Hatsuzakura: Where Tradition, Passion, and Contemporary Innovation Blend

By Hannah Olson

Located on Adams Avenue in University Heights, an authentic, contemporary, Japanese dining experience awaits at Hatsuzakura, a newly opened boutique Japanese restaurant. With its modern interpretation of the classic Japanese kissaten, reminiscent of traditional tea houses, Hatsuzakura brings forth a delightful assortment of authentic desserts, snacks, and comforting homestyle dishes that pay homage to the beloved famiresu, or “family restaurants,” of Japan.

Owner Sakura Kadoya takes immense pride in the authenticity of the cuisine, and it resonates particularly with older members of the Japanese community as well as being embraced by those unfamiliar with the fare. As Sakura explains, “We get a lot of older members of the Japanese community coming in because the concept of the kissaten really speaks to them. They are coming in and telling us that they are getting dishes they were able to get back home.” The heartfelt compliments from these patrons affirm the dedication and passion infused into every dish, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity that transports them to the flavors of their homeland.

At Hatsuzakura, guests can embark on a culinary journey that not only satisfies their taste buds but also resonates with their cultural heritage. The inviting ambiance, reminiscent of a bygone era, creates an atmosphere where time seems to slow down, allowing patrons to savor each bite and cherish each moment. Whether it’s indulging in a decadent dessert, savoring a comforting homestyle dish, or simply relishing a cup of freshly brewed tea, Hatsuzakura offers a culinary haven where memories are created and cherished.

With its commitment to authenticity and passion for delivering an exceptional dining experience, Hatsuzakura has quickly become a gathering place for those seeking a true taste of Japan. The enchanting blend of flavors, the warm embrace of tradition, and the heartfelt hospitality all contribute to making Hatsuzakura an extraordinary destination for those longing for a genuine and unforgettable dining experience. Multi-Generational Perspectives are the Recipe for Success

Sakura Kadoya, the visionary behind Hatsuzakura, previously honed her skills at Soichi Sushi, her family’s Michelin-starred sushi bar located right next door. She has also worked in other restaurants and food service establishments that have shaped her business savvy, empowered her ambition, and curated her tastes to bring these unique flavors to San Diego. Combining her youthful enthusiasm with a deep understanding of Japanese traditions, Sakura, at the age of 23, stands out as a truly exceptional restaurateur. Her remarkable ability to blend the timeless essence of Japanese cuisine with a contemporary flair sets her apart, making her the driving force behind this remarkable and unforgettable dining experience.

Guided by her parents’ mentorship in both business and culinary endeavors, Sakura receives invaluable support as she ventures into the world of Hatsuzakura. However, her journey is not a solitary one, as she shares both her personal and professional life with her partner and co-owner of the restaurant, Reymond “Rey” Palisoc. Rey, a master of social media and marketing, plays a crucial role in bringing Sakura’s vision to life and garnering attention along the way. Sakura acknowledges the significant impact of social media in spreading the word about the restaurant’s recent opening. Local media outlets, including San Diego Eater, What Now San Diego, and There San Diego, have eagerly embraced the story, further amplifying Hatsuzakura’s presence and solidifying its status as a buzzing hot spot in the area.

Menu Favorites You Won’t Want to Miss

The menu at Hatsuzakura has been carefully curated with the help of Kadoya’s father, Soichi Kadoya, a renowned master sushi chef. It includes his famous recipe for karaage, a Japanese-style fried chicken. Patrons can also relish familiar favorites such as yakisoba and omurice, as well as fusion creations like Napolitan—spaghetti coated in a sweet tomato sauce with bacon. For a gratifying treat, the doria—a baked gratin of buttered rice smothered in cream sauce and cheese—is available with shrimp or chicken. The culinary offerings extend to onigiri and Japanese sandos.

Hatsuzakura takes great pride in its homemade sweets collection, meticulously crafted to please discerning palates. Patrons can indulge in the refreshing delight of kakigori—Japanese shaved ice adorned with either matcha or fresh fruit. “The kakigori is different from American snow cones because of the texture,” Sakura explains of the treat. “The texture itself is very snow-like, and we get that from importing our ice cubes from Japan. Before they freeze the water, they strip it of its minerals which makes the ice very clear, which then allows it to have a very soft texture in the shaving process.”

The menu also features mochi ice cream, custard pudding drizzled with caramel sauce, skewered glutinous rice flour dumplings known as dango, and anmitsu—a chilled dessert consisting of jelly, fruit, and red bean paste. To complement the culinary experience, Hatsuzakura serves an array of beverages including wine, beer, hojicha lattes, and melon soda floats.

“Aside from food, we also have our tradition- al teas. A lot of our leaves are imported from Vietnam or Japan, and we partner with Paru, a family-owned tea company based in San Diego,” Sakura says of their selections.

Blending Tradition, Service, and Style for an Unparalleled Experience

At Hatsuzakura, patrons can immerse themselves in the essence of Japanese cuisine, as the restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and culinary excellence transports them to the heart of Japan. The team eagerly awaits the opportunity to serve guests and provide a memorable dining experience.

“I am most excited to meet the people who come in and learn about how they found us, what drew them to Hatsuzakura and to introduce them to our food and to share this experience with our customers,” Rey says of his readiness to serve guests and share the results of their hard work. He adds that they are not currently taking reservations but offer waitlisted seating and hope to expand into outdoor dining, takeout, and more in the future. Hatsuzakura is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11-9 and Sundays from 11-6.

Sakura shares the symbolic meaning behind the name of her restaurant, emphasizing the profound significance it holds. “Hatsu represents beginnings and firsts, while Zakura signifies the cherry blossom,” she explains. “The meaning of the name is because this is the beginning of our journey in this business that we are embarking on.” This carefully chosen name not only reflects the current chapter but also hints at the promising future that lies ahead for Hatsuzakura.

At a Glance:

Hatsuzakura: New Japanese Restaurant Opens in University Heights

Open Hours

Monday: Closed

Tues - Sat: 11 - 3 pm, 4:30 - 9 pm

Sunday: 11 - 6 pm

2123 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA, 92116

Support@hatsuzakurasd.com

619.756.7760 www.hatsuzakurasd.com