in soy sauce and the rice has an excellent but subtle balance of vinegar and dashi.  I applaud you Chef Shishido for transforming the plain and simple into something special without adding the fanfare.

Chirashi Don - $14.00

I will admit this is expensive for a bowl of rice but just look at it!  All that seafood!!!  The fish and various other seafood is FRESH, plentiful and treated with care.  If you like Chirashi dons, you have to give this one a try. 

Salmon Sashimi - $10.25 (8 pcs)

I've said it before and I'll say it again, if you order salmon sashimi, eat the wild version if it's available because it makes a world of difference in taste and texture.  This stuff practically melts in your mouth and it has a hint of almost sweetness to it.  The salmon pieces here are small but you're paying for quality and getting you money's worth.  Go wild or go home.


Mr. Piglet and I would never come back here to have a sit-down meal but we would definitely come back for some take out.  We were both very satisfied with our food and we didn't even have to have bacon or something deep fried!  The ingredients are fresh, treated with respect and executed really well by Chef Shishido and it shows in the food.  Bon appetite!


Pros:

• Very good sushi
• Cheap to moderate prices
• Take out available
• Family-owned very friendly service
• One of those rare Richmond restaurants that takes credit and interac cards

Cons:

• Very small seating area - probably best to get take out or else you're waiting for sure
• Dive ambiance
• Only open until 7:00 pm