Only the Strong Survive

There's a lot of restaurant competition here in Rehoboth Beach. Some places are just OK, most are pretty good, and a few are exceptional. I promise you honesty and objectivity, so check out the reviews and ratings, then post your own opinions. Click any Ratings at a Glance box to see how we figure the ratings.

"Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant? I'm halfway through my fishburger and I realize, Oh my God ... I could be eating a slow learner."
---Lynda Montgomery

 

 

Keep up with the news and reviews!
Get the FOODIE DIGEST
by email every two weeks.
Click to register
Clear (29 oF • -2 oC)
Humidity: 85%
Wind: N at 0 mph
Sat 38 ⇒ 50 oF » Mostly Sunny «
Sun 32 ⇒ 47 oF » Rain «
Mon 36 ⇒ 47 oF » Clear «

Lest we forget! (c)RehobothFoodie.com

'Tis the Season for Specials.
Click here.

Rehoboth Beach Reviews - Asian / S.E. Asian / Japanese

Click for how we figure the ratingsI get suspicious of places that offer "combinations" of ethnic cuisines, like "Mel's Czech/Mexican Carry Out," or "Murlene's Down-Home Inuit/Aussie Cucina." Saketumi touts itself as Japanese/Thai/Chinese, and despite the obvious similarities, each has its own distinct style and subtlety. Multiple visits to this self-proclaimed Rehoboth emporium of "modern Asian cuisine" have demonstrated that Saketumi is indeed able to pull it off--consistently and even with a bit of flair.

Saketumi is spacious and austere, dominated by the colorful and well-stocked sushi bar. Textures, recessed lighting and shadows take the place of framed artwork on the walls  Guests are comfortably spaced among bar-height, dining height and banquette tables. This attention to detail carries over to the menu.

On our most recent visit (with a party of 10), the indisputable star of the appetizer show was the Lettuce Wrap and Roll. Fresh lettuce leaves (already cut to the right size) are served alongside a savory mix of ground chicken and pine nuts. Wrap the nutty mix in the cold leaves, and the texture/temperature mouth-moment will not soon be forgotten. Do not mistake this description for one of those "fluff" reviews in the shiny magazines: I calls 'em as I sees 'em, and this was delicious.

droppedImage-filteredThe other appetizers included the Cold Soba Noodle Salad (cukes, carrots, sprouts and peanuts in a coconut dressing), salty Edamame (soy pod beans--don't try to eat the pod), Pan Fried dumplings, Steamed Shrimp dumplings and a Fire Cracker Roll. All were firm with lots of filling, especially the roll; a brightly spiced combination of (cooked) crawfish and crispy potatoes topped with a jalapeno pepper slice. Others at the table got Masago Cracker Rolls (featuring shrimp tempura and salmon), the Futo Maki Roll (crab. cucumber, carrot and squash) and, of course, the obligatory California Roll. An exit poll conducted by your Foodie revealed a 100% approval rating.

I ordered the Red Curry Chicken as my entree. Presented like a stew, it was nicely spiced, and loaded with sliced chicken, bell peppers, onions and bamboo shoots. #1 dining companion loved the Grilled Lemongrass Pork Chop (atop a bed of jasmine rice). Other entrees included the hot and nutty Kung Pao with both chicken and shrimp, General Tso's Chicken (the orange sauce was pronounced "not too sweet and just right") and Mango Chicken (with crispy asparagus and a sweet mango counterpoint).

UPDATE: Yes, I do return to places I've reviewed in the past. After all, who knows what might have changed? After several recent visits to Saketumi, I can tell you that they are doing a good job of keeping up the quality. Additional suggestions include the delightfully meaty Tea Smoked Ribs and the Steamed Shrimp dumplings. I usually like my dumplings with a little fried crust, but these are quite good. On our most recent visit (last night, in fact) we had the Shrimp and Crab Fried Rice. The mild rice mixture was packed with seafood. Of course, I got the Lettuce Wrap & Roll as an entree, but I already waxed rhapsodic about that in the previous paragraphs. Front-of-House manager Kim continues his attempts at being inscrutible, but it barely hides his wicked sense of humor and friendly attitude.

One thing I have to tell you that impressed me was our efficient server making a point to remind me that the gratuity was included in the check. Given the abundance of alcohol and noisy, big-table distractions, how many times has this been overlooked, with the server walking away with 40 or so percent? Kudos, Donny, and thanks.

Driving north from Rehoboth Beach, Saketumi is located on the west side of Beach Highway, just past the Rt. 24 intersection. They do a busy take-out business and they take reservations: (302) 645-2818. Click here for Saketumi's menu. (L., D., Bar). Price range: Moderate +.

 

 

 

 

 

Comments 

 
0 # Tracey 2010-01-26 14:06
Well.....all that being said...folks might also like to know that I paid $18.00 for LUNCH the other day-and I left hungry! What no lunch specials?? If so, the server did not inform me...and portion sizes could be a problem for some. I am NOT a big gal. I ate one order of over-priced unagi sushi, and two tiny lamb scewers (appetizers) plus hot tea. Was charged $4.50 for hot tea, that's right, $4.50 for HOT TEA. Are you kidding? The food here is not Morimoto's in Philly. I'll pay $18 for lunch at Morimoto's if it knocks my socks off (and it always does)...and I won't go hungry either! I also won't over pay for hot tea.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+3 # Beach Eater 2010-01-26 16:20
I have been here for dinner numerous times, and every time has been very good to excellent. I know that places which excel at dinner often don't measure up at lunch, and it's unfortunate to leave hungry. The atmosphere of the interior of Saketumi is elegant while casual -- beautifully designed -- and the Chinese dishes are some of the best I've had in the area.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+1 # Megan Couchman 2010-02-12 12:50
two words: torched tuna!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+4 # Deb Griffin 2011-04-07 23:24
My name should be on a chair at the bar - I've been here at least 40 times! The happy hour deals are amazing - the sushi is consistently good - of all the sushi restaurants in Rehoboth - this is the one I can count on! Every one I bring here always finds their way back - I am apparently a Saketumi-vangelist! Can't say enough good things about it - we love this place!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Mark Robinson 2011-10-12 18:50
Quoting Deb Griffin:
My name should be on a chair at the bar - I've been here at least 40 times! The happy hour deals are amazing - the sushi is consistently good - of all the sushi restaurants in Rehoboth - this is the one I can count on! Every one I bring here always finds their way back - I am apparently a Saketumi-vangelist! Can't say enough good things about it - we love this place!


I am one of Deb's Saketumi converts. Before eating there with Deb I didn't even know I liked sushi. Subsequent meals there have been consistently delicious thanks to their use of fresh, high quality ingredients. Saketumi even manages to impress my fussy DC friends.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
+2 # Louis Gates 2011-04-17 07:53
I love Saketumi - I can never get enough of their dumplings! A local staple that never disappoints. The lettuce wraps make a lighter entree so you can indulge in a variety of appetizers - and if you like heat...don't forget to ask for the assortment of hot sauces!
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Kay Klotzbach 2011-04-26 14:20
The hot tea served is a type of tea that contains rice, Genmaicha. It is delicious but like other drinks, soda, wine, etc there is a markup. I love this place. I have had things like the filet (it was the best I ever had) and the curries and the sushi. All held their own against other japanes/thai establishments. In addition the ambience is wonderful. Who ever decorated it got is just right. Also the host at the door is easy on the eyes... very yummy. Service has also been excellent. I always like to take visitors here because they are always impressed. Bento boxes for lunch look like a good value, although I mainly eat dinner at this establishment. Gets a bit noisy in the dining area by the back bar but other than that, I can't think of a negative.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 
 
0 # Karl 2011-09-07 13:15
I went to Saketumi for the first time last week for happy hour, I find that a great way to check out a restaurant before laying out large cash on a dinner. Anyway, I was impressed. The rolls, wraps and sushi they offered were very reasonable, close to half price for happy hour.
Having lived in Newtown PA before moving to Rehoboth, I was a sushi snob due to the excellent and world class sushi produced by Say at Oishi's in Newtown. Saketumi will be my # 2 sushi place from here on.....Why? Well, like Oishi's, they don't load you up with rice and fillers, the rolls were packed with seafood with a light delicate amount of rice around it.
I will be back for dinner now that I have done my HH investigations.
Reply | Reply with quote | Quote
 

Add comment

We reserve the right to edit for grammar, spelling and taste. All submissions become the property of RehobothFoodie.com.
By the way, it's pretty obvious when a comment is posted by an owner, a disgruntled former employee, or somebody otherwise related to a restaurant. We may or may not post it, but you're not fooling anybody. And of course we mean that in the most loving way.
DON'T FORGET TO COPY THE CASE-SENSITIVE ANTI-SPAM LETTERS/NUMBERS AT THE BOTTOM BEFORE SENDING!


Security code
Refresh

Small Bites
In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.

--Julia Child


Vegetarian?
Gastrotourism
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner
Banner

Please support our advertisers who help to make this website possible--and tell them you saw their ad on RehobothFoodie.com!
In order to maintain our objectivity, RehobothFoodie.com does not accept ads from restaurants.