Japanese Kitchen SAKURA

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Reviews

1. JJ F ★★★★★

   A hidden gem in Pukekohe in my opinion. It’s located upstairs in-between two other shops on Seddon Ln. It was kinda by chance that we stumbled across this very unassuming Japanese restaurant. The interior was like a 90’s time capsule, not super polished but very homey and welcoming. The atmosphere is very authentically Japanese, with just one elderly man working both kitchen and front. The owner was super bubbly and hospitable, we got a complimentary salad and some snacks with our tea. The food itself was very warm and inviting, and had a very homemade feel. All the ingredients tasted incredibly fresh, and the curry was so flavourful and very different from any other Japanese curry I tried. The oyako don was also supremely delicious. Portions were good, too. The owner was very friendly and we had a nice little chat with him. Would definitely be returning to try out all the menu items. Highly recommend this place.

   almost 2 months ago
2. Ned Burke ★★★★★

   Visited there with family including kids and a Japanese friend whose a chef. We were treated wonderfully if somewhat eccentrically by Massa. Food was top class. Atmosphere 100% authentic. If your into inauthentic Japanese Mall food, this is NOT the place for you. Truly a diamond in the rough!!

   almost 3 months ago
3. JC ★★★★★

   An experience that’s more than just food. After years, I have finally tried their food! I went on a lunch time and there was only two other people. Good timing because I was already really hungry. He’s a one man show so make sure to allow time when visiting him. He makes sure every dish is fresh so it will really take time, but he dishes them out one by one, so you get small bites in between before the main meal. He is such a lovely man and he took his time to talk to us and welcomed us. His dishes are definitely authentic! Full of flavours despite of it being light- it won’t make you get sick of it. The broth of the ramen was divine! The takoyaki was crispy on the outside and super soft on the inside. It was flavourful on its own, no need a lot of sauce! The yakitori was super yummy. He gave us the takoyaki for free which we highly appreciated. The interior and decorations is obviously antique and don’t expect it to be as of modern restaurant style, it’s feels more intimate like you’re at your grandparents house and they’ll cook you a hearty meal. That’s the vibe the place gave. It is such a gem of Pukekohe. If you plan to go here for dinner, make sure you have a reservation. It gets full quite quickly which made it impossible for us before hence why we tried on a weekday at lunch time. You won’t regret coming here! This is what Japanese cuisine is!

   almost 10 months ago

1. Catjohnny Esso ★★★★☆

   This is a very weird restaurant from the location to the chef to arrangement and everything. I don't have much experience with Japanese fine dining but overall seems alright. I went with my parents for dinner Omakase style. I will tell you the whole experience from the beginning. First, I booked a table. I let the chef know in advance what time we were coming by text. He answered well and explained that it is Omakase, which means chef will pick for you. It will be a course of 12 small dishes made fresh while we were at he restaurant. I agreed and confirmed the time. We went there. The entrance was tiny and hidden in between the butcher shop and Domino's pizza. The inside was small and a bit cluttered with tables and other Japanese stuff that the chef brought to NZ to feel like Japan although there was not much of interior design skills from him. It just looks like someone's house rather than a restaurant. We arrived 10 minutes before our allocated time which is very important in Japanese culture to not be late. The chef was behind his counter and kind of ignored us. We, as Asians were quite polite and unconfrontational so we just said hi and sat down and waited for him. He eventually came with some plates for each person. One at the time, Then another few without talking much. We did feel quite awkward for sure but we had each other's company so it was alright. Then the chef started asking us a few questions about where we were from, what we do. After that , he started opening up and ... To be continued, the phone is not typing very well, this is gonna be a long story. This place is really wired and it i does not deserve either 5 or 0 stars for sure. TLDR Extremely good food mixed with other less than stellar food, wired interactions with chef but that's from cultural differences. Price is very expensive but it is comparable to most

   almost 2 years ago
2. Savi Nadan ★★★★★

   The chief was extremely polite and the ramen he made me was extremely delicious it was a taste of Japan and I would highly recommend this place for some ramen to the chief arigatou gozaimasu

   almost 2 years ago
3. Deer Rena Shan ★★★★★

   My first time visit to Pukekohe. I searched any asian food restaurant there and I found Sakura. It is a small family like restaurant. The owner was friendly and the food is nice. Although we only have lunch there and the lunch menu was not much choices but I think the quality of the food is more important. The taste of the ramen is special, it has the shop's own style taste. Unlike the other shops I had tried in Auckland were almost same or similar. I will absolutely go again if next time I visit Pukekohe.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Sharon W ★★★★★

   Gorgeous venue that makes you feel like you are in a classic Japanese restaurant. Open space with the kitchen in full view. The food is amazing!!! Such simple dishes with full deep flavours that make you enjoy each step of the omakase process. Friendly chef who has a passion for what he does. Fully recommend this experience, which at $65 approx per person is definately worth it!!

   almost 3 years ago
2. Justyne s ★★★★★

   What an amazing place!! A genuine hidden gem in Pukekohe, I highly recommend everyone gives this place a shot. The team are amazing, and you made my birthday super special. The food is incredible and the service was awesome. I will definitely be coming back. Thank you so much again!!

   almost 3 years ago

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