Sakura Restaurant: A Providence Gem for Authentic Japanese Cuisine in RI

Sakura Restaurant Introduce

For residents of Providence, Rhode Island, and those throughout the Ocean State seeking a truly authentic and comforting Japanese dining experience, Sakura Restaurant on Wickenden Street stands out as a cherished local gem. From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere immediately sets a warm and inviting tone, with "beautiful little details" like flowers on soft napkins, charming fish prints on chopsticks, and lovely artwork creating a serene and delightful backdrop for your meal.

Sakura Restaurant has earned a strong reputation for delivering "perfect sushi" with "very fresh" fish, alongside a diverse menu that extends far beyond just rolls. It's a place where attention to detail is paramount, from the presentation of each dish to the attentive and kind service that makes every diner feel welcomed. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a quiet dinner, or simply craving a taste of Japan, Sakura Restaurant offers an experience that many locals describe as feeling like a "happy dream." This commitment to quality, ambiance, and genuine hospitality solidifies its place as a go-to Japanese restaurant in the heart of Providence for Rhode Islanders.

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Location and Accessibility

Sakura Restaurant is ideally situated at 231 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA. This location places it in the vibrant and historic Fox Point neighborhood of Providence, a popular area known for its unique shops, cafes, and diverse culinary scene. Wickenden Street itself is a charming and bustling thoroughfare, making the restaurant easily identifiable and accessible.

For parking, while Sakura Restaurant does not have dedicated on-site parking, there are various public and metered parking options available in the surrounding area of Wickenden Street and the broader Fox Point neighborhood. Providence offers street parking and municipal lots, which generally accommodate diners. Being located in a walkable part of the city, many locals might also access the restaurant on foot or via bicycle. Additionally, Providence's public transportation network, including RIPTA bus routes, likely provides convenient access to the Wickenden Street area, further enhancing its accessibility for residents throughout Rhode Island.

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Services Offered

Sakura Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a flexible and enjoyable dining experience for its Rhode Island customers:

Dine-In: The restaurant provides a warm and comforting atmosphere for on-site dining. Reviews frequently highlight the immediate seating, attentive and kind servers, and a generally pleasant environment with charming decor. They feature traditional tatami seating rooms (floor seating), regular tables, and a small sushi bar.
Takeout: Customers can conveniently place orders for pickup, allowing them to enjoy Sakura's fresh sushi and Japanese dishes in the comfort of their own homes.
Delivery: Sakura Restaurant partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Beyond Menu (powered by ChowNow). This ensures that residents across Providence and nearby areas can have their favorite Japanese meals delivered directly to their doorstep.
Online Ordering: The restaurant offers an online ordering system through its website and via various delivery apps, providing a seamless and user-friendly experience for Browse the menu and placing orders digitally.
Lunch and Dinner Service: Sakura Restaurant operates for both lunch and dinner, accommodating different dining schedules. Typical hours extend from late morning to late evening, seven days a week, making it accessible throughout the day.
BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): A significant highlight for many locals, Sakura is a BYOB establishment. This allows customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages, such as sake or wine, to pair with their meal, often resulting in cost savings. There's a liquor store conveniently located "around the corner" for this purpose.
Catering/Party Trays: Sakura offers various "Party Boat" options for groups (e.g., Party Boat for Two, Party Boat for Four) that include a generous selection of sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls, making them suitable for gatherings and events.

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Features / Highlights

Sakura Restaurant in Providence is celebrated for several features that make it a standout Japanese dining destination for Rhode Island locals:

Exceptional Sushi and Fresh Fish: Consistently praised for its "perfect sushi experience" and "very fresh" fish. Dishes like "thick slices of salmon" in the Sake Don highlight the quality of their ingredients. They offer an extensive range of sushi and sashimi, including Nigiri, various Maki Rolls (Uncooked, Cooked, Vegetarian, Special), and Sashimi Deluxe.
Authentic Japanese Ambiance: The restaurant provides a "very warm and comforting place" with "cute fish printed on the chopsticks," a "lovely horse painting," and charming fish tanks. They offer a mix of seating, including traditional "tatami (seating on the floor)" rooms and regular tables, creating an immersive and pleasant dining environment.
Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a highlight, Sakura offers a broad selection of Japanese and Asian dishes:
- Appetizers: Popular choices include Yellow Tail Jalapeno, White Tuna Tataki, Super Crunch (potato chips with spicy tuna), Crab Rangoon, Gyoza, Shumai, Beef Negimaki, and various Tempura options (Oyster, Vegetable, Shrimp & Vegetable).
- Soups & Salads: Classic Miso Shiro Soup, Oshumashi Soup, and various salads like Seaweed Salad and Kani Salad.
- Kitchen Entrees: A selection of cooked dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki, Pork, Beef, and Seafood options.
- Noodles & Rice Dishes: Including Udon or Soba noodles, Fried Rice, and various Donburi (rice bowls like Tekka Don, Sake Don, Unajiu, Chirashi).
- Vegetarian Options: An "extensive vegetarian sushi selection" is available, with rolls featuring pickled gourd (kampyo), inari (tofu skin), yam, spinach, avocado, and more.
Attentive and Kind Service: The service is frequently described as "attentive and kind," with staff providing a welcoming and hospitable experience. Customers appreciate being wished "happy new years" upon leaving, indicating a personal touch.
BYOB Policy: A highly attractive feature for locals, allowing them to bring their own wine or sake to complement their meal and potentially save on beverage costs. Campus Wines is noted as being conveniently "around the corner."
Speed of Service: Sushi is often "served quickly," which is appreciated by diners, particularly those looking for an efficient lunch or dinner.

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Promotions or Special Offers

Sakura Restaurant in Providence offers various ways for Rhode Island locals to enjoy their Japanese cuisine with added value:

Lunch Specials: Sakura provides several appealing lunch specials, typically available during weekday lunch hours. These often include:
- Sushi Lunch: One California roll and a choice of 2 nigiri (e.g., tuna, salmon).
- Sashimi Lunch: Assorted pieces of fish with rice.
- Maki Lunch: Nigiri and a choice of two rolls.
- Veggie Sushi Lunch: Various veggie nigiri and a choice of one veggie roll.
- Donburi Lunches: Such as Tekka Don (tuna over rice) or Sake Don (salmon over rice).
- Bento Boxes: Including Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, and Shrimp Teriyaki lunch boxes, often served with soup, rice, gyoza, and a California or avocado cucumber roll.
Party Boat Deals: For groups or special occasions, Sakura offers "Party Boat" options (e.g., Party Boat for Two, Party Boat for Four) that bundle significant quantities of sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls at a set price, which offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a large variety.
Online Coupons: While not always active, their website occasionally indicates the availability of "Online Coupon" or "Print Coupon" offers, so checking their official site is recommended for potential discounts.
Delivery Platform Promotions: As they partner with Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Beyond Menu, customers might find platform-specific promotions, such as discounts on first orders or free delivery deals, directly through these apps.

For the most current and specific details on promotions and special offers, Rhode Island residents are encouraged to visit Sakura Restaurant's official website, check their listings on major food delivery applications, or contact the restaurant directly by phone.

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Contact Information

For Rhode Island residents looking to connect with Sakura Restaurant in Providence, here is their contact information:

Address: 231 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA
Phone: (401) 331-6861

This phone number is your direct line for making reservations, placing takeout orders, inquiring about menu items, or asking any general questions about the restaurant's services and operating hours. Their website also provides online ordering capabilities.

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Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Sakura Restaurant on Wickenden Street is exceptionally well-suited for Rhode Island locals, offering a blend of authentic Japanese cuisine, a comforting atmosphere, and flexible services that cater to the community's diverse needs and preferences.

Firstly, its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic preparation ensures a superior dining experience. Locals consistently praise the "very fresh" fish and the "perfect sushi," setting a high standard for Japanese cuisine in Providence. The extensive menu, ranging from classic sushi and sashimi to popular kitchen entrees and a notable "extensive vegetarian sushi selection," means that every member of a group or family, regardless of dietary preference, can find a delightful dish. This culinary versatility makes it a reliable choice for any occasion.

Secondly, the warm, comforting, and aesthetically pleasing ambiance creates an inviting space that fosters a "happy dream" dining experience. From the charming decor details to the option of traditional tatami seating, Sakura provides a unique and memorable environment. This emphasis on atmosphere, combined with the consistently "attentive and kind" service, ensures that patrons feel valued and enjoy a pleasant, relaxing meal, making it a perfect escape from the daily hustle.

Thirdly, the convenient location in a vibrant neighborhood and its BYOB policy are significant advantages for Rhode Island residents. Situated on bustling Wickenden Street, it's easily accessible, and the ability to bring your own beverages, potentially saving on costs while enjoying your favorite pairings, adds immense value. This customer-friendly policy, combined with robust takeout and delivery options, ensures that Sakura integrates seamlessly into diverse local lifestyles, whether for a spontaneous dinner out or a cozy night in.

In conclusion, Sakura Restaurant's dedication to fresh, authentic food, its welcoming environment, and its flexible service offerings solidify its status as a beloved and highly recommended Japanese restaurant in Providence. For any Rhode Islander seeking a consistent and deeply satisfying Japanese culinary journey, Sakura Restaurant is undoubtedly a local treasure worth visiting time and again.

Sakura Restaurant Photos

Sakura Restaurant Location

Sakura Restaurant

Rhode Island Providence County Providence Fox Point Wickenden Street

231 Wickenden St, Providence, RI 02903, USA

Sakura Restaurant Reviews

Perfect sushi experience. The first thing I noted was the atmosphere- very warm and comforting place. I noted beautiful little details, like the flower on the soft napkin, the cute fish printed on the chopsticks, and the lovely horse painting. We were seated immediately late on a Friday. The server was attentive and kind. Our sushi was served quickly, the fish was very fresh. The whole experience felt like that of a happy dream. The server and sushi chefs wished us a happy new years as we left. ❣️🎊
Jan 04, 2025 · Amelia McDonough
We got takeout, so can't really speak to the interior. Pickup was a little weird as no one was around to hand us our food. Eventually someone showed up, was a bit brusque, and then disappeared just as quickly.The rice in the sake-don tasted a bit musty, although the soy sauce masked it. Had this dish many other times from other places with no issues.The tempura flavor was a little off like the oil was too cold or old.The actual presentation was quite good, although I'd take great flavors over pretty plating everytime.
May 05, 2025 · Mike Frysinger
I'm a sushi lover, and I have to say that this place is amazing! I stumbled on it while I was visiting Providence and taking a stroll through this beautiful neighborhood. Why this place doesn't have a 4.9 overall star rating I can't understand! I've read some of the low reviews, and people complain of the customer service and wait staff. I found the staff to be friendly, attentive, and simply wonderful! It seems that a lot of people on here can't actually read the menu, where it actually states in black and white what is included in and on the rolls. I made a change on one of mine, and the staff was happy to accommodate. Maybe it's the way some.people talk to the staff, perhaps as though they are entitled? I think diners have forgotten how to politely communicate with staff, especially when there may be differences in culture (you've always got to keep this in mind)! Now that I told you how incredible the service is, let me tell you how much I loved the atmosphere of this dark, quaint hideaway. It's beautiful.. if you're looking for a brightly lit commercial restaurant, this is not it.. for those diiners complaining of it being small and dark, then why did they sit here and eat in the first place? Surely they saw exactly what it was like when they first walked in! Strange anyone would leave them a bad review for this when they are the ones that chose to sit and dine here knowing full well what the atmosphere was like. Mind-blowing really how ridiculous some people are! The sushi is outstanding. Most places fill their rolls with rice and give you very little protein. This place is the opposite, a good portion of protein in the rolls with a small amount of rice. I appreciated this!Give them a try, you won't be disappointed. Ignore the ridiculous, I can't say more good things about it!
Mar 26, 2024 · Bobby Shahideh
i've been down wickenden sooo many times and can't believe i never paid attention. what a cute cozy sushi spot. i regret not doing floor seating but will next time! our server was so kind and patient with us as we kept ordering and deciding in between plates if we wanted more. i will say the savory entree was okay, no regrets, but not the main star of the show. the sushi was definitely fresh and yummy. miso soup was also a good warm option to open up with. also their tea came in a tea bag so i asked for miso soup instead and they were really nice about it. will be back :)
Feb 23, 2024 · Maisune A
Best sushi in providence -hands down. I’ve been coming here since maybe 2009 and I cannot think of a single time I’ve left disappointed. It’s great, no frills, authentic, delicious and appropriately priced sushi.~$15 for a lunch special with two maki rolls, sashimi *and* soup and salad?? Undefeated!
Mar 28, 2025 · Alicia A