Sakura Japanese/Korean Cuisine

• Cuisine(s): Japanese, Korean
  Hours: Sun 12pm-10:30pm, Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 12pm-11pm
  Price: $$$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Takeout, Delivery, Private Party, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly, Vegetarian Friendly
  Serving: Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Beer/Wine
• Reservations: Accepted
  Parking: Lot Available

Description

Sakura is located on the ever-congested South Dixie Highway in Coral Gables. It sits across the street from the neighborhood's only drive-thru Starbucks. Décor-wise, Sakura fits the Japanese-restaurant mold. Small wooden tables take up the medium-size dining area. A long sushi bar spans one wall. And accents include Japanese characters on canvases. The eatery also has small round tables tucked into cozy nooks with mint-green curtained windows. The staff is friendly, knowledgable, and efficient. There's an extensive menu of hand rolls, sushi, and sashimi. Prices are fairly high, with the average entrée around $20. But the lunch menu, offered until 2:30 p.m., has reduced prices. Try the "lego my ego" roll ($15), composed of fish tempura, masago, and cream cheese. It's served with spicy mayo and a caramel dipping sauce. The contrasting flavor combination is surprisingly delicious. The lobster roll ($20) is another standout. Fresh chunks of the crustacean are wrapped with lettuce and avocado and then topped with spicy mayo and crisp flakes. The lettuce leaves and flakes add a nice crunch to the soft lobster meat. Sakura's sushi is undoubtedly fresh, but the raw fish dishes are slightly overpriced compared to other eateries in the area.