Food: The menu is almost endless at Sai Gai, you have a choice of taking rounds at the buffet which features a bit of everything or you can order from the menu an array of Japanese dishes. For sushi lovers, there’s a menu of single item sushi rolls or sushi based dishes, but for the real treat Sai Gai features several hibachi grill tables. Hibachi dinners come with a complimentary house salad and a bowl of Miso Soup.
Prices: Appetizers range from $3.50 for age tofu (that’s fried tofu) to the sushi sampler for $6.95. Dinner from the hibachi grill ranges from $9.95 for a mixed vegetable dish to $20.95 for lobster tail and steak. Plates of single sushi ranges from $1.75-$2.00 Along with your meal comes options such as steam or fried rice and grilled shrimp from the grill at no additional cost.
Drinks: If you want something strong to swig down your dinner, a mix cocktail will run you $3.50. If you prefer top shelf (“brand name” as it appears on the menu) liquor it’ll run you slightly more. The cocktail is a single liquor and single chase. Mix drinks vary by the amount of shots needed to complete the recipe. In running through some of their mixed drink choices, they appear to be priced accordingly to other bars. Cold Sake is $3.50 for a small jar, and the large jar is $8.50.
This tip will cost you nothing-- go easy on the Sake!
Décor: Inside Sai Gai is pretty much what you would imagine, from Japanese wall art and motifs, to bamboo colored wood and wall coverings. The tables are black squares with enough room for the chef to slide in his prep table, as he cooks in front of you on the grill located at your table. The hoods over the grills are stainless steel which gives a modern look to the otherwise traditional Japanese look around the room. The bar is enclosed in a Japanese hut and houses everything needed to satisfy your thirst.
Downside: Though the menu has various items to choose from for non-meat eaters, all dishes are prepared on the same grill. Some vegetarians may not be able to stomach food cooked along side meat.
Overall: Aside from the Sake and the in depth menu, the real gem of Sai Gai is in the presentation. The chef preparing your food is not only a chef, but also an entertainer. Something resembling the solo Japanese version of the Blue Man Group, the chef tosses eggs around on a spatula without cracking them, sheers the fat from food with precision with a knife tucked in his holster and taps a tune on the table as he seasons the food. Onion volcanoes, fire fountains and quirky jokes also lend to the amazement. Sai Gai is definitely a must see!
Sai Gai Traditional Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar
7523 Granby St, Norfolk (Ward's Corner)
757-489-4521
Lunch: Monday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Dinner: Sunday - Thursday: 4:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 4:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Please log in to comment