Sai Cafe
2010 N. Sheffield

The Basics

Where you’ll find it: 2010 N. Sheffield, just north of Armitage. (773) 472-8080.

When it’s open: 4:30-11 p.m. Monday thru Thursday; 4:30-midnight Friday and Saturday; 3:30-10 p.m. Sunday.

Reservations: Not required, but recommended during peak times.

What you’ve heard: Great neighborhood sushi restaurant that’s been around for years with an extensive a la carte sushi and maki roll menu.

Visual Aids

First impressions: Very warm and inviting. ... We were greeted almost immediately by their friendly staff and even had the owner come to our table and welcome our party. ... One thing we observed right away was that they had some very loyal patrons — their staff is on a first-name-basis with many of their customers.

The atmosphere: A laid-back, intimate setting with some locals having dinner at the bar (watching the game on the flat screen) in the front of the restaurant and larger parties in the back rooms. ... Great first-date atmosphere.

The Experience

At your service: Service here was outstanding. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted not only by their host and waitstaff, but also the owner, and if you eat or walk by the sushi bar, you are greeted with a Japanese “shout out” from the sushi chefs. ... The waitstaff was very attentive, especially given that our party trickled in at different times. They even offered to split our bill up front to make it easier for everyone. ... Our waitress frequently (without being a pest) asked to refill our drinks throughout the night and ensured that our orders were brought out promptly and at the same time — there’s nothing more obnoxious than having someone in your party not yet served. An added bonus to the experience was the hot towel they give you right when you are seated.

Get your drink on: Some of us had wine, while some had Japanese beer. We did notice their Sake menu (hot or cold), which was pretty in-depth. Their wine list, however, wasn’t very extensive.

Menu variety and prices: We’ve heard that their prices have gone up over the years, but they seem pretty comparable to other sushi restaurants we’ve been to in the city. Their maki roll selection was excellent, with some being very unique, and ranged anywhere from $6-$13. We were also impressed by their warm entrée menu, which looked very appetizing, especially the Chilean Sea Bass ($18).

Description of what you did decide on: We started with Edamame (nothing fancy, but something while waiting for the rest of our party to join us). We also enjoyed some very tasty appetizers of Kani-Su, Ahi Poke and Tako Sansai with seaweed salad. The presentation of the Kani-Su (Alaskan red king crab with cucumber) was beautiful and served with lightly sweetened vinegar dressing — very mouth-watering. The Ahi Poke (chopped, tender tuna with a lightly flavored sesame dressing served with a crispy deep-fried chip) was amazing. Finally, the Tako Sansai (octopus and mountain veggie marinated with sesame oil, ordered spicy) was delicious with the seaweed salad. ... We then moved on to an order of Spicy White Tuna Crunch/Halloween rolls. Once again, the presentation was very colorful and appetizing. It looked like a piece of art on a plate and was absolutely delicious — very fresh, with just a bit of tempura crunch on the outside, which made it unique.

Something that caught your eye: The ambience was fantastic. ... It was dimly lit and had the whole zen-décor thing happening, which made it a perfect backdrop. ... The crowd wasn’t too trendy or stuffy; it was a good mix of single 30-somethings, couples and young families.

What you’ll tell your friends: We’d highly recommend this place to anyone, especially friends. ... Great food and atmosphere.

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