Saji-Ya

Weve been going to saji ya since it first opened in the late 70's its always been prety good. last night it was outstanding! our server Mayu was very attentive and suggested the Salmon tiki tacos. YUM! Crispy wonton shells filled with a spicy salmon sushi they come in tuna too.Saji has a new head chef and its building a larger sushi bar.THANKS WE'LL BE BACK! Pros: FREE PARKING, NICE PEOPLE, COMFORTABLE Cons: SUSHI CAN BE SLOW more

I'm a big sushi fan and have sampled almost all the Japanese restaurants in the Twin Cities. This was by far the worst. The shrimp tempura roll tasted like it was over a week old -- chewy and unedible. The sushi did not appear or taste fresh. I would not waste my money on this place again -- we paid $80 for 2 (w/out alcohol). We left wishing we had dined at Dixie's next door. Pros: Fun atmosphere Cons: Poor quality fish, Too expensive, smokey more

I've had sushi at quite a few places around the twin cities and Saji-ya definitely underwhelmed me. The server didn't show up for 15 minutes after seating, he forgot part of our order, brought me a beer without asking for it and then didn't come back to give us change without having to hunt him down. As for the sushi, the seaweed was chewy and tough, the slices of nigiri unagi were undersized and lacking in sesame, the sockeye rolls were tiny. There was absolutely none of the presentation nor elaborate creativity that make Fuji-ya and Kikugawa fun to eat at. I was prepared to drop the $75 on a sushi dinner for two but I expected to leave feeling like I had been treated well and that the details were looked after. Pros: it is in St Paul Cons: no creativity, below avg food, bad service more

I was there specifically for the sushi. While the ingredients were fresh, a better sushi chef is obviously needed. I ordered the Imperial set (11 Nigiris, 3 Tekkamakis and 3 Kappamakis). The Tekkamaki (suppose to contain tuna) was somehow replaced by something with salmon. The Nigiris looked amateurish. I think the chef needs to practice more on how to make better rice pads. The hint of horseradish that is supposed to be inside each of Nigiri sushi was missing. The chef also threw in a couple of unknown rolls. They were practically just rice rolls. What a cheap trick to fill up the plate. Also, personally I'd expect at least one Temaki Sushi to be in the set considering the price. I hope it was just a bad-chef day for them. Two months ago I was there and had a Caterpillar Sushi. It was above average. What happened since? Pros: Good parking, Fresh Ingredients Cons: Value, Authenticity more

Bowl of noodles tasted like it was made from a 99-cent package of instant noodles. Inattentive server took 20 minutes to bring us the check from the time the table was cleared. Went with a friend, and both agree we'd never go back. more

my roommate is strict veggetarian, so when we dine here together, we eat (sharing) solely the appetizers: Atsuagi, Vegetable Tempura, Seaweed Salad, Miso & Egg Drop Soups - excellent! Always nice service, but sushi (salmon & yellowtail) has always been disappointing. Pros: awesome appetizers, great service Cons: med-grade sushi more

As a Japanese and a big fan of sushi, I always enjoy trying sushi in different places. I and my friend chose Saji-ya for our special dinner because we heard its good reputation. However, the dinner was quite disappointing. We waited for the meal for 2 hours but the meal was below our expectation. This restaurant needs to work more to improve the quality in operation. Pros: Location, No reservation Cons: Slow Service, Expensive more

I love this place. The sushi and dinner menu have always been fantastic for me. I love the sushi bar. The ambience is the best. My children love it. I live in Victoria and make the drive for Saji Ya. If you go in the summer, sit outside. I do not recommend the Teppanyaki. It has always been Okay, but very slow. It took 2 hours last time and I had four children with me. The time before it was an 1 1/2 hours. I have given it 4 chances and it has failed me everytime. more

We waited much too long for a table, but the food was definitely worth it. They have an interesting selection, although not being that familiar with sushi varieties, I wasn't too clear on how the menu is put together. I would definitely recommend, especially if dining with several other people. Pros: Good variety of sushi, Good Location, Nice atmosphere Cons: A little crowded, Menu is confusing more

Saji-Ya is my favorite place to eat. You must do the teppanyaki... You Won't be Disappointed!!!!! (Make sure to make the reservations as early as possible... they fill up quick, especially on the weekends) These dinners range from 25-30 dollars, but I always have leftovers for lunch the next day. You get a fabulous egg drop soup, salad and a shrimp appetizer with your meal. They also offer a fried rice option, which I highly recommend. Their focus is on simple seasoning, which enhances the natural flavor of the food. Hot off the grill, it will melt in your mouth!!! The best part is you get a free show with your dinner with the very entertaining and talented chefs. Enjoy! Pros: great food, price, ambience Cons: Parking allow for at, least an extra 15 min, to find a spot more

I used to love this place, went there all the time. But the last time I was there, after a lengthy hiatus, something had happened. The service fell way off, and one of my favorite maki disappeared from existence! My friends and I were seated right away at a table, because the bar was packed, but even though there were like, three other tables of people in the whole restaurant, our server could have been left in the dust by a whole pack of turtles. I will think before I go there again soon. Oh, the food was fine, but lackluster. Pros: yummy sushi bar Cons: SLOW, crowded parking lot more

the dynamite is definitely ""dynamite""! and the tempura shrimp is delicious! wish the sushi bar / bar area was a little more inviting. some of the tables are a little close. great service! and the tepanyaki is a blast! Pros: good variety, fresh Cons: often crowded, parking can be hard more

I have been going to Saji Ya's for many years now and I still salivate at the thought of their Bento trays. Their teriyaki sauce is the best. The soup you get as an appetizer is so tasty - I mean how do they pack so much flavor in an almost clear broth. The breaded and fried onion slice on a kushi is so yummy when you dunk it in the teriyaki sauce. And the dressing for the salad is just too good. As you can see, I love this place. Pros: The teriyaki sauce more

Value is not good. Seafood is not that fresh. Quantity is lacking. Environment is ok. Go somewhere else. more