415 Manukau Road, 413, Epsom, Auckland 1023
sakebar.co.nzEmail us
Reviews
Loved the cozy ambience...feels like a little place straight out of asia. Love how they bang on the drums every time some one walks in through the door as a traditional Japanese welcome. The food we ordered was so delicious and was prompt in coming out of the kitchen too. Just as well because we were hungry! It will definitely make for a nice little place for a quiet catch up with a mate or even a nice little date.
Book ahead to get into this delish Japanese restaurant. If you don't mind banging drums and shouting chefs you can get a stool at the bar but a slightly quieter table is usually nicer. You press a button when you're ready to order - and eat. Because the food comes quickly and as it's cooked. You're likely to order a few things to share as a table and no need to worry about under ordering because when you add stuff that comes quickly too. The sushi and sashimi mixed platter is pretty good - but it pretty much all is. "Our highlight at our last visit was definitely the saba fish.
Its an oustanding menu that provides you with all the classics and all of their special dishes that make it an authentic japanese experience. Huge range to suit all. The place gives you a warm feel about it and comes with some atmosphere to feel like you just walked off a street in Japan. This is where Japanese happens in Auckland. Take my advise - Book.
We used to come here all of the time, and have enjoyed it pretty much every visit. If you are on a first date and are the quiet type, then I highly recommend it. You won't need to talk with all of the IRASHAIMASEN!!!!!!! and banging of gongs going down. If you are a serious, serious Japanese food purist, then perhaps there are other places. But as far as neighbourhood restaurants go, this one is top-notch. The upstairs tables even have karaoke, Of course, if you are planning on eating upstairs at the larger tables, I suggest you wear slip-on shoes and your tidiest (preferably warm) socks...but that goes without saying. The okonomiyaki here is pretty fine and tasty, and nearly as good as I've had in Osaka. The menu is pretty extensive, they try to please everyone and for that they should be commended. A great place for big kids birthday parties!
We were in a group 10+ so had the buffet menu. there was soo much food it was unreal, and it was all sooooo delicious! I think there was about 7 courses. I would definitely recommend this place. We were drinking plenty of great saki too, and some delicious vodka drinks. great atmosphere, friendly staff.
This place has really great atmosphere. When you first enter it’s a bit smokey and filled with grilled skewer aromas - it really sets you in the mood. Being a izakaya, it’s the kind of place where you order many small dishes and share it with a group of friends or family. Some of the dishes include edamame, yakitori chicken, chicken giblets, beef tongue, sashimi platter, seaweed salad, tofu and the real highlight for me is their okomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is kind of like a Japanese omelette with cabbage, squid, eggs, spices and this delicious okomiyaki sauce. The service is fast and efficient. There’s even a little service button you can press to get the waiter’s attention. I also like the way the entire kitchen shouts goodbye in Japanese when you leave. Very cool!
I love this place its bustling, busy, noisy and lively. The meals can be cheap if you order only a couple of the little dishes (plenty of food) or go mad order a ton. Its great value. I always have a beef dish and the prawns. The Yum Yum sauce is amazing, especially on the prawns. We once got a table upstairs.. you know the kind where you sit on the floor with feet under the table. had an amazing & fun meal then all of the sudden the table next to us started up with karaoke.. what a laugh. Downstairs in the booths you can watch the chefs prepare & cook the food. They ring a huge gong when its ready. Lively fun loud alive place. A must do for a great night out and excellent food.
