Sakura Japanese Cuisine is a traditional Japanese restaurant at 4/380 Riccarton Road in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, in Church Corner Mall. It has served Japanese food since it opened in 2011, and the website describes it as a casual, friendly place with a calm feel. There is a large municipal car park in front of the mall.
The restaurant offers sushi, meat and fish dishes, set menus, a lunch set and donburi bowls, and izakaya-style dishes with local sake. It has separate lunch, gluten-free, dinner and drinks menus. Diners praise the food, the cosy room, the child-friendly service and the agedashi tofu. One reviewer says it is one of the best Japanese meals they know in Christchurch. The website recommends booking for lunch and dinner, as it fills up. Lunch is served Wednesday to Saturday from 11.30am to 2.30pm, and dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5pm to 8.30pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Two other Japanese restaurants, Hachi Hachi and Ramen Miyako, are within 200 metres. Our pick in Upper Riccarton for a set lunch or an evening of sushi and izakaya dishes.