The beauty of Japanese cuisine

With a combination of outdoor seating and chic interior, including a large bar, Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe offers patrons the best of both worlds, casual pau hana haunt and special date night destination. So grab a drink — from sweet and savory cocktails to sake samplers — and take a look at the enticing menu.

Assorted Sashimi (9 types, $36) features an eye-catching landscape showcasing the eatery’s fresh, raw offerings. Ikura, uni, hamachi, salmon and aka ebi are just some of the luscious raw delicacies presented. Thin slices of lemon, radish and cabbage, plus a mound of wasabi and shiso leaves double as elegant garnishes and means for customizing the flavor of each bite.

During lunch, bentos offer a taste of everything. Sakura Special Bento with Tiger Prawn Tempura ($18) comes with rice, tofu, three slices of sashimi, tsukemono, miso soup and a beautiful house salad with avocado and ginger-citrus dressing. Of course, the star here is the tempura. The crunchy batter is the perfect complement to the prawn’s tender and sweet meat. A mix of vegetable tempura, such as pumpkin, eggplant and asparagus served alongside the prawn, offer even more flavors and textures.

A new item on the menu that’s definitely worth a try is Wafu Beef Steak. The hearty portion of Black Angus New York Strip is seared and sliced for easy eating. Sauces of savory shio dare, citrusy ponzu and tangy onion are served on the side for dunking the buttery beef into. Order the steak a la carte during dinner for $17.50. At lunch, make it a complete meal for $19.50, which includes rice, miso soup, a side dish of potato salad and more.

These dishes are just a small sampling of Sakura Terrace’s expert handling of fresh ingredients prepared and presented with the elegance of Japanese aesthetic. Visit the restaurant and see all it has to offer.

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe

1240 S. King St., Honolulu
591-1181
Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. (lunch) and 5–10 p.m. (dinner)