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Sakura Japanese Restaurant
Review
About
Sakura Japanese Restaurant is the only authentic Japanese restaurant in Ethiopia. Enjoy sushi, noodles, teriyaki and many other amazing dishes.
Features
CUISINES
Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Cash Only
Delivery
Family style
Free off-street parking
Highchairs Available
Mastercard
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Private Dining
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Takeout
Visa
Wine and Beer
Location
Free off-street parking, Parking Available
Does this restaurant have private dining rooms?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed today
Sunday
Closed
Monday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Contribute
4.3
48 reviews
Excellent
30
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
5
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
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tarik y
Addis Ababa8 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
If you happen to be in addis and you are Sushi lovers Sakura is a must-visit place ! The fish is incredibly fresh, and each piece is crafted with precision and care. I loved their Maguro and Hamachi —a perfect balance of flavors and creativity. The service is outstanding—attentive and knowledgeable without being overbearing.
Prices are fair for the quality, and the overall experience is top-notch. Highly recommend for both casual dinners and special occasions!
Written December 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maveline
Hanoi4 contributions
Nov 2020 • none
My mom and I just had dinner here, and the experience was overall pleasant. We were the first customers, so we got served quite punctually, though I have noticed other customers who arrived later had to wait for a really long time, so maybe try improving that? The service was friendly and the dishes were yummy and clean, especially the tempura, pork, miso soup and salmon sushi dish. The selection was limited, which is understandable due to COVID and the seafood has to be imported. The sashimi slices were very thin, so that is a minus. The sink in the bathroom needs to be fixed, since it was really weak and NO hot water. Aside from the cons, the restaurant was really nice tho. Spacious and clean, and the service was very nice. It's the only decent quality Japanese restaurant in Addis, so I would come back here again.
Written November 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TyrnLex
Oxford157 contributions
Sep 2021 • family
We love Sakura because we know what we are going to get, delicious food in a peaceful setting. So when we have so time we head off for deliciousness and relaxation. Our standard orders are the delicious ramen or sushi but the tempura shrimp or bao are excellent as well. For a relaxing start try the sake. The service here is always good, bring your positive vibes. (People have said it’s expensive, I disagree, you get what you pay for, in this case seafood in a landlocked country in the Horn of Africa and still cheaper than London).
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Thank you very much for your kind and positive review. It is because of a customer like you that we keep going. We are very happy that you enjoy our food and company. From the bottom of our heart, thank you. You made our day.
Written September 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aya K
15 contributions
Oct 2024 • solo
I saw him as a Japanese Owner and asked him, but he was surprised by the unsavory taste. It's clear that I made a mistake in my choice of order, but it's just spicy with no sesame flavor or umami, so can you say that's a flat noodle?! I had some expectations, but I was smitten at how bad it was.
When you think about what we're doing in Africa, all you can say is that there's not enough corporate effort to put out that in 780 plus service charge and tax. Yesterday, I went to a nearby Korean restaurant, and the Korean Owner made it himself and even came to greet me. Furthermore, there are many continental Chinese restaurants around this restaurant, where you can eat Lanzhou beef noodles at low prices.
I'll never go back, but I was so disappointed I wasted my time and money that I left a review here.
Automatically translated
Written October 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoPlaces766892
Addis Ababa4 contributions
Nov 2020 • couples
The only reason we went to Sakura was to get a taste of good California salmon roll. For people who like salmon, this is the worst place because they serve thinly chopped salmon with chunky avocado slice in the roll. It took two hours to come and finally when it did, was disappointed to see that they just wanted to fill us with rice.
I understand it’s the only sushi spot other than Sheraton but is the bar this low? I’m disappointed- they could have done better.
I also noticed that most of the people there just ordered other Japanese dishes and not particularly the sushi.
We called the chef and she came to tell us that it’s the only way they can make profit. We told her we would rather eat a good portion of salmon in a roll and pay more than be disappointed and leave the spot.
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Yes the prices of sashimi / sushi is very expensive here in Ethiopia for all the reasons you can easily imagine. I am from Japan and I really wish we had all the options as if we were in Japan.
To tell you the truth, we really try our best to source the best quality sashimi fish and offer it at very fair prices.
Many people do understand this and they have become our regular customers.
If you truly believe we could have done better, there is an opportunity for you! Good luck.
Written January 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HIM
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • family
I had ordered for a takeaway to be picked up and after driving for an hour to be told that my order was not placed .
This is in April , the same person in January Sent me a non fasting dish Even tho I repeatedly had explained my order for the lady that seemed not to understand the menu .
On both occasions I was told
The owner or the manager are not around the waiter instead of apologizing actually argued with me for ten minutes denying her wrong doing . No apology from the waiter or no phone calls from the owner or the manager even tho I left my contact details .
Mind you my bill the first time was 4300 and today 2300 birr . I won’t be returning .
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
As an owner of the restaurant, I am very sorry that you had an unpleasant experience with our staff.
I talked to the waitress who received your call. After she took your orders, she was supposed to text you the total amount to confirm. She tried calling you a few times, but you didn't answer, so there was no way for her to be sure that you are okay with the total amount. Normally, if the amount is large like yours, we ask the customer to pay first (because in the past we had many unfortunate incidents where customers would order over 4000birr worth of food, saying that they are on their away, but at the end they never came nor picked up their phones after all the food was prepared. Basically we wasted a lot of expensive materials). The waitress told me that she explained to you about the mobile banking transfer, and since she could not reach you to check with you personally that you are okay with the total amount and will transfer the amount, the order could not be placed. During busy hours, texting is tricky, because after she texts you, she cannot wait in front of the phone to wait for your reply. Calling is the most reliable method, so she did that. If it is a take away, and you do not have access to mobile banking, it is always better to order through Zmall or Deliver Addis, because we have contracts with them and once the order is placed, we are confident that the food will be picked up and paid for. Also, menu is right there clearly written, so there will be no misunderstanding in specifying the right type of food. I hope you understand our side of the story. In any case, we apologize for the inconvenience.
Written April 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
amha_z
Addis Ababa423 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
I had dinner with my family. The menu displays pictures of the food and it was easy to order. Food selection was few and some were not available, I guess it is due to COVID since some food items are imported. Also, Due to COVID, Japanese drinks such as rice wine were not available. The food we ordered met my expectations especially the Sushi. The restaurant and bath rooms are clean and well kept. The restaurant has various rooms which is good for social distancing and privacy. There is outside parking with security. There is also outside garden sitting. The service was good and prices are reasonable. In general, it is a good restaurant to have a Japanese food in Addis.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Thank you very much for dining at Sakura with you family. We sincerely appreciate your positive review and are very glad that you enjoyed our dishes and service. Yes, COVID is affecting us... but we hope to be the kind of place where you feel relaxed and recharged by enjoying refreshing flavors and textures. We hope to serve you again. ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU (thank you!) for your encouraging message!
Written October 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VGriet
Leuven336 contributions
Mar 2021 • couples
We had some lovely food here. Waiters also very nice. The comments on the salmon, yes obviously the salmon is imported and was thus frozen. But the overall quality of the food was very good! We will definitely visit again.
Written March 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Thank you very much for dining at Sakura and giving us such a great review. Really appreciate your kind encouragement. It is because of customers like you that we want to keep growing and improving bout service. Arigatou gozaimasu!
Written March 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Yassin A
Ethiopia18 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
What an experience. Sakura prides itself in having the best sushi in town. Authentic Japanese cuisine. The ambience several set ups available, giving you the private dining experience. From starters to main course to desert, mouthwatering. First time I heard about green tea icecream, interesting taste. The service efficient and pleasant. A definitely must do on a regular basis. Thanks Sakura for providing authentic Japanese dining with Ethiopian hospitality.
Written November 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sergio o
4 contributions
Feb 2024 • friends
We had a great dinner experience. I believe this is the best Japanese restaurant in Addis-Ababa!. It is the perfect place to enjoy with friends and family....
Written February 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
defhm b
301 contributions
Dec 2022 • friends
Our to go place for sushi! Quiet place, food is always awesome and the BEST in Addis! #sushi #dumplings #aradaet #noddles
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
notpaidtoreview
Brittany41 contributions
Dec 2020 • couples
I dined here with a friend, the fish in the sushi and sashimi was less than fresh salmon, the bill came to 45 euros, we had bottled water no dessert. Whatever you do, don't order the sashimi or sushi!
In Addis-abeba it's possible to find fresh Nile Perch, surely a better option than old salmon,here's hoping they vary the fish sources in the future.
Written January 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Unfortunately, being in a land locked country with huge shortage of foreign currency, sashimi quality salmon is very difficult to secure and extremely expensive. We make a lot of effort to get the materials and make little profit off our sashimi-sushi menu at the moment considering the material costs, house rent, salary, staff benefits, utilities and many other costs that are necessary to run the restaurant. Ethiopian birr depreciated so much against dollars, and prices of all the materials have risen dramatically since we set our prices. We are barely making profit. We are simply happy that we could keep our great staff employed and well rewarded.
Our prices are clearly stated on our menu, and it is up to the customer to choose the items that one can afford / is willing to pay for. What was our fault in this? So sorry you didn't like it. Very sorry that despite all the efforts we make and challenges we face, you gave us this rating... I suggest you check the other Japanese restaurant in town (Four Seasons) and see if you still think our prices are unfair or not. Without knowing how hard we try to keep our prices modest, it is sad to receive such a discouragement.
Written January 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
alicetq
Bujumbura114 contributions
Mar 2020 • friends
The choice of food is not very large, the menu is simple, but at least you can eat real sushi. It is probably the only sushi restaurant in all Addis and for this they deserve a bravo. The personnel is also extremely friendly.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
King Ambouli
Djibouti1 contribution
Oct 2019 • solo
I was alone i had a good time and ate well, just wished there would be more selection of sushi in general.Great service and better communication from the young server, i would have chosen good definitely but only choice after average was very good so i choose that by default. Good experience in general.
Written November 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Thank you very much for dining with us the other day. We received your message as well. I am trying to see if we can have some additional kinds of sashimi/fish to add to our menu. ARIGATO GOZAIMASU
Written November 11, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
K1878
Melbourne30 contributions
Aug 2019 • none
The environment is ideal for catch up with friends, family or colleagues. Set in a house with tables In or overlooking the garden
The menu covers lots of Japanese dishes which re served eloquently. Whilst “sushi connoisseurs” may critique the dishes, they seem delicious for an every day sushi eater!
Staff are very friendly.
Written September 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MK_Japanese
Thank you very much for visiting us and leaving a wonderful review. We would be very happy to serve you again. ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU!
Written September 5, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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