While my wife and oldest daughter were out of town on various trips last week, my youngest and I headed out for a dinner of sushi and conversation at Sakura, located in Hagerstown, MD.  While most of my friends refer to sushi as “bait”, my daughter was up for the challenge.

We ordered off of the sushi menu, selecting a variety of sushi (fish with rice), sashimi (fish without rice), and several rolls.  (Pro Tip:  There is an abundance of choices in rolls as well as sushi and sashimi by the piece, so ask a server for help if you’re confused and need some explanations.)  If you are not into sushi, Sakura also offers an extensive menu of other Japanese favorites, like noodle bowls, teriyaki, katsu, and tempura (I have sampled these selections on previous visits, and all have been good).  There is also a separate Hibachi bar (the communal dining tables where the chef cooks in front of you), which is also a fun dining experience.  Beer, wine, sake, and soft drinks are also available.

Everything was fresh, tasty, and served in that impeccably artistic manner that all sushi chefs seem to be taught from birth.  We sampled eel, roe (fish eggs), tempura shrimp, and spider rolls (deep fried soft-shell crab).  The yellowtail and tuna were excellent, the salmon was “melt in your mouth” buttery, and the special “Hawaiian roll” was particularly spicy and flavorful.  We also had starters of miso soup and a house salad (love that ginger dressing).  While I don’t think that sushi will ever make my daughter’s “top ten” list of meals, I give her credit for at least trying everything we ordered.

Service was efficient and polite.  The atmosphere is serene an calming in the dining room, where gentle music plays in the background and the décor features tables and booths with clean lines accompanied by traditional Japanese prints that adorn the walls.

Sakura offers carry-out service, free delivery (limited area), and they even offer a Sunday brunch.

If you enjoy sushi (or any type of Japanese cuisine) then Sakura is an excellent choice.

 

Restaurant name:                            Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Overall rating (out of five):         3.5

Food:                                                    3.5

Service:                                               3.0

Ambiance:                                         3.5

Value:                                                  3.0

Address:  102 Railway Line (right off of Wesel Blvd)  Hagerstown, MD  21740

Phone:  (301) 393-8680

Hours:  Monday – Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Fridays, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Saturdays, 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Sundays, 12:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Website:  www.facebook.com/sakurahagerstown

Parking:  onsite

Reservations required?  Accepted, but not required