Will Mroz
Amazing Experience Everytime. The service is top notch Everytime alongside with the elevated dining experience. The food is the best in the Champaign Urbana Area. If you are a student and want to try the best sushi you will have come to sakanaya.
Had the dynamite roll and the spicy tuna roll and they taste so fresh and are perfect. Pairing it with the spicy tuna crispy rice is a great duo. Recommend this place highly
… moredragonlion
Tried various rolls and other entrees with sake. Everything was really good. Lots of options on the menu and all had prices that were very reasonable. We ordered the OMG rolls (shrimp, shrimp tempura) and it came with the best surprise: it was on fire. Literally. It was an unexpected and cool touch and definitely enhanced the experience and dish as the roll got progressively smokier. Very cool seating for a place like Champaign as they have a second entrance with a completely different dining room— as you’ll see in some big city restaurants. Overall a good pick if you’re looking for somewhere nicer. Would recommend making reservations on busier days.
… moreJack Krahel
Got the Playgirl roll, tuna poke bowl, and edamame.
Playgirl roll was gas. So good. 10/10. Tuna poke was ok, nothing special, would still eat it. Edamame was a great starter. Came out piping hot and salty, just what you would ask for.
… moreAmy Yon
My favorite spot on campus! The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff are super friendly. The Dynamite Roll is my personal favorite. The crunch gives the best texture. If you’re craving sushi, Sakanaya definitely the spot.
… moreSteven Wu
Wonderful restaurant! I hosted my birthday dinner here and it was absolutely amazing with delicious sushi, flavorful curry, and awesome noodles!
… moreTeresa
Food is pretty good, shrimp shumai were delicious. I got a roll, only note is the pieces would be cut a bit smaller in order to fit into your mouth entirely, were a bit too chunky. Everytime I go there is a wait however, no matter what day or time it is, which is a bit annoying. Reservation definitely recommended. Went on my birthday and they brought out a complimentary birthday dish, which was adorable and honestly a favorite. Overall best sushi spot on campus though.
… moreStephanie Yang
Great experience! The rolls were huge and tasty. The server was also very quick and always ready to help us out if we needed anything. We had a group of 6 and they were very accommodating for us and split the bill perfectly.
… moreJames Park
Had a great time at Sakanaya! I got the Kamikaze Roll and it was super tasty—really fresh and full of flavor. You can tell they use quality ingredients. The vibe in the restaurant was really chill and inviting too, which made the whole experience even better. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for good sushi and a nice spot to hang out.
… moreBill
Sakanaya remains a nostalgic favorite from college days. The Willis Tower roll was just as satisfying as ever, layered with unique flavors and textures in every bite. The Aburi nigiri, especially the seared scallop and salmon, were rich and flavorful with a nice char, though the sushi rice could have used a touch more vinegar and softness. Overall a solid and enjoyable experience, and always a treat to revisit while on campus.
… moreR S
Sakanaya is a great choice for sushi in Campustown Champaign. The seating is a little tight but the service is excellent. In fact, the service might be a little too fast at times when plates pile up on your table because the earlier courses haven’t been finished before the next arrives.
If I have one real criticism it’s that some of the servings of sashimi are a little too large. They really should be more bite-sized, especially when you’re not cutting them up with a knife and fork. But the quality was pretty high, and the portion size contributes to a sense of good value.
… more