Where tasty, slurp-worthy fare satisfies all

Udon and Mini Donburi Combo ($21; only available for lunch)

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe is built to be purposefully secluded from bustling South King Street, giving patrons the perfect haven to escape the busyness of life in a relaxing environment with delicious Japanese fare.

Come for lunch (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), sit in the outside seating area shaded by breezy palm trees and indulge in Udon and Mini Donburi Combo ($21; only available for lunch). The combo features a bowl of slurp-worthy hot or cold udon noodles, served with Tiger Prawn Tempura, Vegetable Tempura or Beef on the side. You also have your pick of donburi, including options such as Ahi Poke Don, Salmon Sashimi Don, Chicken Karaage Don and more. Lastly, the perfect lunch option is complemented with two fresh Japanese side dishes of the chef’s choice.

Speaking of chefs, Sakura Terrace has the privilege of being home to the talented Takayuki Sekine, who dons the title of executive chef. It is because of his creativity that beautiful masterpieces such as Deluxe Sakura Chirashi Don ($27) exist on the eatery’s menu.

March Special ($32)

Picture a bowl of high-quality sushi rice, topped with strips of nori and tamago, marinated shiitake mushrooms, kanpyo and earthy radish sprouts. Next, envision the star of the show, which includes a plate of ocean favorites, including slices of local ahi and hamachi, cooked unagi, uni, Kona abalone and much more. As a whole, the meal perfectly describes Sakura Terrace: colorful, fresh and beautiful.

Also something worth trying is March Special ($32). Because of its popularity, the February Special actually is running again this month. The featured meal set includes wafu steak, which is served on a skillet and topped with lobster and crab legs, and is accompanied by a helping of assorted sashimi, various side dishes, salad, rice and miso soup.

As the restaurant continues to blossom, Sekine explains that there are exciting changes on the horizon. At the beginning of April, Sakura Terrace will briefly close for renovations, as it will work to transform its high-top bar into a fully functional sushi bar. With these changes also come the excitement of new menu offerings and the introduction of expert sushi chefs.

In the meantime, however, continue to make Sakura Terrace your No. 1 stop for leisure and satisfaction.

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe

1240 S King St., Honolulu
591-1181
Daily, lunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner: 5-9:30 p.m.; closed Mondays