Recommended Eats: Sakura mixes traditional Japanese dishes with local flavours as its popularity continues to grow after 15 years

Sakura in Albert Road serves a number of traditional Japanese dishes from sushi to sashimi and ramen. Alongside that they also have contemporary versions of sushi and some are dishes inspired by Portsmouth, such as Southsea maki.

The restaurant opened 15 years ago and has been a stalwart in Southsea ever since, with loyal customers regularly coming back for more. It is rare that you walk in to the restaurant to find it quiet with its paper walled booths usually filled with happy diners. It is a vibrant setting with lanterns and Japanese banners hanging throughout. One wall depicts a wave crashing in the sea, a nod to the famous artwork by Hokusai.

Annie Ong is the manager of Sakura and has been there since it first opened. When reflecting on what makes them so popular she said: “I think we were the first Japanese restaurant to open in Portsmouth. All of our food is locally sourced as much as possible and the fish is got from a local fishmonger and is good quality.”

Through the years they have built up a customer base which is drawn back for the food. There are a number of dishes on the menu which have proven regular favourites. Annie said: “Southsea maki is very popular. Also the noodle dishes like fried yaki soba as well as udon and gyoza’s. We serve a good mix so we have the sushi but also lots of people love the hot food including the spicy ramen.”

Maki is a particular type of sushi that is cylindrical in shape. There is a misconception that sushi is only raw fish but there are a number of variations. For instance the Southsea maki is chicken katsu, avocado and cucumber, while there are also beef and vegetarian options.

The News tasted Southsea maki, spider maki (deep fried soft shell crab with cucumber, avocado and caviar), as well as a mix of sashimi. All of them were delicious, painstakingly crafted with quality produce. The craftmanship, however, was not matched by our chopstick abilities which left a lot to be desired.

Sakura’s menu is extensive with a number options but is also changed regularly as the chefs think of new ideas. Annie said: “Our chefs come up with the ideas, they change the flavours and come up with new ideas for dishes. We regularly change the menu when they get new ideas.

If you have not tried Japanese cuisine before, or are hesitant, there will be something on the menu to suit you. Annie said: “I recommend anyone who has not given it a try to come here, there is lots on the menu. Fish is also very healthy to eat so its good for you.”

Watch the video embedded in this article for the full interview.