Sai Sushi Sake - Maltkiln Lane

I very highly recommend Sai for very special occasions of your very special someone. If you go there, you should expect it would take at least 2 hours to finish your meal. If you want something quick, this is not your place (I think there's a KFC just a few block away). Yes, if you are reading this and wondering why my review starts like this, I read some neutral/negative reviews on Yelp and had to say something. I also do not disagree that servers play important roles in guest satisfaction. I actually agree 300% if not more. But I personally appreciate direct communications with chefs more than anything else as they know the food they serve more than anyone else. Mr. Saito is a very truthful and honest person, so just ask away if you have any questions. He also trusts his only employee which I really liked. He was always so attentive and I never needed to ask water refills, etc., at all. I don't get why someone demands hiring servers when he is doing this great. I'd rather ask him not to (hire servers). haha As a solo diner myself (most usually), I do understand someone's disappointment about Sai's not taking solo diners. But they have only 4 seats and most people who go there do so to celebrate something with someone (takes 2 of the 4 seats), so if they take a solo diner, they are likely to waste 25% of the seats they have. I do support their decision, and also hope that whoever posted that review gets a chance to experience Sai's private dining experience one day!So, I was there to celebrate the birthday of a very good friend of mine. Sai was in a very short list of places she wanted to try. I was so fortunate that I checked Tock right after someone cancelled their reservation for the very right day (my friend's bday), apparently.I wouldn't comment on the food we were offered. They were all good! I generally agree to what Michael S said on Yelp.I really hope to be back here again some day (I'm in SF Bay Area, so it's not very easy)!Oh, Yelp demands me talk about the ambiance... Ok, it was awesome! (Well, I'm copying my own review on Yelp basically).

I saved all year year to take my boyfriend here for his birthday, and it was well worth it. The meal was beautiful and delicious. Everything tasted so fresh, and Chef Saito was so kind, and made us feel welcomed. This is splurge, but it is a very special place.

This was hands down, the best sushi I have ever tasted. The best service I've ever experienced for Sushi as well. Every single dish left me rolling the taste around, trying to prolong the savoring of every bite. Fish that I was not particularly fond of from previous experiences elsewhere were served, and I was blown away with how good it all was. I never thought that I would have told everyone how delicious Mackerel was, but I sure did after eating Sai's impressive creations.

Hole in the wall. Ok for taquerias, not a good sign for sushi places. Was really rushed, only people there and chef wasn't really that into it. Food was just ok and was really pricey for what you got.

The food and atmosphere was very nice, but it's a bit too expensive.