Sakura Restaurant Woodfield

I have been going to this spot religiously for ten years. their best chef left about a year ago but the sushi is still a 9/10 versus 10/10. Fish is always super fresh on the weekends when we are there. I highly recommend this place if you are serious about sushi.

Pros: asparagus wrapped in beef

Cons: none

Posted 03/30/09

The sushi roll was not fresh and too wet.
The UDON was too salty
The waitress was rude, and confronted me for small tips(I gave $30 tips for $138 bill, but she was not happy, and their waitress and waitors gave me a bad look all together for small tip.)
Not recommend.
The food what I ate was not worthy for $138 bills.

Posted 08/23/08

Women can now train in Japan to be Sushi Chefs in Japan. The actual reason why women weren't allowed to be sushi chefs is the belief among sushi chefs that a womans hands are too warm to handle sushi, that, and most Japanese men are sexist tools. I'm guessing the "scent" thing probably was just made up here because the "warm hands" thing won't fly in the U.S.

As for a review: Sakura has pretty good sushi, go at lunch for the better pricing.

Posted 02/18/08

This is by far the best japanese food in Chicago! Everytime I go to this wonderful place I feel like I am back in Japan. I have eaten at many a Japanese restaurant in the US and I have never found a place that reminds me more of Japan than here. The entire staff make you feel welcome and, just like restaurants in Japan, the staff welcomes everyone who enters and offers everyone who leave a sincere "Arigato gozaimasu". Ahhhhh..... Sakura, Okini!

Pros: Parking, service, food!

Cons: none

Posted 11/19/06

It is an unfortunately thing that Japanese people are moving out Chicago and because of that Its hard to find a decent Sushi house after Hatsuhana is closed due to the property issue. Fortunately, theres Sakrura. Therere actually two Sakura sushi restaurants in Chicago. The Prospect is the original and the Woodfield is a spin-off. Depending on how deep you understand the Sushi culture, heres how I help you to evaluate. For general customers, since you cant really tell the difference, so you really dont have to worry. For pros and Asians people, just mark my word, you cant find any other sushi house better than those two in IL. By the way, if youve been to a lot sushi houses and think you're using chopsticks pretty good but you cant tell (by look) an Asian if he is a Japanese or not, please throw yourself under the category general. Keep in mind that in Japan, women can't be a sushi chef. Thats why I didnt say he or she. The reason why women cant be a sushi chef in Japan? Well, women use cosmetics with scent. In Japan, a master chef consider kitchen a holy place and he and his costumer cant allow any other scent get into the nigiri. Therefore, women are out. Now, the differences 1. The interior of Prospect is very tradition while the WoodFiled counterpart is more westernized. Since the chef also the owner at the Prospect location is very traditional, only Japanese waitresses can work in that restaurant. On the other hand, youll see non-Japanese servers at the Woodfield location. 2. The rank for Woodfield is 95 while the Prospect is 91. That's B.S. How can you tell the difference between twins? I guess that is the result of monkeys judging pandas. If one scores 95, theres no reason the other one has less than that. 3. The Woodfield offers Sat Specials, therefore, you can get better deal. Ill have to pick the one at Prospect.

Pros: Authentic

Cons: No cons really, just there's an original one feel more Japan

Posted 10/22/06

At first when I saw this restaurant from the outside, I was a bit hesitant because of how it looked. I guess this proves "don't judge a book by its cover". This place is great! Food and service was pretty good. What I loved the most about this place is their service. Everyone there was very tentative and very friendly. The women there had these old fashion-type japanese dresses (sorry i dont know what that's called). I thought that was kinda cute. When we were seated down, the waiter gave us fresh warm towels to wipe our hands and he even held the drink menu for us. Our waiter didn't bother us when we eated, which is very important for me, and he was quick and very helpful when we needed him. I would definetly recommend this place.

Pros: Service and closing time (They close a little bit later than other sushi places)

Posted 06/27/06

This is by far my favorite restuarant!!! I have been going to Sakura for years and I venture out to many restuarants, but Sakura is my #1 favorite. The sushi and sashimi is so freshest you can get in Chicago area. The hot pot is full of seafood as well. The bento box is the best for those of you who like a little bit of everything. If you get a chance, I recommend going on Saturday for dinner and trying the special dinner set. It comes with sashimi, sushi, salad (with the best japanese dressing), miso soup, rice, tempura, udon, side dishes...etc...so much food...you will think you are in heaven.

Pros: variety, fresh sushi, great service

Cons: busy

Posted 04/17/05

My family and I had been their customers for more than 10 years, and we always enjoy so much. Also, they had remodeled their place lately, and it's looking even better.

They have so many good appetizers, and the servers are usually very helpful to find you the things you wanna try. We always ask them for suggestions, and try at least one "new thing".

You might look for spicy pork, which is my favorite, and it goes great with muscat wine they have. Also, for the seafood lovers, they have golden crab or tuna lovers... Their sushi is the freshest that I've ever had in Chicago area, and especially my sister wouldn't eat anywhere else!!

I signed up for Sakura's customer list and they sometimes give you the coupons to use via email. I just received the Birthday Certificate, and I am looking forward to visit there again!!

Pros: Great Food

Posted 01/19/05

I went with my friends and we all liked the food a lot. The sushi was very fresh and melted in my mouth. The spicy tuna rolls were the best. The service was very fast and friendly. We were all very satisfied.

Pros: fresh food, fast service, authentic

Cons: location, decoration

Posted 01/14/04

Far and a way the best sushi experience in the Chicagoland area, and the US for that matter. Have enjoyed sushi all over the US, including Hawaii, and always come back to Sakura. Their spicey tuna hand-roll is hands-down the best. The Spider Roll is awesome. The Rainbow Roll...amazing. If you're into Uni, the best. If you want trendy, hip, flashy...go elsewhere. Sushi fanatics looking for the best overall value...forget everywhere else and flock to Sakura. My wife and I have enjoyed dining at Sakura for over 10 years, since first moving to the Chicagoland area. We recommend Sakura to all our friends, and they agree.

Pros: Freshness of Fish, Impeccable Service, Friendly Staff

Cons: Hour drive from home

Posted 07/23/03

I have eaten Japanese food for years when I lived in Japan and I really liked this place. The food was authentic, the service cordial: I felt like I stepped back to my old neighborhood. I would recommend it to any lover of good japanese food.

Pros: Delicious, Inexpensive, Good Service

Posted 03/02/03

My husband and I have been visiting Sakura Woodfield for years and have never been disappointed. In fact, this is the only place we'll eat it now. The food and service has always been exceptional and I have never encountered the pretentiousness that others have.
This is a really nice place to eat Japanese cuisine.

Posted 02/10/03

A nice place to go with your friends and have a good time, plus the food is great!

Posted 01/19/03

Delicious food, speedy service, frindly waiter & waitress. You can try almost all kinds of Japanese food in this restaurant. The Sushi is the best in Chicago land!

Pros: the best sushi place, easy parking, reasonable price

Posted 01/12/03

My wife and I went there for my birthday dinner, and had a very special time; first of all, fish was very fresh. This was probably the best sushi place that I've ever been to. Also, the king crab leg appetizer that they had was fabulous. The waitress, who was in the traditional Japanese kimono, fully explained to us about their menu selections, and her recommendation exactly met what we wanted. After dinner, they offered a complementary dessert plate, with fruits and organic green tea ice cream, with the birthday candle on the top. It was one of the happiest birthday I ever had!

Pros: fresh seafood, reasonably priced, nice staff

Cons: suburb, crowded, closed on Sundays

Posted 01/01/03