What draws you to a new sushi restaurant?
Is it the temptation of new rolls, crafted in the sushi chef’s own style?
Or maybe it’s the atmosphere of a bustling sushi lunch, complete with bento boxes, sashimi, salads and mochi ice cream desserts.
For me, it’s the lunch specials, which is where I get to taste some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes and rolls … and maybe get a deal in the process.
And Lakeway’s newest sushi spot, Sakura Sushi & Bar does not disappoint on the fish front. It’s the newest restaurant in a growing collection of eateries to open at the Oaks at Lakeway, like nearby salad masters Mad Greens.
The first time I visited Sakura Sushi & Bar, I was transported to a super trendy sushi bar you might expect to see on the far shores of San Francisco. Instead, I’m a few minutes from home in Lakeway, admiring their lush purple hues and futuristic lights throughout the restaurant.
The dining room is open floor plan and features a dashing bar and separate sushi bar on the far end of the eatery. It’s a real experience to get to see a sushi chef in his/her element at the sushi bar, when you like to see food artistry in action.
Super creative sushi rolls
You’d be remiss if you came to Sakura and didn’t order a roll from Sushi Chef Ronnie, like the rice-free Lotus Roll or the Ranch Roll made with shrimp tempura, jalapenos and kobe beef for those who like a truly unique roll. You really have your pick here, with over 20 signature rolls and even more house rolls and sashimi.
I opted for the Rock Shrimp Roll, the Spicy Tuna and the Golden Roll so I could get a good taste of different types of sushi they have on the menu. Needless to say, I left full and with a to-go box, excited to come back for one of their weekly specials, like 80s Wednesday (think 80s music with some themed drinks to try), or Sake Thursday.
Affordable lunch specials
And what makes this local spot even better are their prices on their lunch specials. I was able to try 3 rolls for $15, with options for smaller appetites even cheaper than that. And as usual, my eyes were larger than my stomach but I’d say this might be one of the best sushi deals in town for the price.
Bento boxes, Yaki Udon and Ramen balances out the lunch menu, giving eaters the chance to sample a wide array of foods for all kinds of appetites. I didn’t get to try it but Happy Hour is every day from 3pm-6pm, with food and drink specials I’m tempted to go back to try.
All in all, whether you’re a die-hard sushi fan or if you like a good bento box or two, Sakura Sushi & Bar is Lake Travis’ new sushi spot to grab a roll and grab a drink.
Sakura Sushi & Bar (map + reviews)
945 Medical Dr #500
Lakeway, TX 78734
(Next to Subway in the Oaks at Lakeway shopping Center)
