Had a late lunch on Friday. We were not aware that they were closing at 2:30. We arrived about 1:20. The food was very good. The service was not. The waitress had to clean off a table for us - was apprently a busy lunch time. She was demonstrably harried, stressed. Brought us both water (no ice, no problem), setting it down on the far end of the 4 seating table where the condiments were; had to reach for it. Brought my soup, spilling a bit about 3-4 minutes before the meal. Was going to put the food in the middle of the table, I had to say it was mine. She kept coming to take plates away, while I was still eating. At no time was it explained that they close at 2:30. Instead we were made to feel like we should leave with the non verbal cues. We both paid cash. Didn't get a receipt as done with credit cards. My friend left a tip, I did not. While we were departing she confronted us, adamantly, chastising, stating that servers depend upon tips. My friend explained that she had left a $5 tip (for an $18 meal). I stated that I did not leave a tip. Here's why: one of the best lessons for poor service is no tip. I experienced this when I was a waitress, and learned from it. I am happy to leave an appropriate tip for good service. Tips are not an entitlement. They are a reward for good service - a bonus for your wage. It was an unfortunate experience on all accounts. It has greatly soured me on returning even though the food was very good. All for lack of a $3 tip (for the price of my meal) - which is what I considered, and did not leave. Next time provide good service. Here's what should happen: in your greeting state that the restaurant closes at 2:30; smile; ask if we'd like ice in the water; remember for a table of 2 who ordered what (we were the only customers ordering at that time, others were finishing their meals); don't spill; don't keep coming to the table to remove plates while customers are eating - once is enough (you were rushing us out - non verbally); don't expect a tip, be glad when your service is done well enought to get one. Your demeanor made a nice lunch with a dear friend, finish unpleasantly. If you are unhappy with your job, get a different one. All jobs are challenging - give it your best effort.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
Will P
A great sushi restaurant in St. Paul. The crispy spicy salmon wontons, mango lover roll, and Godzilla roll are absolutely worth trying. And Sakana Sushi & Asian Bistro has decent prices and friendly servers too. I highly recommend having a meal or two here. This place is definitely worth the visit if you want great sushi at good prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Randal Swanson
We had a nice leisurely lunch. The server kept things topped up without being intrusive. The food was presented well and there was a good variety of sushi and sashimi on the platter.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Boat for Two
Daniel Bai
A bit more on the expensive side for sushi but very tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Daniel Bach
Been a couple of times now. Once to try once to see if my initial misgivings were incorrect..Friendly but slow service. Appreciate it's Asian food so don't expect enormous portions but in terms for value for money Sakana is still not good. Prices are too high.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Virginia Jensen
Worst tempura I have ever had. The veggies were like oil soaked sponges, and the shrimp was overcooked. Also had the Sesame Tofu, which was barely sauced and served on a bed of virtually raw veggies. Will not ever go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Richard Parker
Pretty disappointed in the amount of food you get if ordering regular sushi. Ordered two sushi dishes for a little under $10 each, only ended up with 4 small pieces. I was even so surprised I called the store and they confirmed this is the amount of food you get. Very surprising considering you can get all you can eat sushi across the river for under $20.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Luca Matthews
I absolutely love the food here, but found that it’s a little dirty in the inside. The overhead lights have a ton of flies built up inside and the booths had food on them. It was a little off putting and I tried to ignore it but wanted to write in case they review these. Otherwise, food is great and the server was so nice and helpful with suggestions!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls
Prim Ilagan
I’ve been wanting to try Sakana for years after reading all of the fabulous reviews and I finally got to after moving to the area. Sakana is good and I high recommend.The restaurant is quaint, well decorated, great seating at the bar and a lovely patio to sit in. The neighborhood is wonderful.As for the food we ordered the Spicy Edamame, Seafood Ceviche, Lobster Tango and Kingkong roll. Spicy Edamame was not spicy, it had the sweet chili sauce- it was definitely delicious. Seafood Ceviche was the best dish, it was bright, tangy and very fresh. Of the 2 roll, Lobster Tango was the best, had the most flavor. Both rolls very huge and visually appealing.I would go back and definitely recommend Sakana as a solid spot.
Prim I.
I've been wanting to try Sakana for years after reading all of the fabulous reviews and I finally got to after moving to the area. Sakana is good and I high recommend.The restaurant is quaint, well decorated, great seating at the bar and a lovely patio to sit in. The neighborhood is wonderful. As for the food we ordered the Spicy Edamame, Seafood Ceviche, Lobster Tango and Kingkong roll. Spicy Edamame was not spicy, it had the sweet chili sauce- it was definitely delicious. Seafood Ceviche was the best dish, it was bright, tangy and very fresh. Of the 2 roll, Lobster Tango was the best, had the most flavor. Both rolls very huge and visually appealing.I would go back and definitely recommend Sakana as a solid spot.
This is our neighborhood go to sushi joint. Good stuff, good value, consistent sushi. I dinged them on atmosphere because the landscaping is very sad, just weeds and rocks. Please plant some shrubs and flowers so it is more welcoming.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amber Patton
The sushi was okay. The Black Dragon roll was fire, but the rest was meh. Atmosphere was chill. Overall, don't know if I'd go back, but I wouldn't tell anyone to stay
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Aszhia Albrecht
I’ve lived in the cities for over 3 years now and have been trying to find a good sushi restaurant. Can finally say I found the place! So fresh and good
Chris K
We had a reservation. We got seated and no one came to wait on us. We went and asked for some one to come and still no one came. I understand being short staffed, however, it takes very little time to acknowledge that you know a customer is there. Arrange for water to be brought and indicate that they will be back in xx minutes. Being totally ignored for 15 minutes is our limit. Train your staff to be very attuned to check in or even walk by tables every few minutes so that customers might let you know if there is an issue. Here, though we went to find someone to tell, we were still ignored. We will not be back.
Carrie Jarvis
We love, love, love Sakana! Great service and kind staff. Best sushi around! I especially love the Alaska roll. Clean environment and nice decor.
Had a late lunch on Friday. We were not aware that they were closing at 2:30. We arrived about 1:20. The food was very good. The service was not. The waitress had to clean off a table for us - was apprently a busy lunch time. She was demonstrably harried, stressed. Brought us both water (no ice, no problem), setting it down on the far end of the 4 seating table where the condiments were; had to reach for it. Brought my soup, spilling a bit about 3-4 minutes before the meal. Was going to put the food in the middle of the table, I had to say it was mine. She kept coming to take plates away, while I was still eating. At no time was it explained that they close at 2:30. Instead we were made to feel like we should leave with the non verbal cues. We both paid cash. Didn't get a receipt as done with credit cards. My friend left a tip, I did not. While we were departing she confronted us, adamantly, chastising, stating that servers depend upon tips. My friend explained that she had left a $5 tip (for an $18 meal). I stated that I did not leave a tip. Here's why: one of the best lessons for poor service is no tip. I experienced this when I was a waitress, and learned from it. I am happy to leave an appropriate tip for good service. Tips are not an entitlement. They are a reward for good service - a bonus for your wage. It was an unfortunate experience on all accounts. It has greatly soured me on returning even though the food was very good. All for lack of a $3 tip (for the price of my meal) - which is what I considered, and did not leave. Next time provide good service. Here's what should happen: in your greeting state that the restaurant closes at 2:30; smile; ask if we'd like ice in the water; remember for a table of 2 who ordered what (we were the only customers ordering at that time, others were finishing their meals); don't spill; don't keep coming to the table to remove plates while customers are eating - once is enough (you were rushing us out - non verbally); don't expect a tip, be glad when your service is done well enought to get one. Your demeanor made a nice lunch with a dear friend, finish unpleasantly. If you are unhappy with your job, get a different one. All jobs are challenging - give it your best effort.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 2
A great sushi restaurant in St. Paul. The crispy spicy salmon wontons, mango lover roll, and Godzilla roll are absolutely worth trying. And Sakana Sushi & Asian Bistro has decent prices and friendly servers too. I highly recommend having a meal or two here. This place is definitely worth the visit if you want great sushi at good prices.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had a nice leisurely lunch. The server kept things topped up without being intrusive. The food was presented well and there was a good variety of sushi and sashimi on the platter.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi Boat for Two
A bit more on the expensive side for sushi but very tasty.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Been a couple of times now. Once to try once to see if my initial misgivings were incorrect..Friendly but slow service. Appreciate it's Asian food so don't expect enormous portions but in terms for value for money Sakana is still not good. Prices are too high.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 2
Worst tempura I have ever had. The veggies were like oil soaked sponges, and the shrimp was overcooked. Also had the Sesame Tofu, which was barely sauced and served on a bed of virtually raw veggies. Will not ever go back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
Pretty disappointed in the amount of food you get if ordering regular sushi. Ordered two sushi dishes for a little under $10 each, only ended up with 4 small pieces. I was even so surprised I called the store and they confirmed this is the amount of food you get. Very surprising considering you can get all you can eat sushi across the river for under $20.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
I absolutely love the food here, but found that it’s a little dirty in the inside. The overhead lights have a ton of flies built up inside and the booths had food on them. It was a little off putting and I tried to ignore it but wanted to write in case they review these. Otherwise, food is great and the server was so nice and helpful with suggestions!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Rolls
I’ve been wanting to try Sakana for years after reading all of the fabulous reviews and I finally got to after moving to the area. Sakana is good and I high recommend.The restaurant is quaint, well decorated, great seating at the bar and a lovely patio to sit in. The neighborhood is wonderful.As for the food we ordered the Spicy Edamame, Seafood Ceviche, Lobster Tango and Kingkong roll. Spicy Edamame was not spicy, it had the sweet chili sauce- it was definitely delicious. Seafood Ceviche was the best dish, it was bright, tangy and very fresh. Of the 2 roll, Lobster Tango was the best, had the most flavor. Both rolls very huge and visually appealing.I would go back and definitely recommend Sakana as a solid spot.
I've been wanting to try Sakana for years after reading all of the fabulous reviews and I finally got to after moving to the area. Sakana is good and I high recommend.The restaurant is quaint, well decorated, great seating at the bar and a lovely patio to sit in. The neighborhood is wonderful. As for the food we ordered the Spicy Edamame, Seafood Ceviche, Lobster Tango and Kingkong roll. Spicy Edamame was not spicy, it had the sweet chili sauce- it was definitely delicious. Seafood Ceviche was the best dish, it was bright, tangy and very fresh. Of the 2 roll, Lobster Tango was the best, had the most flavor. Both rolls very huge and visually appealing.I would go back and definitely recommend Sakana as a solid spot.
Restaurantji Recommends
This is our neighborhood go to sushi joint. Good stuff, good value, consistent sushi. I dinged them on atmosphere because the landscaping is very sad, just weeds and rocks. Please plant some shrubs and flowers so it is more welcoming.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 5
The sushi was okay. The Black Dragon roll was fire, but the rest was meh. Atmosphere was chill. Overall, don't know if I'd go back, but I wouldn't tell anyone to stay
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
I’ve lived in the cities for over 3 years now and have been trying to find a good sushi restaurant. Can finally say I found the place! So fresh and good
We had a reservation. We got seated and no one came to wait on us. We went and asked for some one to come and still no one came. I understand being short staffed, however, it takes very little time to acknowledge that you know a customer is there. Arrange for water to be brought and indicate that they will be back in xx minutes. Being totally ignored for 15 minutes is our limit. Train your staff to be very attuned to check in or even walk by tables every few minutes so that customers might let you know if there is an issue. Here, though we went to find someone to tell, we were still ignored. We will not be back.
We love, love, love Sakana! Great service and kind staff. Best sushi around! I especially love the Alaska roll. Clean environment and nice decor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5