My husband and I had soup and Crab Rangoon to start..omg so good. Also the shrimp and scallop hibachi. I had the chicken hibachi. The food was so delicious and tasty. Seafood was cooked perfect. Service was beyond 5 stars. The waitress made you feel like you were home. We definitely will be back. This place was our mid way point home from the mountains. We definitely will make this our spot from now on.
Overview
If you're in the mood for a delicious Japanese dining experience, Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar in Statesville, NC is a must-visit. Nestled at 1737 Wilkesboro Hwy, this local gem brings the authentic taste of Japan to the heart of North Carolina, offering an unforgettable culinary journey with a wide range of sushi and traditional Japanese dishes.
Walking into Sakura, you're immediately struck by the cozy yet contemporary atmosphere. The decor is sleek with subtle nods to Japanese culture, creating a relaxing environment that invites you to unwind. Whether you're coming in for a casual dinner with friends or celebrating a special occasion, the ambiance is welcoming, setting the tone for a great meal ahead.
One of the standout features of Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar is its diverse menu, which caters to all tastes. If you're a sushi lover, you're in for a treat. The sushi bar serves up an array of fresh rolls, ranging from the classic tuna and salmon nigiri to more inventive creations. A popular favorite is the Dragon Roll, a flavorful combination of eel, avocado, and cucumber, topped with thin slices of avocado that resemble dragon scales-visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
For those who may not be as into sushi, Sakura offers a wide selection of cooked dishes. From hearty bento boxes to flavorful hibachi meals, there’s something for everyone. The teriyaki chicken is tender, and the sauce adds the perfect touch of sweetness and umami. For a more filling option, the ramen bowls are generously portioned, with a rich broth that’s perfect for warming you up on a cold day.
What really sets Sakura apart from other Japanese restaurants is their commitment to freshness. The fish served at the sushi bar is always fresh, and the chefs take great care in selecting the best ingredients. The attention to detail in each dish shows, and it’s clear that the team here values both quality and presentation.
If you're looking for a unique dining experience, Sakura also offers a hibachi grill where skilled chefs prepare your meal right at your table. The hibachi shrimp is a crowd favorite, seasoned perfectly and grilled to perfection. It’s not just about the food, though; the hibachi experience itself is entertaining, as chefs showcase their skills with knife tricks and flames that add a little excitement to the meal.
Reviews from locals and visitors alike consistently rave about the restaurant's service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making recommendations based on personal preferences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular, you’ll always feel welcome. They’re quick to make sure that everything is to your liking, and they do it with a smile, creating a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
For dessert, don’t skip the mochi. These little ice cream-filled rice cakes are a perfect way to end your meal with a sweet treat. If you're in the mood for something light, the green tea ice cream is a refreshing finish to a satisfying meal.
The restaurant’s location at 1737 Wilkesboro Hwy is also convenient, making it an easy stop for both locals and visitors traveling through Statesville. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or you live nearby, Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar provides a consistent, high-quality dining experience every time.
Overall, whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just someone looking to explore new flavors, Sakura Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar should definitely be on your radar. The fresh ingredients, diverse menu, and top-notch service make it a standout choice for anyone craving authentic Japanese cuisine in Statesville, NC. Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by-your taste buds will thank you!
Good to know
Service options
✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Comfort food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ QuietCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Transgender safe spacePlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 337 reviews
Wonderful food and fantastic atmosphere. Such a huge sushi menu and if you're not interested in sushi, they also have regular Asian plates.
Been here a few times now. The food is what you would expect out of a cookie-cutter Japanese restaurant; nothing particularly remarkable about it, but sufficient for what you pay. For what they lack in culinary proficiency, you would think they would make up for in service, but they have little to no sense for serving etiquette. Here, you can expect to dine with company and be served separately, despite ordering at the same time. You can also expect to stay parched, as your server will likely be inattentive and/or eating at the sushi bar between waiting on tables. I am not one to expect much at restaurants, but at this rate we may as well order our food to-go and eat it at home; at least then the food will (hopefully) arrive at the same time. Part of dining out is the experience in itself -- and when that experience is repeatedly a poor one, you would be hard pressed to continue to put yourself through that at a premium. Overall: ***UPDATE, 1/17/2025:*** Came here recently on a whim, and I can say with certainty that they have either stepped up their game overall since August, or it was just a perfect fluke; where I had complained before, they checked all the boxes this time around. I can give credit where credit is due. They were prompt, courteous, and table service was attentive enough. The food was good, and was served sensibly. No apparent change in staff, but a clear change in detail. I’ll leave us a star for consistency. Overall:
One wanted sushi so based in ratings we tried Sakura and were glad we did. It's in a strip mall and is not a big place so wasn't sure about it, but servers were friendly and attentive. We each ordered a different roll, and tried each others. Very good, very fresh. Prices compare OK with other sushi restaurants. Today we chose sushi but it is a Japanese restaurant with those options. It's a simple 2-sided menu. This was a Friday and it was not extremely busy.
The time we were there. They were busy. We order sushi, and the chef knows it'll take him a while, so they give us free appetizers to compensate for the wait. Also had the miso ramen. The miso ramen tastes pretty good, but I like mine very spicy. When the sushi arrived, it was worth the wait. It tastes great, and we all enjoyed it. The staff was friendly, and the service was great.
Food was fresh and tasty. Sushi was definitely the best. We really enjoyed tempura green beans. They have a great appetizer menu. My cousin loved the ramen w pork belly and egg. I thought the egg was a little overcooked. I got the yakisoba noodles w chicken. Wish there was more veggies, chicken, and different flavor besides normal habachi flavor. Japanese sodas were a fun offering. Overall, really enjoyed it and will come back to get sushi and try more apps.