Sakura Sushi - Richmond

I came here for a quick lunch and tried the bento lunch special. The service was fast and the food was delicious.

To begin with, this restaurant is very small. If you are planning to visit with a big group, you may want to reconsider as it is better suited for takeout orders.

I have never had a problem with the orders I have placed in the past, as the food is consistently delicious and the servers are always courteous. However, I did notice something.

I have been living in Richmond for 20 years, walked pass this place so so so many times, but never ate here until last week. Happy to discover their sushi are quite good, and price is reasonable. BUT they are always SUPER BUSY. I phoned at around 4:30pm one day to place an order and was told that they have many orders so if I place the order now, it won't be ready until 7. Several days later around the same time, I walked in to order take-out and was told the same and that I'll have to wait 30 mins if I order, so I left....not worth waiting 30 mins for some california rolls. You would think 4:30 is not peak hours and the restaurant is pretty empty, but they have tons of take-out orders. I mean...I would love to buy takeout from this place more often, but I don't feel like waiting so long for just a couple of sushi rolls. If your order is bigger / don't mind ordering way in advance then I guess it's not a problem.

Opened just a few years ago this hole-in-the-wall is your best bet for value and freshness. Only 13 spots for dine in so only good for a foursome or less. Open until 7 pm (closed Sundays and public holidays) and don't go if after 6 as they're inundated with take out orders and may run out of sushi rice! Great bento lunch boxes (3 choices) for less than $10; patron cards allow you free sushi (see details on their website); free roll coupon on their website. Amazing variety of dishes done in such a small place - sushi, sashimi, tempura (better than some of the finer Japanese restaurants!), yakitori, udon. Variety of fish is limited - there's no hamachi, for example, but does offer some seasonal ones such as uni, large amaebi, when in season. Extremely convenient in the heart of Richmond 2 mins walk from Brighouse Skytrain station.