Sakura Teriyaki
Sakura Teriyaki
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
4 reviews
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On first glance, South Orange is oversaturated with Japanese food spots. As of the date of this Yelp review, there are FIVE Japanese eateries in SO – Ariyoshi, Harusame, Yama, Pandang, and now Sakura Grill. However, there is enough differentiation where each has its own unique feel and specialty.
So what is the deal with Sakura Grill? It's inexpensively priced, Japanese fast food – teriyaki on the grill and your standard items (e.g. sushi rolls, miso soup, edamame). It's like a souped up version of Sakura Japan at the Livingston Mall food court, but with more selections. Seton Hall students should make this a regular spot – you get your bang for your buck here and the food is tasty!
The inside has a good number of tables and the drink/condiment/utensil hub is clean. They have bottle drinks, fountain drinks, and sweetened/unsweetened iced tea. I thought it was cool that they have Sriracha sauce, but I couldn't tell if the soy sauce there was the Chinese take-out kind or could also be used for sushi rolls.
Staff at Sakura Grill were very friendly. Overall, it's a nice spot to grab some fast eats in the area.
One more reason I would move to South Orange if I had to stay in New Jersey for good, a place like this that is not a sit-down and wait service restaurant, a place like the Sarku Japan locations you find in malls where you can order fast inexpensive Japanese food and sit and eat, as there are plenty of tables. I have never seen a place like this before that was not a Sarku Japan in a mall. Other Japanese eateries are proper wait-service restaurants. I didn't have a look at the full menu, but they will prepare sushi for you here as well as what they cook for you on the hibachi grill at the counter. It's great. Of course, typical Chinese staff (not Japanese) who probably don't know much from Japanese cuisine, but this place is quite unique in town and maybe even beyond. I came in in a huge rush and was at first going to have my food to stay, but then told them I needed it quickly packed up to go since I needed to rush to a performance and was running out of time. Even as I ate my chicken teriyaki bento box and California rolls a couple of hours later, it was all still deliciously tasty. I will be back, as I like South Orange and want to spend more time there getting to know the town.
Its alright, theres a place just like this at the livingston mall – 'Sarku'. This place has a similar menu but not quite as good. The teriyaki chicken isn't spectacular but it tastes good and is filling. I've sampled some other dishes and they're ok too. I'd say if you're looking for real deal japanese cuisine you might be disappointed.
The service is pretty quick and the cook does it right there at the counter. There are several tables and 2 tvs on. It looks clean and the staff there will bring out your food if you stay to eat. Also they will give you extra condiments upon request. This place may be better for take out as a change from the chinese take out spots in town and opposed to sitting in for a intimate meal like the other various japanese spots.
Visited during lunch. Ordered Shrimp Tempura Rolls ($3.99) When I got them home, there was no avocado nothing just shrimp and rice.. I guess that is to be expected when you pay $4 for rolls? I am going to give the hibachi a try next time around. So I'll give it one more try.