Sakura

For New Yorkers in the Howard Beach area of Queens, Sakura stands as a well-known local Japanese restaurant, often highlighted for its sushi offerings. Described by some as a "very small sushi and Japanese restaurant," it has carved out its niche amongst other eateries in the neighborhood. While Howard Beach boasts several sushi options, Sakura has earned a reputation for being a "go to place for delicious and creative special rolls," distinguishing itself with its unique culinary flair. For those who appreciate a thoughtfully crafted sushi experience and a memorable ginger dressing, Sakura offers a distinct option in the local dining scene.

The culinary landscape of New York is vast and varied, and residents often seek out establishments that combine quality with a welcoming atmosphere. Sakura aims to provide just that, focusing on fresh ingredients and artistic presentation, particularly in its special rolls. It's a spot that has generated varied opinions on aspects like pricing and overall value, making it a place worth exploring for locals to form their own judgment on its offerings and determine if it aligns with their preferences for Japanese cuisine in Howard Beach.

Location and Accessibility

Sakura is conveniently located at 158-38 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA. Cross Bay Boulevard is a prominent thoroughfare in Howard Beach, making the restaurant highly accessible for residents of the neighborhood and surrounding areas of Queens. Its position on this busy street means it's easy to locate whether you are arriving by car or public transportation. For those driving, street parking can be found in the vicinity, though New Yorkers are always advised to account for potential variations in availability, especially during peak dining times. The ease of access contributes to its appeal as a local dining choice for both dine-in and convenient takeout options.

Services Offered

• Dine-In Service: Sakura operates as a "small sushi and Japanese restaurant," offering a setting for patrons to enjoy their meals on-site. While described as small, it aims to provide a comfortable and welcoming environment for diners.
• Takeout: For those preferring to enjoy their Japanese meal at home or on the go, Sakura offers convenient takeout services. Customers can place orders for pickup, ensuring a fresh and prepared meal.
• Delivery: Sakura provides delivery services, bringing their diverse menu directly to homes and offices in the Howard Beach area and beyond. They are available on popular platforms such as DoorDash, Seamless, and Grubhub, offering contact-free delivery options.
• Online Ordering: To facilitate convenience, customers can place orders online through various delivery platforms, Browse the full menu and customizing their selections digitally.
• Extensive Menu: The restaurant offers a wide array of Japanese dishes beyond just sushi, including kitchen appetizers (e.g., Garlic Shrimp, Beef Negimaki, Chicken Yakitori), sushi bar appetizers (e.g., Salmon Pizza, Yuzu Yellowtail, Seared Tuna Tataki), soups, salads (including their noted ginger dressing), sushi and sashimi à la carte, regular and special rolls, various entrées (Teriyaki, Tempura, Katsu, Donburi, Udon Noodle), and party trays.
• Lunch and Dinner Specials: Sakura features various lunch and dinner combinations and box options, providing value and variety for different meal times.

Features / Highlights

• Creative Special Rolls: A significant highlight for many customers is Sakura's "delicious and creative special rolls." This indicates a focus on innovative and unique sushi creations that stand out. Examples from their menu include Bagel Roll, Dancing Eel Roll, Rainbow Roll, Rock N Roll, Sakura Roll, and Volcano Roll, among many others.
• Best Ginger Dressing: One dedicated customer specifically praises their "ginger dressing as the best," suggesting a unique and highly favored aspect of their salad offerings.
• Variety of Sushi and Sashimi: The menu showcases a wide selection of sushi and sashimi, including various "boy" rolls (e.g., Salmon Boy, Tuna Boy), deluxe and regular sushi/sashimi combos, and impressive "Love Boat" options for multiple diners.
• Diverse Japanese Cuisine: Beyond sushi, Sakura offers a comprehensive range of Japanese dishes, including well-known staples like Teriyaki, Katsu, Tempura, Donburi (rice bowls), and Udon Noodle soups, catering to different preferences.
• Fresh Food Quality: Many positive reviews highlight the freshness of the food, particularly the sushi, with comments like "Always fresh" and "quality is good," though there are some mixed reviews regarding consistency.
• Party Tray Options: For gatherings, Sakura offers various party trays with combinations of rolls, sushi, and sashimi, making it convenient for entertaining.
• Kid-Friendly Ambiance: The restaurant is noted as a "terrific spot for families to gather with its kid-friendly ambience and menu," indicating a welcoming environment for children.

Promotions or Special Offers

Sakura in Howard Beach offers a variety of lunch and dinner specials that can be considered promotional due to their bundled value. For example, their "Any 2 Roll Lunch" and "Any 3 Rolls Lunch" options, served with miso soup, provide an affordable midday meal. They also feature various lunch and dinner "Combo Box" options that include a main dish, side, rice, shumai, and a California roll. For larger orders, their "Party Trays" offer curated selections of sushi and sashimi at set prices. Specific online ordering platforms like DoorDash, Seamless, and Grubhub may also feature exclusive promotions such as free delivery on first orders or special discounts for members. It's always a good idea for New Yorkers to check these platforms or contact the restaurant directly for the most current specials and deals.

Contact Information

To experience the creative sushi and Japanese cuisine at Sakura, or to inquire about their menu and services, please use the following contact details:

Address: 158-38 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA

Phone: (718) 323-8827

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For New Yorkers in Howard Beach and the surrounding Queens neighborhoods, Sakura Japanese Cuisine offers a distinctive local option for satisfying Japanese food cravings. Its primary suitability stems from its reputation for "delicious and creative special rolls," making it a standout choice for those who enjoy unique and artfully prepared sushi. This focus on culinary creativity, combined with a highly praised ginger dressing, gives it a unique edge in a neighborhood with several sushi establishments.

The extensive menu that goes beyond just sushi to include various kitchen appetizers, entrées, and noodle dishes ensures there's something to cater to diverse tastes within families or groups of friends. This variety, coupled with convenient takeout and delivery services through popular platforms, aligns perfectly with the dynamic lifestyle of New Yorkers seeking quality meals at their convenience.

While some feedback indicates varying experiences regarding consistency and pricing, many patrons express strong loyalty, returning for the consistent quality of specific dishes and the overall positive experience. The mention of it being a "kid-friendly" spot also broadens its appeal, making it a viable option for family dining. For Howard Beach locals looking for a reliable spot to enjoy a wide range of Japanese dishes, with a particular highlight on creative sushi rolls and efficient service, Sakura offers a compelling choice within their own neighborhood.

Sakura

158-38 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY 11414, USA