Sharaku

I don’t usually bother to write reviews, but Sharaku deserves it. I drove out over an hour and half to try this place and it was absolutely worth it. This has to be one of the most memorable, authentic, and enjoyable sushi if not straight up dining experiences I’ve had in a very long time. The service is fantastic, the atmosphere is perfect, and the way the tables are set up it feels almost private. While I may not have been a fan of every single thing I got, I tried a lot of things and it’s clear the food is made with love and dedication. The staff and the restaurant’s layout is very, very welcoming and intimate. I felt welcome to stay and enjoy the conversations I was having. It’s one of those unique restaurants where you feel like you could spend hundreds of dollars (you definitely don’t have to even come close to that) and it would be absolutely worth every penny and more. Very special experience. I will absolutely be coming back here again.

I hadn’t been to Sharaku in years, but after hearing so many great things recently, I decided it was time to go back — and I was honestly blown away. The quality of the fish was exceptional. The sashimi was some of the best I’ve had in Michigan — incredibly fresh, beautifully presented, and each bite tasted better than the last. You can really tell they take pride in the quality of their ingredients and the care that goes into every plate. The staff was beyond friendly and made the whole experience feel welcoming and relaxed. Between the service, the presentation, and the outstanding fish, it was an amazing meal from start to finish. I will absolutely be returning soon. If you’re looking for truly high-quality sushi in Michigan, Sharaku is a must.

I honestly think this place offers one of the best sushi experiences in the U.S. when it comes to quality for the price. The sushi is incredibly authentic, with a level of quality that’s hard to find anywhere nearby (or even within a 4-5 hr drive). Our favorite omakase, in particular, is an absolute steal 💎. We are sure you would be paying 2-3× more if this were in a larger city. We’re just so grateful to have a place like this❤️ It’s about a 30–40 minute drive from Ann Arbor, but 100% worth it. Ever since discovering this spot, we’ve stopped going to other sushi places around us 😊 Amazing food and service, and our favorite Korean chef is a huge reason we keep coming back again and again 😆

The most authentic Japanese restaurant in town with top-notch food quality! The sushi and sashimi are very fresh, the tempura has the perfect thin, crisp coating, and the shrimp inside was cooked perfectly—very tender, unlike many places where it’s over-fried and becomes chewy. The service could be improved a bit: when we called, they told us there would be about a 30-minute wait. When we arrived, a table was available, but the waiter asked us to wait anyway. When I asked a different waiter, he seated us right away. Also, we ordered two appetizers. The waitress brought them over together but only placed one on the table. We waited a long time for the second appetizer, and it didn’t arrive until we were almost done with our entrées. Despite the minor service issues, the food was excellent. We will definitely go back and recommend this place!

If you love Japanese food, you absolutely have to visit this place! I love the way the restaurant looks, it truly makes you feel like you’re in Japan. The food is incredibly fresh and delicious, the service is super fast, and I think the prices are very fair.

Everything was delicious. Our appetizer, the shrimp and vegetable tempura was the best. The entrees, and the miso soup. Great service and atmosphere, too. I really liked the chicken teriyaki and my boyfriend enjoyed the sushi! He rated the sushi an 8/10 overall. Our server was very friendly.

Absolutely wonderful experience every time... brilliantly presented, authentic, delicious sushi, sashimi, and nigiri! Welcoming, warm and always polite service. Thank you!

Sharaku is a cozy, welcoming spot. We were greeted kindly and seated right away, which set the tone for a great meal. The warm towels at the start were a nice touch. Everything we ordered was super fresh and full of flavor. We asked about a noodle stir fry and ended up with a soup — not what we expected, but it was still tasty. Overall, a great experience

You are greeted (in Japanese) immediately upon walking in and by everyone from the waitstaff to the sushi chefs as well. The layout, decor, and lighting of the restaurant creates a very intimate dining atmosphere. The price may be high however you are paying for quality and authentic Japanese cuisine. You can taste the freshness of the fish and the food is presented beautifully. It is obvious the effort and care that is put into preparing their food.

The only truly authentic Japanese restaurant I could find near our place in Troy, Michigan, after moving here from California. I believe this restaurant has been around for a long time. Lunch specials are super reasonable. Everything is delicious. It is just so great to be able to eat good authentic sushi in Michigan!!! I can't wait to go back there!!!

Expensive fine dining during dinner, reasonable and affordable during lunch! I come here and do take out about once a week for teriyaki salmon lunch special. The quality of fish and veggies never disappoints me. The people I deal with at carry out are super professional and nice. Sometimes I send my child in to pick up and pay and they are very nice to him too. I have had their dinner before and I'm not a fan. Not due to the prices, but I just seem to enjoy the lunch much more. Just a personal preference of course because it tastes the same. I think I just enjoy the lunch environment more. However, the specials they have for dinner can be pretty interesting so always go for those!

My husband and I love this authentic Japanese restaurant! They serve such fresh fish, and the people there are so welcoming and nice. We always have such good service and high quality food there. You can really see the sushi chefs' passion and art through their food and the presentation is top notch. The prices are good for the quality. They have a nice sushi bar and private little rooms if you're having a gathering with friends. My husband and I sometimes get a private room to ourselves!

Came here to celebrate anniversary. Again I was impressed by their service and quality of foods. I enjoyed sushi and miso soup very much.

I had heard good things about this place and overall was happy with the experience. I went on a random week night and the place was packed. We ended up getting a table in the back area. Sushi was tasty and well portioned and soba had great texture and was super tasty. My only gripe, was service took pretty long on the noodles. I have no idea how much goes into the preparation, but we waited 45 minutes for a pile of noodles that get dipped into broth. I felt it was long, but they were delicious. From what I ate, definitely worth another try.

100% authentic Japanese food and 100% fabulous! If only I lived in this city and wasn't just visiting for work travel, I would be a regular at this restaurant. I sent a photo of the menu to my Japanese mother and she said next time I come out here, I have to bring her along from Texas. The sushi was super fresh, the service was what you would expect at a sushi restaurant in Japan which is just the absolute best, most friendly, attentive service ever! The moment you walk in the door, you're welcomed with warm smiles and a friendly "Irasshaimase". Love it. There were so many authentic Japanese dishes on the menu to choose from but dining alone, I couldn't order them all, though I really wanted a little bit of everything. I finally decided on the Chirashi and Kaki-fry. Definitely good choices. I got to try all the different fresh sashimi, the presentation was super cute and the kaki fry was fried to crispy perfection. And just look at the photos! Absolutely perfect! I wanted to try their Chawanmushi (one of my mom's favorites) but guess I'll just have to make a trip back to do so. I wanted ALL the things on their menu. I've been to sushi restaurants all across the US and I must say... this one might actually be one of the best. Even their green tea was on point. Can't tell you how many sushi restaurants serve water downed, luke warm, low quality Japanese green tea. And their miso soup came out pipping hot too! Which is an absolute must. Real Japanese sushi chefs and Japanese servers! You'll feel like you've just crossed over the Pacific to Japan. And you know it's good when the restaurant is packed with patrons and Japanese ones at that. If you like the real deal when it comes to Japanese food, look no further. Plus, their price point is surprisingly affordable! Not like the sushi I paid for in Phoenix last weekend that practically broke the bank.

Great place for authentic Japanese food. Excellent value for lunch. Greeted by our super hospitable waitress, and it reminded me of how it would be done in Japan - service/guest prioritized, frequent checks on how we were doing, respectful. I got the ma bo ramen, which was a yummy mixture of tofu and ground beef. It certainly satisfied the craving for ramen, and the portion size is generous. It was spicy but not too spicy. I could drink the broth as it was not too salty. Ambiance - you know it's authentic when it's only Japanese people or East Asians dining. I like the atmosphere and environment. Not too loud, and tables are spaced such that privacy is ensured despite a public area. Had a "homey" feeling. Not my first time, and it certainly will not be my last.

Food was amazing as always. Service is always fantastic. Servers are attentive, kind and very helpful. This is my favorite sushi restaurant by far

I am so glad I found Sharaku and it was in the same area where we were visiting friends. We went on a Wednesday night pretty late, and it was still relatively busy inside. We sat at the sushi bar in front of Chef Yasu, who was from Okinawa. I was very pleased to find so many authentic dishes on the menu. The evening started with warm wet towels to wipe our hands. I started with saba battera (mackerel pressed sushi in rectangular shape, Osaka-style), which had shiso leaves and ginger pressed in the rice and topped with a sheet of pickled kelp. I also had from the specials "akino" chawanmushi, which had gingko nut, chicken thigh, scallop, shrimp, and kamaboko topped with yuzu peel in a savory egg custard. The chef was intrigued with my palate as I was ordering Japanese favorites. Eric R. got a rainbow roll and scallop nigiri. We both had salmon belly nigiri, and I ordered an uni gunkan. We also ordered the Sharaku roll, which had salmon skin inside, salmon outside, and was topped with ikura, salmon x3! Lots of omega 3s in this meal! We also enjoyed hot tea with our meal, and the staff was very kind in refilling our beverages. As we chatted with Chef Yasu and wrapped up our delicious dinner, he offered us a dessert: mochi stuffed with red bean paste in the style of Niigata prefecture, made by another chef near him. It was very delicious and presented beautifully (see my photo). I would definitely return here if I were back in the area. Itadakimasu!

Literally everything taste good here. You can go wrong even if you order blindly. Usually get their lunch special and bento box. Both are 10/10 in taste, uniqueness and portion. Decided to try the katsudon today. Pork is juicy, tender and well flavored. Well balanced with the soba and other side dishes. Would like to return and try their omakase dinner next time. Also, services is always 10/10. Some of the waitresses don't speak perfect English, but they always greet you with a smile, and very patiently answer all you questions. Definitely the place to try if you want traditional Japanese food!

Food is outstanding and service is always terrific. I love the ambiance because the decor feels Japanese. I lived in Okinawa for two years and have yet to find a Japanese restaurant that I like as much as Sharaku.

Delicious food and tremendous service. Tried everything from karaage to sashimi and everything was so good. Good selection of sake as well. Authentic Japanese restaurant experience. Will go again when in town.

Great food (cold soba + inarizushi). Great service. Quiet and no music that I recall. Love to come back!

Highly impressed! This is the best Japanese food I've had in MI - super fresh and authentic. I've tried both their lunch and dinner menu. The dinner menu is a lot more extensive in terms of options, while the lunch menu is simpler but has special items such as ramen that is not available on the dinner menu. I highly recommend the omakase sushi moriawase which is a chef's assortment of sushi, age dashi, matcha and red bean mochi dessert, soba, and katsudon. The seafood was incredibly fresh. We had a lot of fun trying the different types of fish in the chef's assortment. The age dashi was flavorful with a perfectly crispy and chewy exterior. I was really blown away by the dessert. It was almost too pretty to eat. The mochi exterior had a very high concentration of matcha. It was refreshing to eat after our meal and paired perfectly with the red bean. I have not had a more authentic Japanese dessert outside of Asia in Michigan. The service was top notch even by Asia standards. As soon as we got to our table for dinner, we were immediately provided hot towels to refresh ourselves with, a common practice in Asia. I have never received the hot towels treatment in Michigan. Our server was friendly and quick to clear empty plates and refill our cups of hot water. The aesthetics down to the menu cover and even disposable chopstick style were on point. Love Sharaku. Will definitely be back!

Tip: Call ahead to make a reservation You can tell how popular this place is by looking at the number of people waiting for it to open. Food was phenomenal. Our server was able to accommodate us for a larger table since we ordered a LOT of food. Couldn't stop. This place is authentic. Real gem.

Always listen to a native Japanese when they tell you about a restaurant if you want good food. I hosted a dinner Meetup group there. While there was a little of a mix up about sperate checks, the quality of the service was great. We were in one of the private rooms. Our server gladly took everyone's order and most had multiple items. The food came out as it was prepared, so it was a leisurely pace. He also was good at recommending items when needed. Bring to-go boxes when asked. Everyone one enjoyed the food. We were there on a Saturday night and it stormed heavily enough to cause the lights to go off 3 times. The staff handle those with grace. All of our members thanked me for setting this dinner up. A local TV station had this place on during their local shows on Olympic games to show authentic Japanese food after our visit. So you probably will need to make reservations to make sure you get a table.

One of the best restaurants in Michigan. The best Sushi, incredibly fresh. The small plates are all innovative and really good. Ken, the operator is a gracious host.

First time trying this restaurant and was immediately impressed. I dined in with a group of 7 and our waitress was so friendly and attentive. My friend made a reservation in advance, which was a good idea since they were quite busy! I ordered the chirashi and loved every single bite. Even the miso soup that came with my dish tasted super authentic. I would highly recommend trying out this Sharaku! The food was top notch, amazing service, and the atmosphere was perfect - what more can you ask for?

This was my 2nd visit. Food was excellent and the price is very good. I had Chirashi at lunch which sashimi pieces on the top of rice were thick and better than some sushi restaurant in Japan. Chirashi price was 30-35% less than one in LA area. This restaurant is in the vicinity of Detroit. I visit there definitely whenever I'm in that area.

Excellent Japanese restaurant with great hospitality and service. Authentic sushi with great taste. The lunch menu is very reasonable priced, but excellent foods. Highly recommended.

Authentic as it gets! I feel like I'm back in Japan. Very accommodating service. Everything is extremely fresh and they get all the little things perfectly right.

We haven't been here in years and man, was it good! We wanted to order everything! We got the soft shell crab appetizer, miso marinated flounder, salmon + sushi teriyaki combo, and sushi tokujo. Our meals came with miso soup and salad to share. Service was great and so was the food! Can't wait to go back!

The food was excellent, service spectacular and ambience was wonderful. Most authentic Japanese restaurant in West Bloomfield. I highly recommend!!!

Food service ambience all great very authentic Japanese food always fresh and delicious

One of the most authentic places around! Every year we come to Michigan and visit family this is a must stop! The lunch specials are great and the flavor of food is authentic and homely. The broth in their soup is tasty. I have attached some photos of the Tempura Udon and Tendon lunch specials. Coming from sunny California and visiting a cloudy Michigan, this place brightened my Asian spirit.

Authentic. Exceptional. Delicious. Inauspiciously located in West Bloomfield, MI and despite its humble appearances Sharaku is serious about its craft. Exceptional execution and premier quality this traditional Japanese restaurant is a must try for traditional sushi aficionados. Attentive service and delicious eats.

At last, authentic and excellent Japanese cuisine. We drove two hours from Grand Rapids just to have lunch here. From the greetings to the aroma and presentation everything was spot on. And then the flavors; so nuanced, delicate yet assertive. The noodles were freshly made and the sashimi of high quality. I love this place.

my favorite Japanese restaurant in town. lunch special is great! May need to go early to get a seat.

this is a very authentic Japanese restaurant that has both a general seating area and private dining rooms. The food is reminiscent of what you would actually find in Japan. The sushi chefs are real experts and classically trained. Highly recommend

Awesome little Japanese spot. Excellent service and exactly the sushi/nigiri experience we were hoping for. Will be back very soon!

Food was average, but prices were too expensive for the size of the roles and not that good. I may seek for another place. Also their menu is very confusing

My husband took me for a short notice plan dinner date at this authentic Japanese cuisine place. It was a new to me place to dine but for him it was few times already. Because he used to live in Novi area. Reception service: We called to make a reservation and glad they are not that busy that night and we can just walk - in. The person who welcome us, he is friendly. He accommodated us right away as there was a table for two was available. Service : The servers were look presentable as they wearing a black uniform outfit and always wearing a mask. Our server is very attentive to us. Checked on us every 10 min. The Manager is at Genba throughout while we were dining. Food: Menu listing, everything on the list all looks delicious. Price point , above average... a little pricey but good. The quality of food definitely exceed my expectation. Ambiance: Interior design, It feels like you are in Japan.. Small entry way but good enough. Sushi bar is so classy and clean. Sushi chefs are so friendly and entertaining as well. Overall: Sharaku is one of the few not just serving authentic Japanese food but staffed by American based Japanese. You are able to experience an almost similar Japanese atmosphere in Japan. Definitely a recommended for an authentic Japanese experience. We are going back for sure. And lastly we enjoyed the unlimited hot tea while and after our dinner. Happy customers here!

Great sushi, atmosphere is incredible, especially given the view from outside isn't too impressive. Hot towels are a great touch. Sushi is high quality, could be bigger for the price. Service is great! I want to try more off of the menu besides their sushi.

Delicious authentic Japanese food, the service was excellent and the atmosphere was lovely. 10/10 would recommend.

Some the best sushi I had in years really raised the bar in the Metro Detroit area. I've been to many places and just from this one experience I really believe they stand with the best.

Stumbled across this place by accident and wow, this could be one of the most authentic sushi places I've been to since I moved to Michigan. From the atmosphere, the decor, the vibe, the menu, the service, the food, everything. The menu is quite huge so I had a hard time deciding what I want because everything looks so good. You don't look for fusion sushi rolls with cream cheese and spicy mayo. Nothing wrong with that, but this is certainly not the place for it. Instead, you will want to go for authentic fresh nigiri and Japanese appetizers and dishes from their kitchen. They have an omakase option which is more simple than other Omakase I've tried but the price was really affordable too. The Omakase includes 6 nigiri, 2 gunkan (uni and ikura), and two 6 pcs maki (salmon & tuna) for two (so double that). The fish was exquisite. So fresh, meaty, and tasty. As it was not a lot of food, we order a bunch on the side including chawan mushi (which cutely has a sad face, I think it was a coincidence), salmon head (it's been SO LONG since I find any place that serves this so I was very happy to find it), and oyster salad. The salmon head was my favorite of all the other kitchen things we ordered. If you never tried salmon head, I recommend you give it a try! It may not sound appetizing, but this is perhaps the fattiest, juiciest, most tender part of the salmon. The part closer to the head and cheeks are butter-like, but the part approaching the body will be meatier just like the flesh. I won't recommend ordering too much because you can feel sick from eating too much, but seriously as long as you don't overstuff yourself you will find yourself coming back for more each time. The price is very reasonable for the quality and quantity that you get.

Amazing restaurant. Staff is so friendly and great service every time I dine here. LOVE the food!

We stopped by for lunch and had a great time. The ramen was so tasty and they had miso broth as an option which was a huge plus. We also tried the katsu curry. Slightly on the small side for the protein but tons of curry. Both were very good lunch portions. Really friendly service. I can't wait to go back and try more, especially dinner. People around us were ordering sushi and it looked amazing.

Sushi was really really good. Especially the rolls, very authentic and tasty. Peoples was so nice. They work with pride.

It's been a LONG time since I've been to a sushi establishment as authentic and formidable as Sharaku. We came for my birthday dinner and were ALL brimming with anticipation. We were greeted at the door by (maybe) the owner. He was gracious and welcoming. The sushi chefs also greeted us, and we were sat immediately having made a reservation. It was funny to watch all the regulars enviously peek around the entry corner to see if the big table where we were at was still open. I imagine this place has quite a loyal local following! Based on the hosting staff's manners alone this place was exemplary. They brought the traditional hot towels to the table for us to refresh our faces and clean our paws before handling the delights they'd bring. The sushi was impeccable and perfectly executed staying in line with more traditional options. You won't find a "Spicy Subaru roll" here. Be thankful of that. Enjoy the sushi for what it's meant to be. Their other offerings are also meticulously authentic. I'd highly recommend the soft shell crab. It was a table favorite. I mostly stayed in my sushi lane for my first visit here but I'm looking forward to running up here after work to sit at the sushi bar and order until my hearts content. The sake service, their expediters and their servers were all on point and apps that were ordered were brought in volleys rather than all landing on our table at once. It was a really nice experience with a nice relaxing flow to it all. Next time we'll think of reserving a tatami room for our group. Simply Superb!

Went here with my bf to celebrate. The staff were very polite and enthusiastic. It was a welcoming place. Our waitress was so sweet and attentive. The food was perfect. It is definitely one of my favorite places I've been and we will come back! We were very happy with each dish we ordered! ありがとう！

So glad we could visit this place again. I ordered the sashimi combo platter. For $33, I was delighted to try a variety of fresh sashimi, a california roll, soup and salad. The house plum wine and hot tea were the perfect accompaniments. For dessert we were treated to some green tea and bean paste ice cream on the house. The staff could not have been more warm and welcoming. It was a wonderful and safe dinner out. I hope Hanzo kitchen their sister restaurant opens soon.

A friend recommended this place and I am so glad that we finally made it. We came for a quick ramen lunch and they did not disappoint. I had the karamiso ramen set that included fried rice. My daughter got the traditional Shoyu style ramen. She devoured it! The Karamiso is soft, yet spicy with ground beef and vegetables. Oh, the best part is the fact that they were able to perfectly cook the egg with the perfect runny yolk. We will definitely be back to try more. The price is amazing for the quality, very affordable.

Great sushi and exceptional service. This restaurant has private dining rooms for larger parties and has some of the best sushi in Michigan. The dining experience is authentic and the seafood is very fresh. The food is a little pricier than other restaurants, but here you're paying for the experience and the quality. Most recently, we ordered a selection of sushi, the agedashi tofu, and the kaki fry. We were very pleased with the wide selection of sushi even during the pandemic and the socially distanced seating.

Never a bad night when you stop in at Sharak. Great final date before our baby comes. *This Maguro Natto appetizer was amazing!!!!!

My favorite japanese restaurant in SE Michigan. It used to be Noble Fish but I just don't make it out to Clawson often enough. Back to Sharaku....their sushi is very good and they have outstanding lunch special. Best soba I've had, something I don't order elsewhere. Highly recommend.

Genuine Japanese old school sushi restaurant. Recently, Omakase style is so popular throughout United States, but this restaurant offers the traditional style - select the assortment + your favorite sushi piece. In addition, they have multiple Japanese dishes other than sushi, like udon. I highly recommend to come here if you want to eat Japanese.

Food is authentically and imaginatively prepared. Ingredient quality is high and service is attentive but not intrusive. Probably the best Japanese food in South East Michigan. Bonus: the chefs and staff are Japanese and appreciate even a few simple greetings in Japanese.