ZipPicks Awards
Best Sandwiches in Forest Hills
Master Critic Review
Sakura-Ya
8.2
A Japanese market that quietly doubles as one of the ZIP’s most reliable grab-and-go lunch moves, thanks to a steady rotation of prepared foods and convenience-store-style sandos. The move is to treat it like a quick counter pickup—one sando or onigiri plus one small side—so it stays clean and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Katsu sando, Ebi (shrimp) sando, Onigiri
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Japanese grab-and-go sandos and prepared foods inside a neighborhood market.
Who should go: Quick lunch hunters and Japanese snack fans
When to visit: Midday before popular prepared items sell out
What to order: Katsu sando, ebi sando, onigiri
Insider tip: Go earlier for the fullest prepared-food selection—sandwiches can disappear.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Austin Street; metered and can be tight midday, easier early afternoon.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, workday attire all fit.
Noise level: Low—market setting with light foot traffic, easy conversation.
Weekend wait: No real dinner rush; quick in-and-out unless shelves are picked over.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait; brief line possible during peak lunch hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian onigiri, snacks, and prepared sides available.
Vegan options: Limited—some onigiri and packaged items, but labeling requires attention.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based items exist, but most sandos use wheat bread and cross-contact is possible.
Best For
Better for: Fast, clean Japanese-style lunch with minimal commitment and reliable grab-and-go execution.
Skip if: You want a full-service restaurant, extensive seating, or customizable sandwich builds.