Poor service and organization, dirty dishes, mediocre food, and an owner who wont take responsibility for mistakes. They need to shape up on basics before trying to be trendy with a robot server that doesnt work. Check out the other 1 star reviews and expect long wait times.---My mom and I ordered the Negi Hama roll and White Tiger roll for lunch today, and they wouldnt take our order at the counter. Okay, no problem. We scanned the QR code at our table, but had to go back in to order anyways since there wasnt a cash option.Just ordering shouldnt have so much unnecessary struggle, but we were still in good spirits. That is, until we waited over 30 minutes with no word on our food. Not to mention how their food delivering robot was stuck at the door repeating somethings in my way! for at least 15 minutes. I watched an adjacent table wait that entire time for their dim sum, which was trapped inside the robot. Staff and the owner were inside but no one did anything about it.We watched others who had come long after us get their food, so my mom decided to go in and ask about our order. When the owner finally brought our sushi out, there was no ginger, a sauce dish had an old piece of dried scallion stuck to it, and the White Tiger roll ($17!) was missing an entire ingredient (no avocado). My mom asked for chopsticks, and was understandably frustrated about the overall poor experience (she could have handled her temper better as well). The owner retaliated saying this is a no-service restaurant, and that we could either sit and eat our food or get a refund. We ate our incorrectly made food and watched him serve other tables at the no-service restaurant. I regret not opting for the refund.---Advice for the owner:1) Put up signs explaining how to order and what to expect. Have more patience for the elderly locals in Alameda.2) If you make a mistake, apologize and try to make things better instead of blaming the customer. We understand how busy the lunch rush can get; we just want to be treated like human beings.3) If you see your robot struggling, help it! Its not as cute when its repeating its distress calls ad infinitum.
Excellent food. Ive been to some subpar dim sum places, but the dim sum here was straight delish. I also ordered a katsu curry plate, and that was also very very yummy. Some establishments water down the curry and it becomes a bit soupy. Not SAGA! It paired perfectly with my rice and tonkatsu.The only downside is the online ordering experience. When I saw the kind of food SAGA was offering, I was so excited that I graciously volunteered to buy lunch for my entire family that day. We picked out the things we wanted and I went online to order it. Unfortunately, the online DoorDash portal only allowed delivery (no pickup), and I lived too far for delivery... So I had to drive there before ordering, and had to wait for 30 minutes outside for the food to be made :(Mina told me that they are working on their in-house online ordering system so this should not be a problem in the future. When that launches, I will certainly be ordering again and will likely update my rating to 5 stars ;DLooking forward to being back!!
This was our second try and the ramen is just really disappointing. Stay away from the ramen and everything else is pretty good. Two stars because it is just overpriced. Way too much money for the quality, quantity and non existent service.
The newest hidden gem in Alameda! SAGA serves sushi, bentos, dim sum, and more. You can order online at the counter, and there is seating outside and next door.I ordered the tekka don which came with 3 types of high quality tuna sashimi (akami, chutoro, and negitoro). To be honest, I didn’t expect this level of quality since this restaurant is in a pretty low key area in Alameda. If you’re in Alameda and you’re looking for some quick and quality sushi, then I would highly recommend! I will for sure be coming back to try out the kaisen don and omakase set.
COVID restrictions gone too far. The ordering experience was completely frustrating - you order completely on an app and you can’t even access the menu without providing personal info. The app then asks you to pay with a tip for not interacting with anyone and the food being delivered on this weird robot. Sushi was basic and with such an frustrating overall experience- I don’t recommend.
The food is consistently amazing! But I wanted to especially shoutout the restaurant staff. I ordered a DoorDash, and my driver forgot half my order.. So someone from the restaurant personally drove out to bring it to me!! Coming out of surgery today and unable to drive, this was a HUGE blessing! But beyond that, all of their food is especially delicious, fresh, and arrives the perfect texture. Thank you SAGA Kitchen! That really made my day (and tummy happy!).
The food is pretty decent and I love the sandos. I especially love the overall concept of a mini dining hall with multiple vendors in a small space. The robot is great. My only gripe is just how super noisy it is inside, the HVAC system is very loud so you cant really have a conversation indoors. Get one of the few outdoor tables or order to go.
Excellent sushi. Good prices. Robot waiter. What else can you ask for?
Fresh tasting fish (omakase=chefs choice), friendly owner/sushi chef, robots for the kids, what more could one ask for...
This place was so fun! They have lots of options for food, so everyone will find something. The inside is so cute and pretty. And your food gets delivered by a little cat robot which is so fun. I wish I lived closer - Id go here all the time!
Im giving 5 stars to raise the avg score.This place is about 4.7 in my rating strictly speaking about the sushi.This is not the high profile Omakase places like Utzutzu in the area but quality comes pretty close, not requiring weeks in advance reservations for $100+ per person menu.Comparing quality to local places in Alameda such as Yokohama, Yojimbo, Sushi House - SAGA has chutoro, ottoro, negitoro and offers uni for topping in Kaisen Don and Omakase that the other three dont have. So definitely one scale higher than those places.Ive also noticed they ferment the sushi longer (granted it was intended) than other places. Hence the texture could be more mushy, but I enjoyed this. Some of the most innovative Omakase places Ive been to experiment with different days of fermentation and allowed for tasting to compare the texture of the same fish meat. So Ive learned to appreciate the difference in that sense.Within the same league as SAGA, there is Hashigawa in the area. They have better aesthetics on the sushi but thats pretty much it. Its 4.3 on my scale because I prefer more fermentation. I find SAGA to be more unique and the 20% off first 5 order promotion through the app gives me better bang for the buck. Like the other reviewer said, its a gem in the neighborhood for sushi lovers if they are consistant with the quality.I also saw others ordering sushi + ramen, or karaage, etc. So you get more options. Im skeptical of places doing too many things outside of their specialty, but at least the ramen and fried menu looked enticing enough. So Ill be trying that combination out next time (hopefully by then they can fix the issue with applying the promotion code on their app).Update 11/14/2021 - Been here now 3 times. Beats all competitors in Alameda in every aspect. Rice is better, fermentation is great, sauces are good and their Omakase menu was best bang for the buck Ive seen in the area. Prob now the best Sushi place in Alameda in its league.Their Tonkotsu Ramen broth was flavorful and love their packaging separating soup from the noodles and chashu. Their curry goes great with rice and Tonkatsu was thick and well fried.Will continue exoloring their dimsum menu.
Good food but not a good restaurant. Definitely needs to have actual servers. The robot is just an excuse to save on labor cost but at the major cost of dining experience. You cant ask for dine in prices for fast food service.
Through a Yelp Elite Event, I visited the SAGA Kitchen. My fellow yelpers and I received a complimentary bowl of Ramen noodles. We were given a choice to pick one of the five items listed on their special menu. I decided to get the House Tonkotsu Ramen, which consisted of broth, Ramen noodles, two slices of pork belly, fish cake, seasoned bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, boiled egg and green scallions. Also in a separate container were two veggie dumplings.Not only does this business has noodles to slurp, but also dim sum from the Yue Club, sushi from Sachi, Japanese entrees from Koharu. The menu is one of Asian fusion.They have expanded to include a dining area. The ambiance is comfy and casual. My guesstimate is the dining area can hold about 20 people.If one wants more information on what SAGA Kitchen has to offer, download their app. I was there back about 8-1/2 months ago for a YEE. I had the dim sum sampler, which was quite delicious.Check them out. The food is great.
Ordered tonkats, beef kats sando. Both are very tough to eat. I couldn’t eat after couple bites. Unfortunately both are taste pretty bad. The side pickle and salads has weird hand wash soap taste. Also pictures on online and actual food look so different. So disappointed.
As with all things food I basically do whatever Kenji Lopez-Alt tells me to do and this recommendation did not disappoint. Likely one of the best Tonkatsu Ive had outside of Japan. The sushi is fresh, gorgeous, and as tasty as it looks!
Cozy asian restaurant with a unique gen Z vibe. The ramen and sushi were great 😊
Beware of paid reviews, as this place regularly have influencer events. I ended up going in the middle of one. They completely forgot my order and told me it would take only 15 minutes to fill it. DO NOT USE THEIR WEBSITE, use doordash! They have trouble with their own site, mixing up the menus.It ended up taking over an hour to get our food. They keep stringing you along, pretty much everyone waiting for upset because they kept telling every one it was going to take 5 minutes more even though they knew it would take longer. I told them I understand waiting, but they gotta set expectations way better, so at least I can go somewhere instead of waiting.The katsu sando I ordered became cold after sitting there for 20 minute, but they gave me attitude saying I saw them put it on the counter just 5 minutes prior.They missed things in the order too, I didnt get any sauce or utensils with my katsu donburi. Definitely not worth coming back.
Best Tonkatsu! Get the kutobura katsu sando or the curry rice with Tonkatsu. Both are amazing. Super crispy batter and tender pork. Restaurant is hella cute and has plenty of seating outside and inside. Pick up for takeout is easy and quick. Folks are always friendly.
Very friendly staff, very mediocre food. Broth is terrible, didnt solidify in the fridge which is a sign it wasnt made right, no crab in the crab rice, just not worth the money,get it together, saga.
Really cute place and nice staff. Robot cat stops serving food at 7:50, they start closing up at 8pm but they officially close at 8:30.
These wonderful people are gracious and that means a lot to me...Their food is delicious from a Bento to steamed shrimp dumplings to their pot stickers to Ckn teriyaki to the Best fried oysters to soup and keep rollin! Gre, did I mention how clean and beautiful they send you off with boxes wrapped nicer than Christmas gifts !!!Ya gotta go Ck em out!!! Mina is just a fantastic talker who actually listens to this ole bat😊 and I LUV SAGA
This place was good. The portion sizes could be bigger but there is not complaints. The way the restaurant is set up is very unique and intuitive. The variety of food is really great.
California Roll was on point!!! Craft beer and sake!!! Let’s gooo. Teriyaki chicken was 🔥 as well. Plus easy ordering system.
Get a Katsu sandwich, holy heck is so goooooood
Awesome food an fast service :D Will definitely return. I was there to get takeout but saw their cool robot that delivers food as well-very neat.
Absolutely great place to have a relaxed meal 🥘 before heading home.
Cool vibes with great food and a dope atmosphere
Weird restaurant. Would definitely recommend to people who want more followers than sense.
Delicious food. Robot server. This amazing Japanese beer!
Yummy
Best hidden gem in Alameda for sure! It’s definitely worth stopping by.
Extremely good sushi. The sushi chef was very friendly!
The sushi was really good and worth the wait.
Delicious!!! Best place in Alameda for dim sum.
Have to use an app to order. Never works
Order from all 4 menus at same time
Amazing food and people!
Good food!!
Tasty dimsum
Total reviews rating 4
49 Reviews for SAGA Kitchen 2024:
Review №1
2023-11-26 19:46:34The food here is good, but theyre totally overwhelmed by their delivery orders. You order and pay upfront from your phone and for the service too, which is done by a robot (super fun if youre with kids). No one comes to check on you and ask you if you need anything, you clear your own table, so whats the 20% service fee for? And the wait is long, the food does not come out together either, so its awkward for the dining group. I would not recommend eating here (as in in the dining room), but Im sure its fine for delivery, it looks like thats what their priority is anyway. I wish they would be upfront about that when guests walk in.
Review №2
2022-06-13 06:42:34SAGA is a great little, family-run restaurant with an interesting concept - 4 restaurants in one. It’s got a solid ramen offering, deliciously fresh sushi bowls, and even dim sum. Best of all, they’ve got a robot delivery cart that certainly starts a conversation. They’ve got limited outdoor seating and 2 buildings side-by-side with indoor seating.
Review №3
2023-04-11 21:46:32Would I come back? Maybe not.WAS THE FOOD GOOD? No. DonBuri and the Ramen was just not it fam.Katsu sando good though.The robot? Cool and cute lmao.LISTEN, the food we tried, the don buri and the ramen, was just not it. For nearly around $20+, go to a specialize ramen or Japanese restaurant for that in Berkeley or SF or something. The Katsu sando, however, was good tho.The DonBuri was more of a Scrambled egg and ground beef over rice, barely seasoned, and 80% rice. The ramen didnt taste fresh for the price, and was just nahhh.
Review №4
2023-01-22 03:39:54I waited a long time to try and finally made it. Wish I could say good things but overall, I was disappointed. Ebi Fry Bento had only one Ebi Fry instead of two as shown in the photo. Soboro and egg didnt have an authentic Japanese taste, kinda dry, buttery taste. I liked the raumen container which separated the broth, but the taste was so-so and the chashu was dry. Hamachi negi and Ikura sushi tasted good but fell apart. I think I liked the shumai the best but even that doesnt compare to other dimsum houses in Alameda. Maybe better if eaten at the restaurant and not take out.
Review №5
2022-09-18 22:29:46I’ve been here several times. Each time the food was excellent and the service was friendly. It’s a food hall where from one counter you can order dim sum, sushi, Japanese street food or ramen. We’ve tried several options of everything except the ramen. The ingredients are fresh and high quality and the food is well prepared. Most of the food is delivered by a robot waiter - this experience was novel and cute for me but I can see others disagreeing. I’ll be back for sure!
Review №6
2022-02-07 02:09:19My friends and I got together to try out SAGA today, and got into the discussion of what our star ratings actually mean.A 5 star means that its a go-to, the first on top of our mind for food in a category, and hits all three of my worth it triangle perfectly (cost, value, and taste). A 4 star is a place that is good, not as great of a value, but worth at least one go. Thats exactly what this place is.With the Pork Cutlet sandwich being $16 and the roll being $17, it definitely is Bay Area pricing. The two were good, but if they were something lower like $12 for the sandwich and maybe $14 for the roll, it would be a lot more worth it. However, I understand rent and paying people is high. The food was good, but Id probably only go back if there was something new or new friends wanted to try it.The staff was super helpful! 5/5 there. The little robot-cat thing that drives around is kind of loud and we never personally used it, but I can see how its helpful for them.A great place to try, but not worth going a second time (for myself).
Review №7
2021-04-11 21:50:05This spot is located in the corner of Lincoln and Grand. There’s limited parking outside the cafe/kitchen but it’s ok because right now they’re only doing take-outs/pick-ups and delivery. FYI, they do have three table settings outside the cafe....My first time here. The place has different restaurants that are co-located that you can order from at the same spot.We got the bento box from Gokiyoi, it had a variety of protein inside like fish, meat ball, egg, I think it had chicken and spicy noodle. Loved it all, would’ve tasted better if it the food was hot. But still tasty.We also ordered Curry Rice w/Ebi, Fried Tofu w/Shrimp, Matcha and Hong Kong Style Tea. Love, love, love the fried tofu! Though I tasted mostly shrimp, I still loved it, love how it was crispy on the outside and meaty inside. For dessert we had 2 samples of the Artisan Macaron one of them was Cherry Blossom. It was ok, not too sweet, taste like a regular macaroon.We want to give a shout out to Harry where we “experienced tea!” He was a delight! Very funny! Very knowledgeable about the tea as well! Keep that motivation Harry!!!
Review №8
2022-10-01 23:47:44Came here with two others on a Saturday afternoon for lunch. It is self-seating and has stations to get your own utensils and dump your leftovers after. This spot has outdoor and indoor seating and two entrances. You may order from your phone (after scanning QR), self order machine in the right building, or you can walk up to the counter in the main entrance. We tried a little bit of everything since there were different kinds of Asian cuisines all in one. I was the most skeptical about the dim sum, but it easily became my favorite. The shui mai is larger than most and was very meaty & tasty! I didn’t care much for the Shanghai dumplings but the har gao was good too - thin skin 👍🏻katsu sandwich was overpowered by the sauce but was a lot to eat so we took those home. Sushi was fresh and beautifully displayed. Ramen was underwhelming but the egg was deliciously cooked and flavored. Fried tofu skin was solid and definitely generous on the shrimps inside. Shanghai bao, karaage, and lava yolk buns were just ok. Definitely want to return because it is such a cute spot with lots of Supreme, Murakami, Kaws decor. Parking wasn’t hard to find and friendly service.
Review №9
2022-05-14 20:58:32I was visiting the Bay and decided to go to a 5 star rated sushi restaurant and thats how I found SAGA. It is worth 6 stars! Without a doubt the best sushi Ive had in a decade. The restaurant experience was nice and even though they had one of those delivery robots the indoor exclusive was really nice and comfortable. I would go here all the time if I could!
Review №10
2022-08-13 00:21:37I ordered through DoorDash and google said Id have to wait 45 minutes but i got the ready! note within 20, which was greatly appreciated, still being on the clock. The first thing I saw was this adorable little red bow on my lotus wraps. Little touches, yknow? My Ramen was delicious and big and full of happy flavors, and the staff was pleasant and quick to attend to me when I showed up at the door. Nice place; Id go with friends to get our slurps on.