Craving authentic Japanese cuisine? Then get ready, because a popular restaurant chain just landed in New Jersey, promising a flavor explosion of sushi, teriyaki, and hibachi delights! Sakura Japanese Steak House, a name already recognized and loved across several states, has officially opened its doors in Camden County, and it’s bringing a mega-menu to satisfy every palate. But here's where it gets interesting... what makes Sakura different from all the other Japanese restaurants popping up everywhere? Let's dive in and find out.
Published on January 10, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. by the Advance Local Express Desk and Stephanie Loder of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, the buzz is already building around this exciting new dining destination. Sakura Japanese Steak House officially began serving customers on January 2nd in Somerdale, taking over the location formerly occupied by the 814 South Pub on South White Horse Pike, near Lafayette Avenue. The 814 South restaurant closed its doors last year, paving the way for Sakura to bring its unique brand of Japanese cuisine to the area.
This new Somerdale location marks Sakura's 14th restaurant overall, with two now located in New Jersey. The other Garden State location is in Mays Landing, suggesting a growing popularity and demand for Sakura's offerings within the state.
Stepping inside Sakura is an experience in itself. The restaurant boasts a fully remodeled interior, featuring a spacious, open dining room and a centrally located sushi kitchen and prep area. This design allows diners to witness the artistry and precision that goes into crafting each sushi roll and hibachi dish. It's dinner and a show!
Speaking of dishes, the menu is extensive, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Start your culinary journey with refreshing seaweed salad, comforting shumai soup, or classic miso soup. For those who enjoy a bolder flavor profile, the tataki tuna is a must-try. Of course, no Japanese restaurant would be complete without sushi, and Sakura offers a diverse selection of both traditional and innovative rolls.
For the main course, prepare to be tempted by savory teriyaki, sizzling hibachi dishes, and flavorful noodle options, including vegetable teppanyaki, and shrimp or chicken teppanyaki. And this is the part most people miss... the customization! With hibachi or teriyaki entrees, you can choose your protein: chicken, steak, scallops, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each dish is served with Japanese fried rice and a medley of fresh vegetables, ensuring a complete and satisfying meal.
Don't forget to save room for dessert! Sakura offers a tempting selection of sweet treats, including mochi rice cake, classic ice cream, and bomba cake.
For those who prefer to enjoy Sakura's cuisine from the comfort of their own homes, online ordering is available for both takeout and delivery through the Sakura Japanese Steak House website. This convenience makes it easy to satisfy your cravings any time.
The restaurant's hours of operation are as follows: Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:15 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Plenty of opportunities to get your fix!
Beyond New Jersey, Sakura's other locations span across Maryland, Virginia, and California, further solidifying its reputation as a successful and expanding restaurant chain.
Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room. Some might argue that with so many Japanese restaurants already in the area, is there really room for another one? Others might question whether a chain restaurant can truly capture the authenticity and artistry of traditional Japanese cuisine. What do you think? Does Sakura's extensive menu and remodeled interior set it apart from the competition? Will its convenient location and online ordering options make it a local favorite? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below! We want to know if you're excited to try Sakura, and what dishes are at the top of your list.
