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    Akatsuki

    4.5 (27 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 10:30 pm

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    Pork Bun
    Jen B.

    If you are in a rush, this is not the place to go, it is not fast food, it only has about 8 or 9 tables of 4 and if you have a larger party, they put 2 together, making it even smaller. But it is well worth the wait. They decorated the space just like a restaurant in Japan and the space is full of cool anime stuff and wall art. Even the bathroom! There is one guy running the entire front end: taking orders, giving takeout, payments, etc and while it takes a bit, he does it all with a smile on his face! The food was delicious. Oddly enough, the French fries are amazing, whatever seasoning they put on them elevates it. The pork buns were also very good. I got the spicy miso ramen and it was the perfect delicious amount. I can't wait to go back!

    Kevin D.

    Funky ramen shop, good but basic ramen Happened to be in the area for a random soccer match, decided to trek to this new ramen shop to give it a try. It's a fun little shack of a location. Not a lot of seating but enough for the kitchen to handle. Lots of anime and Japanese culture on display, and the seating is a modern take on traditional dining with bench seats and cushions to emulate the experience. The staff was very busy but friendly. Menu is limited but there's lots of stuff to try with a few sampler sets to try everything. We got the Takoyaki sampler, their signature sampler, a gyoza order, a tonkasu ramen, and an angry dragon roll. Food came out at a reasonable pace. Took pics and dug in. The Takoyaki sampler was good. The pork and sausage were highlight bites. I also enjoyed the zucchini, the sauce was creamy but spicy and worked with the veggie. The other skewers were okay but overcooked. The shrimp still had a shell on it and the chicken had a nice char but was very dry. As was the steak. The gyoza were a flop. Pan-fried but a very soggy filling. Dipping sauce had a nice spicy zip to it, so that helped. The signature sampler was pretty good. enjoyed the miso egg, the yakitori was creamy and didn't have a lot of octopus, the karrage chicken wasn't really crispy, but cooked well. The highlight was the kimchi cucumber. Very light and not astringent like other fermented dishes. A great pallet cleanser. The tonkasu ramen, it was good but something was off with the broth. I could taste the mineral qualities a soup can get by simmering bones for too long. Which can be the signs of a good broth. But all I could get from the main flavor notes was chicken boullion. Which is a real crying shame, because if it is a home made broth then it's destroyed by the seasoning they use. It very much reminded me of a creamy chicken flavor packet out of an instant ramen pack. The pork and egg were great! Pork was tender, egg was creamy. Everything was seasoned and cooked well. Noodles were springy, but just tasted cheap because of the broth. Same is true with the angry dragon roll. The rice was seasoned right, the proportions were right. The shrimp wasn't crispy, and the flavors were lacking. They are not a sushi restaurant, so I didn't expect much in that department. But I did hope for something more than basic, but only got basic. Price is actually pretty reasonable, and the samplers are great bargains. If I were at an anime convention then this food would be very good for the price. Because this is a standalone restaurant,it's just lacking the polish needed to truly shine. If you're really into anime and Japanese culture, you'll enjoy this location. If you're just wandering, it's not bad but it's kind of hit and miss.

    Carlaine J.

    Very cool ramen shop vibe!! The decor is top-notch for a small ramen shop. And if you like or even appreciate anime this is a must try place. The food was decent and the pricing is reasonable. I loved the dim-sum like menu - allowing you to try multiple options in smaller portions. We had the yakitori sampler and the app sampler. Food was good - but not great. Gyoza was a miss, sushi rolls are very basic, and the ramen broth tasted just like a ramen packet. Overall some tasty bites depending on what you order. Staff was super friendly, clean, and efficient. Love the rice paper wall booths, so great for a casual date night.

    Gyudon
    Daniel C.

    I'm a big fan of Akatsuki. This new Japanese restaurant, taking over the former Let It Be Thai Cafe location, is refreshingly unpretentious, serving up delicious comfort food at fantastic prices. They really did a wonderful job renovating the place. Anime enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the themed decor. The service is incredibly friendly and warm, though on both our visits, just one person was running the front of the house. While this currently contributes to some timeliness issues, we expect that to improve once they add another team member. While the gyoza seemed to be typical of what you'll find in most restaurants, we did enjoy the gyudon, though I can't speak to its authenticity. The karaage, while not the absolute best I've ever had, was still outstanding and I can confidently say it's the best you'll find in Connecticut. The true star for me was the spicy miso ramen. I don't normally gravitate towards spicy miso, but the menu recommendation prompted me to try it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on both my visits. It offers just a hint of heat, so those craving something truly hot might want to inquire about making it extra spicy. You can really taste the distinct fermented flavor in the broth; whether you enjoy that will depend on your palate. While they do offer sushi, I would say it isn't their specialty nor the strongest part of their offerings. They unfortunately don't serve alcohol, but it appears they do accept BYOB. This is already the best Asian restaurant I've been to in Hamden, but if they were to expand to include alcoholic beverages, introduce daily/weekly menu specials, build an effective team to run the front and back, and refine their menu offerings a bit more, I believe they can establish themselves as a premier dining destination!

    Pork bao
    Isabelle L.

    Came in right at opening on a Saturday morning and ordered the tonkotsu ramen. First impression? The place is adorable. It honestly felt like I had just stepped into a little ramen shop in Japan. If you're into anime, especially Naruto you'll love the decor. The walls are decked out with figurines, poster. As for the ramen, I've tried my fair share of tonkotsu, and this one was different in the sense that the broth had a unique hint of ginger, which gave it a refreshing twist I haven't had elsewhere. While I personally prefer a slightly thicker/creamier tonkotsu broth, the noodles here were perfectly chewy, and the pork was tender and flavorful. They also offer a pretty solid deal: ramen, a pork bun, and a drink for about $20. Honestly, not bad at all for the quality and portion size. Service was super friendly, fast, and efficient. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm craving some comforting, affordable ramen in a cute, anime-inspired spot!

    SO GOOD! i've been here multiple times since its opened and i still love it, great prices for great quality and taste

    SO YUMMY! I have been going to this place since it opened and have always been happy with my food, the prices are great, and the quality and presentation of the food is amazing. The ambience is so cool I love how they also bring culture not just to their food but to the atmosphere.

    Karina D.

    The decor and service were amazing!! I'm not normally into ramen but I can't in and tried for my boyfriend's birthday! We were feeling adventurous so we got the sampler platter for the cold appetizers and the Yakitori sampler. There were definitely something things I wasn't a fan of (like the octopus) I didn't actually really look at what I was getting I was just in the mood to try new things! The sushi was so fresh it was my first time trying a bao bun it was soo good! And the gyoza was delicious! I would definitely go back to try other options on their menu and if you or someone you know is an anime fan this is a good place to take them!

    Ramen Tonkotsu Ramen
    Lorrie S.

    Great food and very kind sThis place is our new favorite restaurant! We will definitely be back. The ramen was delicious and so was all of our side dishes that we shared.

    Gerardine R.

    We we're craving japanese food so we decided to try this place out. It satisfied our craving! They have so much to offer on their menu and the prices are really reasonable. Staff and service was amazing. We also loved the decor. Def will be returning.

    Amazing vibe, love the art all over the place
    Jonathan R.

    First impressions walking in, very fun Japanese inspired decorations with Naruto and Anime inspired merchandise everywhere, the service was welcoming and informative and the food feels like a breath of fresh air; Almost New York level in terms of culturally delicious food and tons of variety, which is desperately needed in the New Haven Ramen game. The Ramen game in New Haven has certainly gotten stale over the past years and Akatsuki has certainly made a good impression changing things up. I definitely plan to come back and try all of the Ramen they have to offer on top of the amazing yakitori options they have! Definitely check this place out, had huge potential to be a big player!

    Sign

    New Japanese restaurant in town so a family member and I went to try it. Food was fantastic, waitstaff was friendly and accommodating and the decor was very authentic. I got veggie fried rice, veggie yakisoba and veggie ramen. Fried tofu was added to the rice and soba (the ramen already comes with it) and I told them to hold the egg on the ramen. Fried rice was legit; good flavor and texture all around. Tofu was firm and crispy and there was a good amount of garlic. The yakisoba sauce had a very authentic flavor and the noodles had a great texture. The ramen broth was a little heavy on the ginger but I liked it; veggies were great in the ramen as well. I did notice that they didn't really use ramen noodles; it was just yakisoba noodles again. I'm gonna let that slide though, because it was still great. My family member got shrimp tempura and one beef yakitori; they said both were delicious, but the spicy mayo was too spicy for them. I tried it also; it did have quite the kick, but it was very good. Impressive food!! It has an advantage over other great places in the area (Roishi, Sono Bana, Donburiya) due to having more vegan protein options. Definitely giving this place my business; IMO you should too.

    Bob P.

    Fridate with my magandang asawa Wilda Acebo Purcell. She wanted ramen so We tried a new place that has only been open 3 months in Hamden. AKATSUKI on Dixwell Ave. sooo good! I got salmon she got Ramen and we were both very satisfied. Super friendly service. You have to try this local place. Also seems very popular for takeout. Very cute smaller size. But plenty of tables. Try it. Thank me later and wow so surprised at the price! Dinner for 2? Very inexpensive. Decorated with real Japanese feeling. Food presented so nicely

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    2 months ago

    While on college tours, did a search for restaurants in the area and had a wonderful lunch. The scallion pancakes and sushi we great!

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    1 month ago

    The food was pretty basic, but flavorful at the same time and the interior decor was dope all ur classics were there.

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    8 months ago

    Excellent food and service. Some of the best edamame, seaweed salad, scallion pancakes, and ramen I've ever had!

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    Roishi - Roishi Duo-Ramen

    Roishi

    (101 reviews)

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    We were a group of 20+ people the day after Thanksgiving…read more We called to make sure it was OK to load up. They accepted and the service was really good. The food was excellent and hit the spot after all the food the previous day. (Satisfying different taste buds). Lot of orders around the table, with drinks. They managed it really well. (Given the lethargic start to the day after Thanksgiving everywhere) Great spot.

    I'm glad I revisited Roishi, having only dined there once during the first few weeks of their grand…read moreopening. At the time, I found the ramen competent and the interior pristine, spacious, and modern. Returning for a second visit, I'm happy to report they have withstood the test of time, maintaining high standards for both food quality and cleanliness. To provide context: when Roishi first opened, it felt like ramen shops were everywhere. Fast-forward a few years, fewer shops remain, and unfortunately, many of those survivors just don't stand out to me. The mid-range sushi scene has proven equally unimpressive. Aside from high-end establishments like Hachiroku Handroll Bar, or the outstanding Gohan in Southington, most mid-range joints disappoint with mediocre quality and a lack of creativity. Many may start off strong in quality, like Niu Sushi in East Haven or Sayori in Orange, but eventually their standards slip over time. In the current food scene in Connecticut, finding a restaurant that excels at both ramen and sushi is a rarity. While I enjoy the Spicy Miso at Akatsuki in Hamden, their sushi remains lackluster. Conversely, from what I recall when they initially opened, the sushi at Takumi in Branford impressed me, but their ramen has disappointed. This is where Roishi shines. Perhaps my previous disappointments at other establishments have made me quick to judge, or maybe I simply caught Roishi on an exceptionally good day. Regardless, our last experience at Roishi has won me over, and it has officially become (for now) my go-to for a satisfying bowl of ramen paired with fresh, creative sushi rolls. It is clear the sushi chefs put effort into curating their menu and making their rolls look visually appealing. Our server was pleasant, professional and attentive without being overbearing. While the menu would benefit from rotating specials featuring higher grade ingredients, the restaurant's ability to maintain standards and consistency is a rarity, and is the primary reason I will continue to return as long as they continue to do so!

    Sushi Palace - 2.20.23

    Sushi Palace

    (387 reviews)

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    Went to Sushi Palace with a group of friends who have been before but this was my first time…read more Everyone was in the mood for all you can eat sushi so we decided this was the place to go. Everyone ordered what they wanted . Shared sushi and apps. The restaurant is small with enough table to seat others . When we walked in , it was very quiet! Where was the music?! Everyone can hear your conversation. It was that quiet. The menu offered apps, sushi, salad, noodles,Entrees, desserts and drinks( alcoholic) . One thing that was a disappointment was that staff is not fully knowledgeable about gluten allergies or the term gluten free. Our waitress didn't know what gluten free was. Also, when I ordered one of the rolls there was discrepancy in 2 of the menus on the description. I didn't realize until after. One did not say there would be crunchy things in it . The other said it did. I noticed after consuming and tasting something crunchy in the roll. That roll was shared will all my friends so luckily even though I ordered it I didn't consume it all . It was busy , the order of sushi was good and fresh .

    I have been dining at Sushi Palace for at least decade. They have a pre-set menu, all you can eat…read morefrom the sushi bar and kitchen. My all time favorites are Beef Udon, and Potato Tempura besides the sushi. I am a sucker for aesthetics so when my first round came on a wooden tray, well, I'm sold for life. There is nothing like being served food on actual serving dishes rather than disposables during the height of COVID. This is a yay for me! Sushi is always delicious. You can mix and match between the sushi bar and the kitchen items or make a combo. I would recommend ordering another set when nearly finishing the first, conscientious of how much more you can eat so that you aren't waiting for a time, or, get some tea or a bit of sake. Servers are absolutely friendly. Wave for assistance if needed. Thank you for running this business for as long as you have!

    Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar - Mini Harasu Don

    Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar

    (86 reviews)

    Hachiroku Shokudo & Sake Bar is a real find. Good Japanese food is hard enough to track down, and…read morefinding it in New Haven feels like a huge victory. Prices run a bit high, but the quality of the ingredients more than make up for it. The Jako Salad (4.5/5) is a favorite of mine. It perfectly mixes peppery arugula and crisp radish with a poached egg, fried baby anchovy, bonito flakes, and nori. The baby anchovy gives a sweet/salty crunch that tastes like my childhood. Every bite swings between fresh and umami in a really creative way. The harasu don (5/5) is pure richness in a rice bowl. Grilled salmon belly and salmon roe together are incredibly rich, almost to the edge of too much, but the warm rice underneath keeps it grounded and turns it into a perfect comfort dish. The giant octopus sashimi (4/5) is a great counterbalance, cleanly sliced with a firm, fresh bite that lightens things up. The fresh tofu with uni (5/5) might be my favorite plate. The tofu is ultra delicate, and the rich uni on top adds a briny depth. With the simple seasonings on the side, it's a savory panna cotta. If they ever did a dessert version with ginger syrup, I would be here daily. Sashimi here is excellent (5/5). You get a balanced mix of fatty cuts like otoro and leaner ones like akami, along with hamachi, katsuo, and octopus. The variety lets you move between clean and rich bites at your own pace. A side note. Every so often a piece of yamamomo shows up on the plate (small red berries), a little mountain peach that is sweet enough to outshine most desserts. It may just be a palette cleanser, but it is a personal 10/5 for me. So good! Both indoor and outdoor seating feel comfortable, and service was on point: kind, attentive, and well timed. Overall, this is a standout Japanese option that I would highly recommend if you're ever in New Haven.

    Hachiroku was a highly anticipated place after being nominated for Restaurant of the Year in New…read moreHaven County for Connecticut Restaurant Association's annual Crazies awards so I had it on my list of must go to restaurants. I have also never been to a sake bar. Have to say....I was underwhelmed. We came in last Friday and apparently it was slow because Yale was off (according to our waiter). If a restaurant is good they should not be slow on a Friday night. We sat by the door on a cold night and there were two other couples practically on top of us. Rest of the seating are high tops against a wall by the bar or up the stairs on another level. We would have liked to sit upstairs but they were closing off that area. Menu was complex as the restaurant is authentic Japanese. Lots of beef options. Lots of Wagyu. I was hoping to be blown away by this restaurant trying something different. I was struggling trying to find something to order that sounded appetizing. I knew going in that this place was authentic Japanese but I don't know, nothing sounded great to me. I love mushrooms so I got the Mixed Kinoko Mushroom appetizer which was $15. To add scallops was another $8. Mushrooms were tasty. Scallops were not. $23 for a small dish. I also got the pork short ribs. Not a ton of meat on them, however, nice flavor. I was still hungry after this so I ordered a dessert which was the best part of the meal. They get some of their desserts from Hen & Heifer which is a well established place in Guilford. I got the Ube Panna cotta. Boyfriend got the Black cod Yu-an Yaki and upgraded to add the salad, pickles and rice for $3 more. The pickles were maybe two bites. Salad tasty but again, very small. He said the cod was just ok too. Very small portions and pricey for what you get. $30 for a mini sake flight. Not impressed with how it was served either. Small tasting glasses just placed on the table with no description. The server explained which was which, but I didn't remember. Not sure if he didn't care or this is how it's normally served, but if you go to a wine bar/brewery, they provide descriptions with flights usually written underneath the glass, or at least serve it in something. Not just tiny glasses placed on a table where you have no idea what you're having. Especially for $30! I was not impressed with this place whatsoever. As this is part of a newer restaurant group with a few different locations nearby in New Haven, we then went to their cocktail Lounge on crown street (116 Cocktail Bar) thinking it might be better, however we were equally disappointed. It was dead in there and the bartenders were miserable. They couldn't wait to get out of there. I have heard that their hand roll bar is very good (Handroll on State St). We have been to their Grocery Store called The Loop and it's cute. They have a brunch at the Grocery/Kitchen location that looks really good. They also have a wine lounge at The Loop that I'd like to try.

    Akatsuki - japanese - Updated May 2026

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