Sazenka Review Summary

Sazenka
+81 (0) 3-5449-6778
4-chōme-7-5 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047
Key Takeaways
Sazenka is renowned for its exquisite Shanghai crab dishes, particularly the unique male and female crab pairings.
The restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience with high prices that many feel are justified by the quality of food and service.
The elegant ambiance and attentive service create a refined atmosphere ideal for special occasions.
What Customers Have to Say
Overall Quality
Overall, Sazenka receives high praise for its exceptional quality of food and service. Reviewers frequently mention the skill of the chef and the unique flavor combinations that elevate traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant's accolades, including Michelin stars, reinforce its reputation as a top dining destination.
Favorite Dishes
Many reviewers rave about the Shanghai crab dishes, especially the crab claws and the unique pairing of male and female crabs. The crab dishes are described as rich and flavorful, showcasing the chef's skill in preparing seafood. Other highlights include the drunken crab and various dim sum options that leave diners wanting more.
Price
The restaurant is considered high-end, with prices typically ranging from ¥50,000 to over ¥100,000 per person. While some find the cost steep, many agree that the quality of the food justifies the price, especially for special occasions.
Ambiance
The ambiance is described as elegant and sophisticated, making it a perfect spot for special celebrations. The restaurant's decor is tasteful, contributing to a luxurious dining experience. Reviewers appreciate the attention to detail in the setting, which enhances the overall enjoyment of the meal.
Vibe
The vibe at Sazenka is upscale and refined, attracting food enthusiasts and those looking for a unique dining experience. The service is noted to be attentive and professional, adding to the overall positive atmosphere of the restaurant.
Sazenka Google Average Rating
4.6
5
Google
Beautiful experience from a chef and staff that care about all the details. From being seated to the final tea and dessert the setting, service and meal are exquisite and overall calming. While mainly seasonal, the chef takes care to tailor to each customer - we learned how much he will change the menu later.
There is less overt fanfare but still there are surprises across the 11 courses and 3 desserts - such as how they present the fish on a hot stone, bring Char siu to table on a small bbq grill, surprise with edamame stuffed Szechuan chicken wings presented in a huge bowl of chilis and spices, juxtapose cold and warm almond pudding. All are fairly traditional recipes but the approach is fun with subtle flair.
It’s a bit more pricey even by 3 Michelin star standards, but you know going in.Extras like water push the limits too. With a less is more approach you are left wanting more, maybe expecting a little more overall but you leave satisfied and totally impressed with the skill and unique flavours.
PS. Dress code is oddly managed. On their web site they say for men not to wear t-shirts, shorts, sandals. To match the ambience and style I would agree even though it was a 30 degrees … but then literally every male customer in the place was wearing t-shirts and/or shorts and/or flip flops! Make the policy clear as in this humid weather I would have loved to not have had to wear a full shirt, trousers and shoes/socks!
There is less overt fanfare but still there are surprises across the 11 courses and 3 desserts - such as how they present the fish on a hot stone, bring Char siu to table on a small bbq grill, surprise with edamame stuffed Szechuan chicken wings presented in a huge bowl of chilis and spices, juxtapose cold and warm almond pudding. All are fairly traditional recipes but the approach is fun with subtle flair.
It’s a bit more pricey even by 3 Michelin star standards, but you know going in.Extras like water push the limits too. With a less is more approach you are left wanting more, maybe expecting a little more overall but you leave satisfied and totally impressed with the skill and unique flavours.
PS. Dress code is oddly managed. On their web site they say for men not to wear t-shirts, shorts, sandals. To match the ambience and style I would agree even though it was a 30 degrees … but then literally every male customer in the place was wearing t-shirts and/or shorts and/or flip flops! Make the policy clear as in this humid weather I would have loved to not have had to wear a full shirt, trousers and shoes/socks!
4
Google
I had to try the original Sazenka in Tokyo to see if it’s the same as the one back home in Bangkok. The answer is definitely yes. The ingredients over here are so much better.
4
Google
Needless to say, as a michelin level restaurant the course is well planned with the Japanese Chief's deep understanding of Chinese tea and food. The waitress was not just serving the dishes but also delighted our dinner with a relaxing experience. The dishes and tea combination, as the essence of Chinese food culture, came together and created amazingly lasting taste experience.
Overall, the taste of the dishes is similar to Huaiyang Suisine, one of the Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine, which a little bit thin to me.
Overall, the taste of the dishes is similar to Huaiyang Suisine, one of the Four Great Traditions in Chinese cuisine, which a little bit thin to me.