Nestled in the heart of Rennes on rue Saint-Melaine, Sakura ya offers a truly unique dining experience focused on authentic Japanese cuisine.
After the success of their first takeout bentō restaurant, "Les Sakura," the owners relocated a few steps away to open this new space. This move allowed them to expand, providing both more seating and a greater variety of dishes for locals and visitors alike.
Please note that the restaurant does not offer takeaway meals.
A Spacious and Inviting Setting
One of the first things that stands out about Sakura ya is its size. Unlike their previous location, the new restaurant can now host around 40 guests across two levels, with a charming basement accessible via a beautiful staircase.
Although the decor remains simple, the atmosphere is warm and ideal for enjoying a peaceful meal.
Traditional Japanese Cuisine, Reimagined
True to their original philosophy, Sakura ya specializes in traditional Japanese dishes, avoiding the familiar sushi and yakitori found in many Japanese eateries in France.
Nanaka, originally from Japan, oversees the culinary side, while her husband Vincent manages operations and customer service. Together, they aim to offer guests a taste of Japanese home cooking, with dishes rich in flavor and prepared with care.
Two Menus for Different Times of Day
A Teishoku Menu at Lunch
At lunchtime, Sakura ya serves meals in the teishoku style—a traditional Japanese set meal that includes a small appetizer, a main dish, white rice, and miso soup. Main courses include:
- Chicken Tatsuta Teishoku: Japanese-style marinated and fried chicken with a choice of sauces, such as ponzu with grated daikon (oroshi) or Japanese curry sauce.
- Tonkatsu Teishoku: Breaded and fried pork cutlet with a house sauce.
- Chirashi Salmon Teishoku: Fresh salmon tartare with yuzu sauce and vinegared rice.
- Tofu Teriyaki Mayo Teishoku: Organic "Monsieur Suzu" tofu sautéed in a house-made teriyaki sauce.
These meals are paired with a comforting tonjiru soup, made with grilled pork, vegetables, and ginger.
An Izakaya Vibe for Dinner
In the evening, Sakura ya transforms into a casual izakaya-style tavern. While the ambiance is more lively, the menu remains similar to lunch, with additional options for a fuller dining experience.
Guests can order à la carte or choose one of the two menu options, including the full menu at €35, featuring two appetizers, a main course, and dessert chosen from the entire menu.
A Thoughtful Selection of Beverages
Sakura ya’s beverage menu offers a delightful range of pairings. Whether you’re a Japanese tea enthusiast or curious to try natural wines or sake, there’s something for everyone:
- Japanese Teas: Options include sencha (classic) or hojicha (roasted tea).
- Sake: Varieties such as Harada Gengetsu Muroka Junmai Ginjo (Yamaguchi) or a tasting set of three sakes (€16.50).
- Japanese Beers: Draft Kirin (€4.70) or Iki yuzu-green tea beer (€4.50).
- Natural Wines: Carefully selected to complement the dishes, like Haru Blanc (Domaine Milan) or Crozes Hermitage Papillon (Domaine Robin).
For a more traditional touch, they also offer yuzushu (yuzu liqueur) and umeshu (plum liqueur), perfect for a deeper dive into Japanese culture. Sake tasting sets are available for those looking to explore various styles.
Rare and Delightful Japanese Desserts
To end the meal on a sweet note, Sakura ya serves a selection of refined, homemade desserts with a unique Japanese twist, such as:
- Black Sesame Cheesecake: Served with or without salted caramel sauce.
- Taiyaki: A fish-shaped waffle filled with sweet azuki red bean paste.
- Cream Daifuku (Mochi): Soft mochi filled with soy milk cream, in flavors like matcha, black sesame (kurogoma), or chestnut (kuri).
- Ice Cream Mochi: Available in flavors like matcha, black sesame, yuzu, or Japanese cherry blossom (sakura).
These Japanese desserts, still rare in France, are a perfect way to conclude your meal.
Higher Prices, but Worth Every Penny
While Sakura ya’s prices may be on the higher side, they reflect the quality ingredients and careful preparation of each dish. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for an extensive dinner, the value for authentic, thoughtfully crafted cuisine remains excellent.
As the restaurant is very busy, online reservations are highly recommended!
