Sasa
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When you are tired of the same old thing, Sasa offers a culinary refuge with a nice range of familiar and not-so-familiar dishes that satisfy both your appetite and your culinary curiosity. The most important thing to remember is that these plates are small, so although the prices are good at first glance, they can add up quickly. On the other hand, you get a chance to try many new things, without the commitment that goes along with a large entree. Go early, or make sure you have a reservation.
Atmosphere
Located on Walnut Creek's main drag, Sasa is a welcome refuge of culinary sophistication in an area otherwise filled with either large, impersonal chains, or nondescript Italian joints. Dining is divided into two main areas: the front a shadowy club-like feel with dark tables, a long silkily-lit bar, and a Zen-like water curtain, and the back area done in brighter colors of copper and soft blue, with tables and high-backed banquettes, and a more family-oriented atmosphere. Arriving at the early hour of 5:30, without a reservation, the bar area was already starting to fill up, attesting to the fact that we weren't the only ones who appreciated Sasa's existence, and by the time we left at 7 the place was packed. We were seated at first at one of the high tables by the sushi counter but, not being comfortable for the shorter of our company (me), we moved to the back, which was overall a more comfortable choice for seating, if one does not mind dining in the company of children.
Service
With a menu like this, where many of the dishes are unique and their ingredients more-than-slightly obscure, it helps to have a staff that is well-trained and knowledgeable, and our server at Sasa was polite and quick to answer our questions and offer advice. That said, his delivery might have been taken more seriously if he had not spent the whole time leaning against the wall as he spoke to us but, whatever, we can get over the over-familiarity as long as you bring the food on time.
Food
Sasa is a Japanese restaurant that features Izakaya, kind of like Japanese pub food served on small plates. The menu reads extremely well, with your biggest problem being what to choose (I love that problem). Our server suggested that we start with the more delicate flavors at the top of the menu, things like sashimi and vegetables, and move down ending with fish and meat. So, taking his advice, we began with a Rock-n-Roll BBQ eel roll with avocado and tobiko ($8 ) that, besides being a little too sweet, was soft and fresh, and basically melted in the mouth. Next, a Spicy Ahi Parfait ($11) offered delicate layers of crunchy mochi rice, ripe avocado, tender ahi tuna, and bursts of tiny caviar, with a nice contrast of lemon oil and crème fraiche. It was not the easiest of dishes to divide between us, but it didn't stop us from eating every last morsel. Moving to the meats, a warm dish of Crispy Duck Legs Confit on steamed buns with hoisin sauce ($14) reminded me of my old Chinese standby Moo Shoo, but oh so much better. The perfect blend of hot and fatty crisp duck with the slight sweetness of sauce and spongy breadiness of the buns was outrageously, lick-your-fingers delicious. The order came with only 3 pieces, though. So if you order this to share, be ready to negotiate the last bite. Our ending dish of spicy Braised Pork 'Toro' (jowl) ($11) was spicy with a flavorful wasabi broth and, although very good, the meat was extremely fatty on the tongue and altogether not as satisfying as the other dishes.
Sasa also has an extensive wine and cocktail list, though we would suggest a sake flight, 3 2-oz pours of different sakes, prices vary.
Sasa also has an extensive wine and cocktail list, though we would suggest a sake flight, 3 2-oz pours of different sakes, prices vary.
Cleanliness
Very clean.
Pros
Nice atmosphere, interesting menu, some excellent food.
Cons
Gets busy and noisy, overly-casual service at times, need to eat a lot to fill up.
