SUSHI ZAKU 鮨処 作 OMAKASE - Japanese restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City

I’d heard a lot of good things about Sushi Zaku, and I’m glad I finally went. Located in the second Japanese district, Pham Viet Chan, the main attraction here is their smoked sushi dishes, which are distinctive and absolutely memorable. The dining atmosphere adds to the experience, though the location itself isn’t particularly polished—something to keep in mind. Is it the best spot for a date night? Probably not. But is it worth visiting to try some truly unique dishes? Definitely. While I’m still on the fence overall, I’ll give them five stars for their effort in bringing diversity to the food scene in a country where authenticity can be hard to come by. A commendable contribution.

This restaurant offers a delightful dining experience with fresh, expertly crafted sushi. The intimate atmosphere and attentive service complement the high-quality ingredients. A must-visit for sushi lovers seeking authentic flavors in a cozy setting. Highly recommend!

Visited for omakase, enjoyed it once, today brought my bf and his friends for his birthday dinner. Disappointed with seat arrangements and explanation of "first come first serve" despite reservations. Started the meal in a bad mood. We all had Kyo set (the most expensive one). After 2 courses in silence, we had to request a seat change to actually talk (with agreement from other customers). The head chef's lack of English led us to feeling neglected as he focused on Japanese customers only. Staffs also struggled with communication, explaining dishes only in Vietnamese despite my foreign friends. A few times they didn’t even bother to tell what they were serving and we had to proactively ask. Disappointed with taste, missing the "smoke" signature, and paid $430 for underwhelming courses. First dish with shrimp was cold even it was cooked in miso. Second course with the sashimi was sad, the fish cuts looked like they were just collected from remaining and put together. Chef’s special dish with wagyu and grilled crab was served cold making the wagyu felt overcooked and not enjoyable at all to eat cold crab meat. The hope for a memorable omakase experience was far unmet, leaving me a feeling of guilt for bringing friends along on such a special occasion. This feedback isn't to criticize but to highlight the importance of service in shaping a dining experience. Expect a lot more for a $100+ meal. Hoping the restaurant learns and improves for future customers. Never return.

The best! We love everything about this place. You can feel the passion of the chef! The only recommendation would be to dim the lights in the back. It’s too bright and doesn’t feel so cozy. The outside light in the wall is not necessary. Just the lights on the counter and chef table is enough. The mood of the lighting needs to be a little darker.

There is a new Japanese restaurant, run by a young chef, that specializes in Omakse cuisine. What is more special is the "smoked" theme, with different smoke combinations in different seasons. There is also a la carte menu available in the store. Well worth a try.