Sushi lovers, rejoice. Winston-Salem has officially fulfilled your dreams. Or, to be more accurate, Dori & Indra Mulyana, the owners of Sakura Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, have made your sushi fantasies come true.

It may be hard to believe that some of this landlocked city’s freshest seafood can be found sandwiched between a Polly’s Alterations and a flower shop on Stratford Road, or that the restaurant itself is the home of a former barbeque joint.

Believe. Sakura, which officially opened in March of 2005, boasts not only fresh fish, but unique family and Wake Forest connections. Sushi chefs Anggi & Dhamir were trained by their father (and owner) Indra. A selection of Wake Forest women serve as hostesses.

Perhaps it’s the Wake connection that has allowed Sakura to feature such tantalizing treats as the Wake Forest Roll, a delightful combination of spicy tuna and tempura crunchies wrapped inside rice and topped with fresh ahi and avocado. Paired with a spicy sauce that comes drizzled across the plate, the Wake Forest Roll is a meal in itself.

Other “local” favorites include the Forsyth Roll (battered white fish with Cucumber and Chef’s Special Sauce) and the Stratford Roll (Crabmeat, Shrimp, and Japanese mayonnaise, rolled and fried).

For those who are a fan of the ever popular “bagel” or “Philadelphia” rolls, try the Captain Crunch – salmon, avocado, and cream cheese, served delicately tempura-fried.

Not sure where to begin? Start with traditional Miso soup or Seaweed Salad, both of which are comparable with the best that this reviewer has ever had. If you’re not quite brave enough for Seaweed, try the Edamame, delicately cooked soybeans tossed with just the right amount of salt.

The Chicken Maki, crispy chicken rolls with avocado, cream cheese, and teriyaki sauce, tasted a bit like gooey chicken fingers, but if that was as bad as the experience got, I’d still be on Cloud Nine.

But of course, one can’t concentrate on fabulous sushi in sub-par surroundings. Luckily, this isn’t the case. Sakura has done a surprisingly good job walking the fine line between casual dining and Japanese kitsch.

With high criss-crossed wooden-beam ceilings, open booth seating, muted television screens, and several framed Japanese portraits on the wall, the best seats in the house are nearly anywhere.

Dining alone? Sit at the small sushi bar in the front and watch an artistic master at work. In nice weather, enjoy patio seating. The view isn’t great (overlooking Stratford) but the covered porch and large tables make dining outside a pleasure, especially once the weather grows warm. Friendly wait-staff are prompt and knowledgeable.

But what happens if you’re one of those who doesn’t do raw fish… you’re in luck. Sakura offers numerous “hibachi” or cooked entrees, also. My hibachi shrimp were fresh enough, and the vegetables were tasty, although not particularly extraordinary.

Combine standard chicken, shrimp, scallops, or steak with a choice of miso soup or salad, an assortment of vegetables, sprouts, and sweet carrots for between $9 and $12 dollars.

I was particularly intrigued by the “Bento Box” options, unique combinations of meat and seafood packaged in individual “boxes,” and served with rice and, soup, or salad for $12 dollars each. Sakura also offers four noodle dishes for between $8 and $11.

An assortment of beer, sake, and soft drinks are available.

If you can’t take the time to visit this hidden gem for a dine-in experience, look for the drive thru window, opening in early February. Best of all, Wake students receive a 10% discount on all purchases.

I’d give Sakura a hearty “thumbs up” for their sushi and a go-ahead for the grilled items. The restaurant is definitely worth a visit, or, if you’re this reviewer, a weekly lunch pick up.