Hello dear
At Akeno Sushi Bar and Thai, culinary passion meets cultural fusion, creating an inviting dining experience in Alexandria, VA. This trendy eatery boasts a diverse menu featuring fresh sushi and tantalizing Thai dishes. From the celebrated Drunken Noodles to the beautifully presented specialty sushi rolls, each dish reflects a commitment to quality and artistry. The vibrant atmosphere, accented by friendly service, fosters a sense of community and warmth. Customers rave about the creative cocktails and unique offerings, like green curry ramen. Akeno effortlessly combines comfort and celebration, making it an ideal spot for gatherings, takeout, or a delightful evening out.
About
Akeno Sushi Bar and Thai is a delightful culinary gem tucked away at 6550F Little River Turnpike in Alexandria, VA. Blending the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the artistry of sushi, Akeno takes diners on a delectable journey that promises unforgettable dining experiences. This small yet vibrant establishment is celebrated not just for its exceptional food but also for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
The restaurant boasts an expansive menu that caters to diverse palates, featuring everything from traditional Thai dishes like Drunken Noodles to creative sushi rolls, including the highly praised Red Dragon Roll. Each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients and a commendable attention to detail. Diners can particularly appreciate the unique presentation of their specialty rolls, often served on an intriguing wooden stair-like platter that is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.
With options for various dietary preferences—including vegan dishes and limited vegetarian selections—Akeno ensures that everyone can find something to satisfy their cravings. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability shines through with its plastic-free packaging and reusable tableware, resonating well with eco-conscious patrons.
A visit to Akeno isn't just about the food; the experience is amplified by the friendly and attentive staff, who are always ready to share recommendations or ensure your needs are met promptly. The restaurant's trendy and casual vibe makes it a fantastic choice for groups, casual dinners, or even a special celebration. Happy hour specials further enhance the experience, drawing in crowds eager for both refreshing drinks and delicious bites.
What truly sets Akeno apart is its ability to balance great taste with a lively dining environment. Patrons rave about their experiences, often returning to explore different menu items. The sensory satisfaction of dining at Akeno is enhanced by the charming decor, creating a backdrop perfect for memorable moments—whether it's a casual meal with friends or a festive gathering.
In conclusion, Akeno Sushi Bar and Thai is not just a place to eat; it's a destination for those seeking an enjoyable and flavorful experience. From the first bite of sushi to the last taste of dessert, you're bound to leave with a smile. Be sure to visit and discover why diners like Anne K. and Dana M. keep coming back for more—your taste buds will thank you!
“ I just love this small restaurant that is decorated so nicely and has the friendliest staff! Of course the food is excellent as well. Their menu is huge and I took pictures. My granddaughter loves their California Rolls. I have tried several Thai dishes and always try to order something new...never had a bad meal there! Try them, you won't be disappointed! ”
“ We keep going back to Akeno and trying new items from their expansive menu. The green curry ramen is a unique and delicious option, and the specialty sushi rolls (and their presentation) are not to be beat! The service is always excellent, and we are big fans of the friendly and courteous waitstaff. Last but not least, the vibe in the restaurant is fun and trendy. We invited a large group of friends for NYE when our usual sushi spot was closed...and everyone agreed they preferred Akeno! ”
“ Akeno provides fresh sushi and Thai options, consistently delivering great taste and preparation. Although it's not at the top of my list for Thai restaurants, its unique features and excellent service make it a great choice. The drinks are always strong too! The restaurant's limited space is compensated by a second location in DC's Capitol Hill, and reservations are accepted at both locations. The service is fast and efficient, with a team of waiters and waitresses working together to minimize wait times. Akeno's standout features include its photo opportunities - both a backdrop at the front of the restaurant, cool themed bathrooms, and sushi presented on a wooden stair-like platter. I highly recommend their Red dragon roll, drunken noodles, ramen, and desserts, such as the Mango Cheesecake and Strawberry Mochi. Additionally, they offer a pretty dope happy hour! Check them out. ”
“ Had a take out order. I ordered the Dragon Roll and miso Soup and crunchy Spicy Roll with Salmon it was amazing again. I am sure it was packed in there always a great time with the amazing staff! Thanks again Akeno Sushi it was great. I will be back again! ”
“ This place is so good that I take everyone I know here. I've only ever had extremely delicious food here and I've been here A LOT. The waiters are kind and attentive and the decor is so cute. My favorites are the pad see ew with chicken, the spicy yellowtail roll, and the chicken wings! ”
“ I've been to Akeno three times now for happy hour and once for dinner. It is a small Sushi & Thai restaurant that has a bar & both indoor & outdoor dining area and it is located in the Pinecrest Plaza. They have a nice happy hour with both drink and food specials so you can't go wrong, and when the weather is nice, it's fun to sit out on the patio and chillax. The service is usually friendly and attentive, but sometimes during HH you are made to feel like your time is up & you should move on, but hey, don't have specials if you don't want the business, lol. The sushi is decent and the presentations are really eye-catching. I have to say the specialty craft cocktails are creative, amazing and delicious. I have not tried any of the Thai dishes so I cannot comment on them but the menu looks great. The decor is cute & the ambiance is nice & relaxed & Akeno is a great little local spot. ”
“ This place is simply the cutest find with absolutely delicious food! Service: we secured our reservations through Yelp and it appears that there was an issue because they couldn't find my name so that held us up a bit. Nonetheless, some of the staff were friendly while others made us feel rushed to finish up our meals in hopes of securing the table...speaks to the fact that this place is very small and large groups would not be comfortable. Thanks to our waiter Wee, who shared his duties with some of the other staff as he was working a lot of areas. Ambiance: I absolutely LOVE the decor, it brings Asian culture to the forefront with a very stylish approach. The bathroom was beautifully decorated and I must note that they had a changing table in the bathroom! I support establishments that allow moms to care for their kids without issues! With mention of change table, I would say that this place isn't small child friendly nor couples friendly as the noise level was way too high and given the size of the place, you cannot be comfortable to lead an intimate conversation nor have a small child be free. It's probably better for anyone not really desiring to speak much and instead enjoy great food. Drinks: My boyfriend and I ordered sake as I have never thought to try it and wanted to give it a go. We opted for the Yuzu Sake: Yuzu Omoi Citrus Dream ($11) 3oz (menu description) which was a nice serving size complimented by an adorable rose shaped ice cube. Appetizers: Crab Rangoon and Gyoza Crab Rangoon- STOLE the show of ALL of the things that we ordered. This was a small yet powerful dish which literally burst with flavor upon each bite. I would highly recommend these are they were absolutely delicious. Gyoza: this was my least favorite dish because I can tell that water entered some of the dumplings and they had a very soggy/watery taste. The meat inside lacked any type of seasoning and it wasn't enjoyable at all. Main entree: Kaprow Beef and Red Dragon Roll Both of these dishes were STELLAR! And like the crab Rangoon, they won for flavor! The Kaprow beef was tender, well seasoned and drenched in the most delicious Thai basil chili sauce paired with onions, broccoli, and red peppers (side of white rice). This is shareable, trust me, no one person can eat this in one sitting. I was stuffed after a few bites so my boyfriend and I enjoyed sharing this moment and taste experience together. Red Dragon Roll! Ooooooo baby, this is some delicious sushi. The dish breakdown: Shrimp tempura / avocado / cucumber topped with spicy tuna / tobiko / eel sauce / spicy mayo. (Menu description) The presentation: very creative! Like the Kaprow, this is a shareable dish and one not to be missed at all. It was scrumptious! Price for two: $71.95-Not bad for a wholesome dining experience. Would I return? Of course! For that cuisine experience, I will visit again. I wish however, that the music was lowered to balance of the space and prevent guests from yelling lol Aside from this, the decor and food was worth all of my time! ”