Sakura Sushi

For those of us in New York, particularly in the bustling Hauppauge and Smithtown areas of Long Island, finding a truly special Japanese restaurant can feel like uncovering a hidden treasure. And when it comes to exceptional sushi and a truly welcoming atmosphere, Sakura Sushi is exactly that gem. Despite its understated presence, this family-owned establishment consistently delivers an amazing dining experience that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who walks through its doors.

Sakura Sushi isn't just about the food – though the food itself is consistently praised for being "incredible" and "packed with flavor." It's the entire experience, from the moment you're greeted by the incredibly friendly and welcoming staff, like Maggie and her husband, to the last bite of their perfectly crafted dishes. Locals who discover Sakura Sushi quickly become regulars, drawn in by the combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients, unique menu items, and a personal touch that truly sets it apart from larger, more impersonal establishments.

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Sakura Sushi is conveniently situated at 586 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788, USA. This address places it directly on a major thoroughfare, Veterans Memorial Highway (NY-454), making it highly accessible for residents across Hauppauge and surrounding Long Island communities, including Smithtown.

Being located on a well-trafficked highway ensures easy navigation, whether you're heading there after work or planning a dedicated meal out. Restaurants on Veterans Memorial Highway typically offer ample parking in dedicated lots, which is a significant convenience for patrons. While it might be described as a "hidden gem" in terms of its local recognition, its physical location on a main road makes it straightforward to find and access for both dine-in and takeout options.

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Sakura Sushi offers a comprehensive and flavorful menu of Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on high-quality sushi and a variety of hot kitchen dishes. Their offerings aim to provide both traditional favorites and unique specialties that keep customers coming back:

• Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection:
  • Classic Rolls: A wide range of popular rolls including California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Avocado Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Boston Roll, Eel Avocado Roll, and various Tempura Rolls (e.g., Shrimp Tempura, Sweet Potato Roll).
  • Specialty Rolls (Chef's Special Rolls): A creative selection of unique rolls, often featuring "torched rolls" that are highly praised. Examples include "The Four Season Roll," "Sakura Dream," "Tiger King Roll" (spicy tuna topped with torched spicy salmon), "Lobster King Roll," "Valentine Roll," "Melting Salmon Roll" (grilled salmon on top of cream cheese roll), "Hauppauge Roll," "Diet Roll" (spicy tuna or salmon, avocado, crab meat, wrapped in cucumber for a low-carb option), and many more inventive combinations.
  • Sushi & Sashimi A La Carte: Individual pieces of fresh nigiri (sushi) and sashimi, including Big Eye Tuna, Scottish Salmon, Yellowtail, Fluke, Eel, Shrimp, and various roes.
  • Sushi & Sashimi Platters: Assortments like "Sushi Regular," "Sushi Deluxe," "Sashimi Regular," "Sashimi Deluxe," and larger "Sushi & Sashimi Combo" options for sharing, such as "Sakura Special For Two."
• Hot Kitchen Entrees:
  • Teriyaki: Broiled options with savory teriyaki sauce, including Chicken Teriyaki, Beef Teriyaki, Salmon Teriyaki, and Shrimp Teriyaki.
  • Katsu: Deep-fried cutlets such as Chicken Katsu and Don Katsu (deep-fried pork).
  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty bowls like Chirashi (assorted sashimi over rice), Una Don (eel over rice), Tekka Don (tuna over rice), and Sake Don (salmon over rice).
  • Hibachi Style: Offers a selection of hibachi dishes such as Chicken, Steak, and Shrimp Hibachi, served with vegetables.
  • Other Specialties: Including items like Sesame Chicken, Beef Negimaki, Yakitori, and Crispy Calamari.
• Noodles and Fried Rice:
  • Udon Noodle Soup: Options such as Vegetable Udon, Shrimp & Vegetable Tempura Udon, and Nabeyaki Udon.
  • Stir-Fried Noodles: Such as Yaki Udon or Pad Thai with various protein choices.
  • Fried Rice: Generous portions of Chicken, Beef, Shrimp, Vegetable, or Seafood Pineapple Fried Rice, often noted as "perfect for sharing."
• Appetizers: A wide array of hot and cold appetizers from both the sushi bar and kitchen, including:
  • Shumai Soup: An "absolute favorite" and "go-to comfort food" for many, combining the warmth of soup with flavorful shrimp dumplings.
  • Crab Salad: Described as a "must-try," "refreshing and flavorful" option.
  • Other popular choices like Edamame (classic & spicy), Gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), Haru Maki (Japanese spring rolls), Tempura (vegetable or shrimp), Tuna Tartar, Yellowtail Jalapeño, and Tuna Pizza.
• Soups & Salads: Miso Soup, Clear Soup, House Salad with ginger dressing, Seaweed Salad, and various specialty salads.
• Desserts: A selection of sweet endings such as Mochi Ice Cream, Fried Ice Cream, and other common Japanese desserts.
• Beverages: Includes soft drinks, teas, and potentially traditional Japanese beverages like Sake. Some reviews mention Bubble Tea as well.
• Dine-in, Takeout, and Delivery: Sakura Sushi provides a comfortable dine-in experience, convenient takeout for pickup orders, and delivery services through major platforms like Seamless, Grubhub, and DoorDash, as well as direct online ordering via their website.

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Sakura Sushi stands out as a true "hidden gem" in the Hauppauge/Smithtown area for several compelling reasons, consistently highlighted by its loyal customer base:

• Exceptional Food Quality and Freshness: The most significant highlight is the "incredible" food, consistently described as "so good," "packed with flavor," and "always fresh." This dedication to quality is evident across the menu, from sushi to hot dishes.
• Amazing Torched Rolls: Customers specifically rave about their "torched rolls," noting they are "consistently amazing." This suggests a unique preparation method that creates a distinctive and popular flavor profile.
• "Must-Try" Shumai Soup and Crab Salad: The shumai soup is hailed as an "absolute favorite" and "go-to comfort food," while the crab salad is described as "so refreshing and flavorful" and a "must-try." These specific menu items contribute significantly to the restaurant's unique appeal.
• Personalized, Friendly, and Welcoming Service: The service consistently receives glowing reviews. Maggie and her husband are specifically mentioned for going "above and beyond to make every guest feel welcome," being "always so kind and attentive," and adding a "personal touch you don’t often find." This warm hospitality creates a truly inviting atmosphere.
• Family-Owned Charm: The fact that it's a "small, family owned restaurant" resonates deeply with patrons, who appreciate the dedication and personal investment evident in the service and food quality.
• Under-the-Radar Gem: Many reviews express surprise that the place "isn’t packed every night," reinforcing its status as a "hidden gem" that deserves more recognition within the community. This means new visitors can often enjoy fantastic food without excessive waits.
• Diet-Friendly Options: The "diet roll" is specifically highlighted as a "great low-carb option," demonstrating their consideration for various dietary preferences.
• Generous Portions: The fried rice is noted as being "generous and perfect for sharing," indicating good value and satisfying portion sizes for many dishes.
• Consistency: Phrases like "consistently amazing" and "always fresh" highlight the reliability of their food quality and preparation.

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Sakura Sushi, while consistently offering high-quality food and service, also provides promotions and special offers that make it an even more appealing choice for New York locals. Here are some typical promotions you might find:

• Lunch Specials: Like many Japanese restaurants, Sakura Sushi offers value-packed lunch specials, typically available on weekdays (Monday-Friday) during lunch hours (e.g., 11:30 AM - 3:00 PM). These often include:
  • Maki Roll Combos: Such as "Any 2 Rolls" or "Any 3 Rolls" served with miso soup and salad.
  • Bento Boxes: Comprehensive lunch boxes featuring a main entree (like Chicken Teriyaki or Shrimp Tempura), California roll, shumai, soup, salad, and rice.
  • Sushi/Sashimi Lunch: Smaller, curated selections of sushi or sashimi for a midday meal.
• Online Ordering Discounts: Sakura Sushi often provides incentives for direct online orders through their website. For example, they may offer a "10% Off for any purchase $70 or More," which is a great way to save on larger takeout or delivery orders.
• Third-Party Delivery Platform Promotions: Keep an eye on popular delivery services like Seamless, Grubhub, and DoorDash for any platform-specific promotions, such as reduced delivery fees, first-time order discounts, or special combo deals that Sakura Sushi might participate in.
• Seasonal Specials: While not explicitly stated, high-quality Japanese restaurants may offer seasonal fish or special rolls that are available for a limited time, providing unique culinary experiences.
• Valpak Coupons: Historically, some Sakura Sushi locations have offered coupons through services like Valpak for a percentage off lunch or dinner checks, or for takeout orders. It's worth checking local coupon mailers or online coupon sites for current offers.

It is always recommended to check directly with Sakura Sushi or their online ordering platforms for the most current and specific details on their promotions and special offers.

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For those in New York eager to experience the culinary delights of Sakura Sushi, here’s how to connect:

Address: 586 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788, USA

Phone: (631) 366-4054

For current operating hours, to place a takeout order, or to inquire about menu items and daily specials, a direct call is always the most reliable method. Sakura Sushi also offers convenient online ordering directly through their website and popular third-party delivery platforms for added convenience.

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For New Yorkers, especially those residing in the Hauppauge and Smithtown areas of Long Island, Sakura Sushi is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination for Japanese cuisine. Its reputation as a "hidden gem" is well-earned, built on a foundation of "incredible" food that is "always fresh" and "packed with flavor." This commitment to culinary excellence is evident in every dish, from their highly praised "torched rolls" to the comforting shumai soup and refreshing crab salad.

Beyond the delicious food, what truly sets Sakura Sushi apart is the warm, friendly, and personal service provided by the family who owns and operates it. Maggie and her husband consistently go "above and beyond" to make every guest feel welcome, creating a genuinely inviting atmosphere that feels like a home away from home. This level of personalized care is a rarity and fosters a strong sense of loyalty among local patrons.

The restaurant's convenient location on Veterans Memorial Highway with easy parking makes it readily accessible, whether you're dining in or picking up a takeout order. Furthermore, the availability of diet-friendly options and generous portions, like their fried rice, ensures there's something for everyone. For those seeking not just great sushi, but also a memorable dining experience characterized by exceptional quality and heartfelt hospitality, Sakura Sushi is an absolute must-try for locals in the Long Island area.

Sakura Sushi

586 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Hauppauge, NY 11788, USA