Sadako Restaurant, Ann Arbor

Green Grass Roll and California Roll at Sadako, Ann Arbor.

When I came back to Ann Arbor to go to college (see, I was born here, but not raised here, which means I can't actually claim to be a "townie"), there were maybe two nice Japanese restaurants, Miki and Fuji, plus the very fondly remembered "fast food" Japanese restaurant Donburi/Hinodae.  Both Miki and Fuji are still here, though under different ownship.  Much to my distress, Donburi has since closed. (Okay, it wasn't great Japanese food, but it had a certain "je ne sais quoi" about it plus, for me, a big dose of nostalgia for the very friendly but shy owners.)

But sometime around the turn of the millenium, an odd thing began to happen:  Japanese restaurants began opening everywhere in Ann Arbor.  Godaiko and Yamato (my favorite and the best tamago, hands down!) are probably the oldest of this group, but there's also been Wasabi (since closed), Sushi.come, Totoro (in Hinodae's spot), Yotsuba (quite excellent), Makkara, Saica, miscellaneous maki roll places, Korean restaurants serving sushi on the side, and now... Sadako.

Sadako is on South University, occupying the ground floor portion of the old Pizzaria Uno's spot, right in the heart of the student district.  Its clientele when we went there was mostly students.  Sadako's menu is not extensive (for more choices, go to Yotsuba or Miki), offering instead the more commonly known Japanese entrees (e.g. udon and katsudon) and basic sushi items, along with a selection of extragavent rolls that have become so popular lately.  I suspect they're catering to what average 18-22 year old American student would like, as opposed to featuring more unusual items that the more experienced connoisseur of Japanese cuisine might seek out.  (Sounds arrogant, but it's generally true.)

The interior is tasteful and welcoming contemporary design with soothing blues and a dark wood sushi bar.  The restaurant was crowded, but we were able to get seated immediately by being willing to sit at the sushi bar.  Four sushi chefs worked shoulder-to-shoulder filling dine-in and take-out orders.  It was a pleasure to watch them assemble the rolls.  The chef working directly in front of us was delighted that we could name the different rolls he was making without looking at the menu.

I had the small sashimi plate, which was a pretty arrangement of the usual sushi suspects (maguro, hamachil, white fish, salmon) on a small ceramic "sushi boat".  I was slightly bummed that it didn't include any of the more interesting fish kinds, but at $12.99 for 11 pieces (though smallish pieces), it's hard to argue with it for the price.  We both ordered tamago, which was nice and not too sweet.  Joe ordered a spicy tuna hand roll, inarizushi (the chef took a liking to him and gave him an extra piece), the Sadako roll, and another rather large roll which I'm forgetting.  We were both very impressed with the Sadako roll, a very tasty and slightly sweet roll topped with crunchy tempera bits.  One of the more beautiful rolls we saw made was the Green Grass Roll, with its topping of seaweed salad, and I snagged a picture of it just as the chef was adding the finishing touches and before a waitress whisked it away.

Sadako is a good addition to S. University and definitely worth a trip.

Comments

[Mike]

I agree! I've only been there once, but I found the service to be rememberable and the food to be wonderful.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes some gooood sushi!

[Manda]

I live on South University, a block or two away from Pinball Pete's. So when I'm in the mood for Japanese, Sadako is a convenient 3-minute walk away. And that's pretty much why I frequent Sadako - for convenience. The food Sadako caters is so-so (and believe me, I've been to Japan and I can think of a couple of Japanese restaurants here in Ann Arbor that are amazing), offering a basic Japanese cuisine menu. The service is horrible, I can't bring myself to leave the 25% tip I usually give for waitstaff. Because of this, and the busy lunch hour rush, I get carry-out only. So my suggestion is... if you're in the mood for some mediocre Japanese food and you're in South U, maybe on a break between classes, stop by. But if you're on a date, go to a nice place like Godaiko. ;D

[Bygbaby]

I recently discovered Sadako & love it. I like going for lunch to get the Chicken Teriyaki Bento which has a large portions & an even better price. My wife is addicted to the Sadako Crunch Roll & I try to eat her crunch pieces as they are so good.

They have a delicious beef dumplings & the seaweed salad is to die for (I love sesame oil). I think I will try the Green Grass Roll next time I go.

I find the decor soothing but matter when I go it is always crowded.

I wish the wait staff was a little more attentive & if their house salad wad not iceberg lettuce, it would be perfect.

Bygbaby

[Janice]

They have a delicious beef dumplings & the seaweed salad is to die for. I think I will try the Green Grass Roll next time I go.

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