Sakana Japanese Dining

A good Japanese restaurant, very conveniently located that you can sit outside where it was very quiet and not hot. In principle, a decent menu, everything was fresh, but for some reason the sushi was very small, no, it was tasty but small. They cook quickly, an interesting system of self-ordering. In general, it's good for 4 stars.

Dropped by Sakana Japanese Dining with a friend for lunch on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. The place is super convenient—right on the ground floor of Suria KLCC, behind Dome and overlooking the KLCC pool (very close to the Mandarin Oriental). We loved that you could choose to sit inside or go for the al fresco area with a view of the park. Not crowded at all during our visit, which made for a really relaxing meal. This restaurant is very clear about being halal—no pork, no lard, and all the sauces and vinegar are halal-certified (even the mirin and rice vinegar are JAKIM-approved from Japan). The chef, Makoto Saito Sam, has a super impressive background—he’s trained in top places around the world and was even named a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador in 2025. He’s managed to keep the menu authentic while making it totally Muslim-friendly. We kept it simple since we’d had a late breakfast: Edamame (RM 15): Classic, lightly salted, and great for snacking while you chat. Salmon Kama (Grilled Fish Collar) (RM 38): Super juicy and flavourful, especially with the lemon and grated radish on the side. Chicken Teriyaki (RM 35): Tender chicken, sweet-savoury glaze, fresh salad on the side—can’t go wrong. Aburi Salmon Nigiri (RM 38): Five pieces, perfectly torched. The fish was so fresh, it basically melted in the mouth. The vibe here is cozy and chill, especially if you can get a seat by the window with the park view. Service was friendly and quick—staff checked in just enough without being overbearing. Nice bonus: if you order a set, you get free refills on miso soup, rice, and onsen egg. Perfect For… This spot is great for family outings, business lunches, or a casual meal with friends. There’s even a private space for bigger groups if you need it. Anything to Improve? The menu’s not huge, and a couple of popular items were out when we were there. It’s also on the pricier side, so maybe save it for a treat or special occasion. Overall Thoughts If you’re after fresh Japanese food, a peaceful spot, and halal assurance, Sakana really delivers. Prices are a bit high and the menu is focused, but the quality and experience make it worth it. Would definitely recommend, especially for anyone looking for authentic Japanese in KL!