Sakana-Ya Japanese Restaurant Claim this business

Karen Liangon Google

6 months ago

If you’re looking for truly authentic Japanese flavours in Sydney, Sakanaya remains one of my all time favourites and a long standing gem that never disappoints. As the name suggests (“sakana” means fish in Japanese), this restaurant is renowned for its exceptionally fresh seafood, and it absolutely lives up to that reputation. The sashimi is always outstanding, beautifully presented, sliced with precision, and incredibly fresh with that clean, delicate sweetness you only get from top quality fish. What keeps us coming back, though, isn’t just the seafood. Their seasonal dishes are always thoughtfully curated, showcasing ingredients at their peak and prepared with a deep respect for traditional Japanese techniques. There’s a real sense of authenticity in every bite. The hospitality is equally memorable warm, attentive, and genuinely Japanese in spirit. Dining at Sakanaya feels comforting and special at the same time. It’s the kind of place that has stood the test of time for good reason. A true Sydney classic for anyone who appreciates fresh seafood and honest, beautifully executed Japanese cuisine

Alicia Leeon Google

a year ago

Everything was so delicious, most authentic Japanese food I’ve had in Sydney for a while. Everyone was so lovely and polite. Overall a very pleasant dining experience, and will definitely be returning!!!

atswlon Google

a year ago

The food here is always incredible, beautifully presented and delicious as always. Never have had a bad experience here before the service has always been exceptional until tonight. When we arrived at the restaurant we were greeted by a tall waitress dressed in all black with heavy eye shadow from the moment we gave her our booking details she was particularly surly and abrupt. No smiles just a look of annoyance continually plastered on her face. When she served drinks it was with a bang on the table. Food brought out with a frown. At first we thought maybe she was having a bad day? No she was quite pleasant to the table behind us. We left scratching our heads? Couldn't for the life of us think what we could have possibly done to offend this waitress. What could have been a pleasant and enjoyable meal turned out to be partially the meal from hell. That being said the other staff members were lovely, then gentleman who works there regularly and takes calls and a waitress dressed in blue was also polite and friendly. Food was still exceptional but let down by the waitress behaviour and attitude

Diwa Venkataon Google

9 months ago

⭐️⭐️ 2/5 I visited Sakana Ya in Crows Nest after hearing a lot of good reviews, but the experience didn’t live up to the hype. The food was far too expensive for what was served. The portion sizes were disappointingly small — even the main dishes felt like appetisers. For the kind of price they charge, I expected something special, both in quality and presentation, but it was quite ordinary. The flavours were fine, but nothing that justified the premium pricing. What made it worse was the lack of attention from the staff. They didn’t offer any sides or even check in to see if we needed anything else. The whole experience felt rushed and impersonal, as if they just wanted to turn tables quickly rather than make guests feel welcome. For a restaurant that’s supposed to offer an authentic Japanese dining experience, it missed the mark on both value and service. Overall, I left feeling disappointed and honestly a bit frustrated that I had spent so much for so little. There are many better Japanese options in Sydney that offer tastier food, larger portions, and friendlier service for a much more reasonable price. Definitely not worth the hype or the money.

Vincent Soon Google

a year ago

Definitely worth coming back to. Expensive but not overly priced for the quality. Nice service and run by Japanese people. Also sells groceries. Decor is dated but has that homely charm. Excellent seafood.