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    Akiro

    4.4 (48 reviews)
    Closed 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    AKIRO ATMOSPHERE

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    Sushi chef . Set up restaurant allows you to watch your food being made
    Genna G.

    Every once in a long while I dine somewhere I dream of returning to even before I exit the front door . Thai happened tonight at Akiro and definitely wins for my favorite dining experience so far for 2026. Bar seating only so not the ideal place for a group. Go with a friend or date . The food is outstanding- Every bite . Got 4 hand rolls and loved all with the tuna being the standout of the night ( although my teen and husband would argue the Ebi tempura for the win ). Didn't love the scallop which had a tad too much mayo for my liking. This Japanese / Peruvian hand roll / sushi spot is their first location in the US with multiple locations in Spain and Italy, Service was solid too. Don't miss it if you are a fan of raw fish . A plus !!!

    Tuna handroll
    Tray

    Akiro Hand Roll Bar is the first Nikkei hand roll bar in the U.S., blending Peruvian flavors into Japanese dishes and it was SO good. The vibes were great and sitting right in front of the sushi chef made the experience even better. 9/10. Service was good. Our server didn't check in as often, but we could easily flag her down and she was super nice and helpful with recommendations. 8/10. For starters she recommended the tuna tiradito which was super fresh and flavorful. 9/10. For nigiri, the squid was INSANE. Literally melted in my mouth like butter. 9.9/10 and I would go back just for that. The toro was great, especially torched. 8.5/10. Salmon didn't stand out much but had a cool green salsa. 7/10. The salmon truffle was delicious. 8.5/10. Unagi lowkey tasted like dessert with that sweet chocolate shaved on top. 8/10. A5 wagyu was also amazing. 9/10. For hand rolls, the acevichado was my favorite. Super unique flavor I've never had before. 9/10. The short rib hand roll was also amazing with perfect texture. 9/10. The rest were more mid. Tuna 6/10, ebi furai had too much spicy mayo 5/10, toro 7.5/10, scallop 7/10. The tres leches with matcha was the perfect ending. Dense cake, cream at the bottom, and barely any matcha flavor which I actually loved. 9/10. Cocktails were AMAZING. The lychee martini was strong, sweet, and didn't taste like alcohol at all. 10/10. The matcha sour didn't really taste like matcha but was still a great sweet drink. 8.5/10. Overall... best sushi in Chicago so far. Highly recommend.

    Crystal Z.

    Ambiance - modern, intimate, offers a really casual and relaxed atmosphere Service - our server was nice but it was really hard to get her attention & for us to pay the bill; the thing that really threw me off is during the middle of dinner when I was chatting with my cousin, someone just cleared out my area (plate, chopsticks, spoon, soy sauce) but I still had 2 more hand rolls coming out Food - Tuna Tiradito - too salty, can't even taste the tuna Hamachi Ceviche - too sour Hand rolls - seaweed was crispy and fish quality was cold/fresh

    Marissa R.

    We visited Akira Chicago during Chicago Restaurant Week. The service was excellent throughout our visit. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made great suggestions from the special menu, which helped guide our choices and made the experience feel welcoming. The ambiance is warm and inviting. Everything we tried was tasty! The flavors were balanced and thoughtfully prepared, and the dishes felt fresh and satisfying. It was easy to see the kitchen's attention to detail and care in execution. Overall this was a solid Restaurant Week stop.

    Acevichado
    Kaitlyn C.

    I'm glad I got to try Akiro during restaurant week and made the time for lunch. It's a very cute spot and I like how everyone gets to see the hand rolls made. It is a bit tight when sitting down, but it's for the view of the making of the hand rolls. Our waitress was very nice and cleaned out sets and spilled food before each course. For restaurant week lunch, my friend and I ordered the shrimp tempura and tuna Tiradito as the apps, the tuna, salmon, and hamachi for the hand rolls, and we got our own miso & chocolate brownie. All of this was $30. We also ordered a Toro hand roll ($9) to try as we both love Toro. Our favorite hand roll was the Toro. Both appetizers were delicious, but they were not wrong in that they were small. For the dessert, we could not tell what the ice cream was supposed to taste like. I also felt that it needed to be a little soft to eat with the brownie as the brownie itself was a little dry. Overall, we enjoyed trying Akiro and had a good experience.

    Matcha tres leches
    Carina L.

    Tried Akiro for restaurant week and was definitely not disappointed! I got to try their torched toro and scallop nigiri, both of which were very nicely made. Fish was fresh and the garnishes/seasonings were well done. The hamachi handroll that we got for the third course was especially memorable. Nice and light flavor with a hint of tanginess from the lime. I also got the crab handroll but found the filling slightly under seasoned. Would've liked a more peppery kick. The matcha tres leches was a lovely way to end the meal - not overly sweet (though could use some additional matcha to the cream) but very nicely soaked in the milk-based syrup The only ding on the meal would be the rice - not super well cooked/maybe the quality was mediocre? The rice was felt meal-y and almost sandy on the tongue Ambiance was great, nice set up with four "stations" each with a sushi master making nigiri's and rolls for the customers. Overall great experience!

    Burger Nigiri
    Nikki R.

    I'm typically not super impressed with the quality of food in River North, but this place is worth the hype! All the fish and flavors were super fresh and delicious. The hand rolls are also a great bang for buck - they're definitely not skimping out here. My favorite bites were the Scallop Nigiri, Burger Nigiri, and Salmon Hand Roll. It's also super aesthetic inside and roomier than it appears at first. Most seating is at one of the two bars which are in front of the sushi chefs which is a cool experience to see your bites being made!

    Burger nigiri (Japanese wagyu patty, kimchi aioli, pickle, sea salt)
    Katie L.

    Atmosphere: -Gorgeous interior. There's at least 4 "sushi bar" areas with about 12ish seats per bar, so the place is bigger than you think. -Not too loud or dark, so perfect for a good yap session. The lychee martini was balanced and not too sweet. I think every girl ordered this specific drink in our area. Drinks: -Decent selection of wine, but do not get the Sancerre - it's very buttery and does not taste like your traditional Sancerre. The Albariño is the way to go. Food: -6 hand rolls for $39 and the nigiri pieces ranged from $5-$18, so they are on the pricier side and were fine, nothing to write home about. -Best bite was the tuna tiradito. The miso and chocolate brownie with lucuma ice cream was a bite I'd remember. It tastes like caramel or butterscotch, so good. TLDR: -great atmosphere for a girls night or date night -get the tuna tiradito, drinks, and dessert -good but not out of this world hand rolls (the set menu is a better deal than a la carte but if I'd had to pick: the toro and acevichado were the best bites). You won't be that full I promise!

    Crystal C.

    Came here for a relaxed dinner and really enjoyed the experience. The restaurant has counter seating and the space feels modern and clean. It was not too crowded or loud, which made it easy to actually enjoy the food and conversation. Our waiter approached us pretty soon after we sat down, walked us through the menu, and gave thoughtful recommendations that ended up being spot on. We started with the hamachi ceviche. The fish was very fresh, though the sauce was a little too sour for my taste and slightly overpowering. We also ordered the tuna sashimi, which again was super fresh and clean. For nigiri, we tried the toro, salmon, scallop, and salmon truffle. I usually prefer my sushi pretty traditional without a lot of toppings, so I was a bit skeptical when I saw aioli being added. To my surprise, it worked really well. The fish was torched perfectly so the fat rendered nicely without overcooking the fish. The flavors were unique but balanced, and the nigiri honestly melted in my mouth. We then moved on to the hand rolls, and the fish to rice ratio was perfect. It did not feel like I was getting filled up on rice, and once again the fish was fresh. The Peruvian flavors were unexpected but worked surprisingly well. We ordered the crab, scallop, toro, and acevichado. The panko in the crab hand roll added great texture, and the crab itself tasted fresh and real, not imitation. The acevichado was the most unique and ended up being my favorite since it was really refreshing. We finished with the matcha tres leches. It was not too sweet and I loved the texture of the cake, though I wish the matcha flavor was a bit stronger. Overall, a really enjoyable meal with thoughtful service and creative flavors that still respect the fish. Would definitely come back.

    Ankit S.

    Akiro has a clean, modern ambiance that instantly sets the tone for a great meal. The ingredients are incredibly fresh warm rice, crisp nori, and fish that tastes clean and vibrant. The scallop and toro rolls were the standout, with a melt in your mouth quality you don't find often. Service is friendly and well timed, giving the experience a relaxed, curated feel. It's a bit on the pricier side, but the quality and atmosphere make it worth it.

    Scallop Handroll
    Clarissa C.

    Another day, another handroll bar. My college roomie is visiting from Boston, which already has amazing food options. What I guaranteed she didn't have though, was America's first Nikkei handroll bar, which is Peruvian Japanese fusion. This restaurant is famous in Spain, so the owners brought it to Chicago. They are also sister restaurants with Matilda and Kayao. We started with the tuna tartar, which had a nice yuzu kosho emulsion with thin wafers. The wafers compliment the tuna well, and the creaminess worked so well with the raw fish! We opted for their largest Handroll set which comes with 6, each served separately. You can watch the chef make it in front of you, and we were seated right next to the bar. The bartender was friendly, so that was a huge plus! This included the salon, toro, tuna, scallop, acevichado, and the ebi furai. All of them were amazing, but I was genuinely so stuffed afterwards. These were the largest handrolls ever, and every piece had such a huge piece of quality fish. None of it was minced up, but rather made whole. Now this is a FUSION restaurant, so if you want a no frills experience with just fish, you might not love this. Each roll contained extra flavors like like scallion, aioli, togarashi, avocado, or aji Amarillo. However, the flavors were never repetitive, and each roll complimented its added ingredient super well. The only gripe I have is that the seaweed was not the most crisp that it could be. They also have a few nonalcoholic cocktails that we thought were delicious with a little twist! The blueberry mule was so refreshing.

    Tuna Tartare
    Sarah B.

    Yum! Overall, Akiro is one of the best spots I've tried recently. The vibe is great. Everyone sits around one of four chef's counters, watching the chefs prepare rolls right in front of you. Be warned this place is definitely not great for groups. There are some places where the counter curves where you could, I guess, sir a group of four but it would still be difficult to have a conversation. For drinks, I loved the lychee martini. It was absolutely delicious. For food: 1. Tuna Tartare: The sauce on the fish was delicious, but the cracker it was served with didn't make much sense to me. 2. Tuna Sashimi: Perfect. 3. 4-Piece Hand Roll Set: All the rolls were good, but the tuna was my favorite. The combination of tuna and the crunch of jalapeño was chefs kiss. I've seen some complaints that the rolls are too rice-heavy, but I don't agree. While they're not overloaded with fish, they feel well-balanced.

    Toro caviar
    Kim L.

    Walked in on a Friday night and was able to grab a seat at Chef Raul's counter. We each did the 5 hand roll set, the ceviche app and then grabbed some nigiri at the end. Fish was fresh, flavors were great and service was attentive (shoutout to David). David explained that they're a Japanese and Peruvian fusion Nikkei spot and you can definitely tell with the amazing flavor profiles. Highly high recommend the ceviche. Perhaps one of my fave ceviche in a while and a great example of their fusion flavor. Hand rolls - all were great but my power ranking would be the scallops, toro, ebi furai, tuna and then salmon but would definitely get any of them again and some of the a la carte sounded fun. Nigiri - the toro with caviar and bone marrow is so good and presentation was so fun! Hubby tried the burger and it was so cute and unexpected flavorful. Chef Raul also had us try chuturo and otoro and it was just melt in your mouth delicious. Will definitely be back to try more. Amazing service by chef Raul and David.

    Hand roll

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    King of Cups

    King of Cups

    4.4
    (131 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    The best way I can describe King of Cups is to say this place is a VIBE. The theme is all-in on…read moreMedieval, from the lighting to chandeliers, candles, mirrors, chairs, drapes, and even changing digital paintings. It is definitely unique, creative, and a massive differentiator from any other cocktail bar I've been to. Now, let's talk cocktails! The creativity of the interior extends into the menu. Unlike some places that just make variations of existing classics (except for items specifically so named, like the Old Fashioned or Espresso Martini), all of their cocktails are unique and interesting. Time for a punch card? I ordered the Maximillian the Imposter. While I'm not typically a fan of banana (except for banana bread), I thought I'd step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted to try something 'flaming'. Flaming it was! The preparation of the drink involved a surprising amount of fire. I initially thought this was just for show, but no, this translated into a noticeable smoky flavor. Beyond that, the drink was strong, not overly sweet, and an all-around delight. There was one bartender on the night I was here, and while it was busy, I was still able to get my drink in a reasonable amount of time. I also feel as though they have reasonable prices, especially considering the quality and the market rates. King of Cups gets busy, and for good reason: they are an all-around phenomenal place, from the drinks to the vibe, and everything in between. If you're someone who likes a seat rather than fighting through a crowd, get a reservation! See you there!

    What a nice, moody, intimate bar. I came here for happy hour and was pleasantly surprised at how…read moreit's an actual discounted happy hour menu! You know it is these days - most places just knock a dollar off and call it a day. This one is legit! I'd say you should make a reservation for prime time to ensure you'll have a seat. However when it's early no big deal to just pop by. I enjoyed the plum Moscow mule (not too sweet!) and the espresso martini. Both are on draft which made me nervous from past experiences at other places. However, these were great and I LOVED their espresso martini. The bartender was kind and the vibes were off the charts. Check this place out next time you're in Lincoln Park!

    Photos
    Bar and seating
    Bar and seating
    Espresso martini
    Espresso martini
    Plum Moscow mule

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    Plum Moscow mule
    Geja's Cafe

    Geja's Cafe

    3.9
    (1.7k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$$

    My friends were wanting to get fondue so we searched online and found Geja's cafe. We came on a…read moreSunday night. The atmosphere was nice and cozy. It was dimly lit inside and there was a guitarist playing music. We decided to do the 3 course Prince Geja's combination. The first course included swiss Gruyère cheese fondue with assorted breads, vegetables and fruits. After that they brought out Prince Geja's combination which was beef, lobster tail, shrimp, chicken breast, and sea scallops which you were able to cook in the boiling hot broth. I really liked how there was 8 different side sauces brought out so you could add some more flavor to the meat and seafood. The last course was chocolate fondue served with marshmellows and a side of fire. It was as if you were making smores because it also came with some graham cracker sprinkles. It also came with some fruits to dip into the chocolate fondue as well. The service was great. It was nice they had a coat check. Our server was very knowledgeable and guided us through the experience.

    A dimly lit, cramped, dark, and friendly space rests a fondue restaurant made for a night out with…read morefriends, date night, or just a desire for melted cheese. A guitarist sits somewhere against a brick wall and plays music lightly but energetically. Service is friendly from start to finish and smiles are on everyone's faces. The menu is pretty easy to understand. You can get a three-course meal, or you can get each entree à la carte. You have two fondue candles in front of you, one for the cheese and dessert, and the other for the oil. We chose the three-course meal, and it was delightful. We started with the cheese appetizer. You get a basket of bread and fruit and we chose the seasonal cheese to dip. The oil for our meat was then left to heat, and we received a massive platter of veggies and meats for our main course. We chose the option for all selections of meat and seafood. After trying all the meats, I would opt for the lobster and shrimp. You can also substitute the oil for a broth. I would like to try the broth for next time. In one of the shakers, Gejas makes their own meat spice mix. It's recommended to put on the meats and even the desserts. It's a mix of tangy and savory and was a great compliment to the meal. We then chose the seasonal dessert, a white chocolate with vanilla cookies. Fruit, marshmallows, and churros to dip. We were so full by the time dessert came, but we enjoyed a few bites and took it home. The three-course meal, with five types of meat, came with about 10 pieces of meat. It doesn't look like a lot of food, but it truly is, with the apps, veggies, etc, your stomach will be full when you walk out of here. They also start the entire course with a mixed salad (so technically it's a four-course meal). It was very fairly priced, as well. Initially looking at the prices, you may think it's expensive, but it truly is a value with the amount of food they serve. This was rated as most romatic restaurant in Chicago. Its ambiance gives you the romantic feel, the guitarist adds to the atmosphere, and the staff is professional and friendly. This really was a great place and we enjoyed our time and meal.

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    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe
    Geja's Cafe

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    Gemini

    Gemini

    4.0
    (764 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    As a Gemini celebrating my birthday season with other Geminis, it only felt right to celebrate at…read moreGemini! When we arrived, I was a bit concerned because we hadn't received our menus. And that's because the menus were being printed with a personalized birthday message! Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and struck the perfect balance of checking in without being overbearing. The mussels (provençal-style) were delicious and enough to share among three people. The truffle-parmesan fries: We couldn't tell if they were too salty or just salty enough, but somehow we couldn't stop eating them! I ordered the baby wedge salad with chicken, and while the chicken looked small at first, it ended up being a large enough portion to last the salad. We were also surprised with complimentary desserts: the Chocolate Chunk Cookie Skillet and Buck Russell's Cake. Though I'm not a sweet person, my dining companions thoroughly enjoyed them.

    It's Summer Time Chi season in Lincoln Park. Extensive patio at Gemini is super inviting. Jacob our…read moreserver was exceptional in his engagement & making reco's on drinks and food. Even though half my party was late, I never felt rushed. The FKG mocktail was sweet and flavorful. The Spritzer was a good alcoholic next drink. Truffle Parm fries were a table fav. Burrata was smaller than I expected for $18. Enjoyed my beet salad with salmon. Will def be back and highly recommend!

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    Nice view inside restaurant
    Nice view inside restaurant
    Burrata crostini
    Burrata crostini
    Brussel sprouts

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    Brussel sprouts
    Le Mistral

    Le Mistral

    4.9
    (14 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    The service is just incredible. That's what stands out the most. We came after having a superb…read moredinner at S.K.Y. and out waitress transferred us to Le Mistral for dessert as we were hoping to end the night with another cocktail. The transition was seamless, the walk through the kitchen was very cool, everyone was very friendly and excited to see guests. Our dessert came quickly to Le Mistral instead of S.K.Y. and was superb. Our waiter at Le Mistral was very friendly, gave some good advice on the cocktails, and was consistently attentive. My cocktail was just OK - sherry-based martini. I don't normally like a martini but all the ingredients actually seemed very much up my alley - the sherry, benedictine, rose vermouth. But the olive just overpowered. And definitely not worth the price of $24... Would definitely return and try the food next time as well.

    We popped in on a Monday night for a nightcap after finishing up at Mon Ami Gabi across the lobby…read more Our experience was meh. I don't know if every Monday is Metal night, but it was that Monday - Black Sabbath, Nu-Metal, everything but the live goldfish. Perhaps they should advertise "Monday Metal at Mistral" if that is to be a regular thing. It does flow off the tongue. To be fair, there was a full house and the other patrons did not seem to mind. We were not looking to feel the noize, however, and so stayed for just one cocktail. Mine was a Sazerac adjacent mix, and it was very high quality. The decor is very low light, but the vibe is pretty basic - more Paint Your Dorm Room black than Parisian Opium Den black. A bit of a missed opportunity for romance.

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    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral
    Le Mistral

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    Esme

    Esme

    4.0
    (154 reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$$
    Fine dining
    Private events

    Esmé, consistently One of Our Favorites in Chicago…read more We went to Esmé last night on a Monday and were pleasantly surprised to see both an event happening in the bar and a solid number of diners in the dining room. Not many Michelin starred restaurants can pull that off on a Monday, but Esmé always seems to have energy. This place has become one of our most reliable favorites. They change the menu a few times a year in conjunction with rotating local artists, and the restaurant itself feels more like a refined art gallery than a traditional dining room with white walls, clean lines, simple and elegant. Last night was no exception to their usual excellence. The experience is really anchored by Chris Gerber, a longtime Chicago hospitality pro, and his team. They are flawless. This is true hospitality in every sense of the word. They usually keep two signature dishes, and for good reason. The caviar supplement sounds odd on paper, but in your mouth it is absolute perfection. The cod sounds simple, but it is anything but, rich, decadent, and always one of the highlights. Everything new on this menu was also outstanding. Every course had beautifully balanced sauces that made sense with the dish, and the presentations were creative without being gimmicky or over the top. The plating always ties in with the featured artist in a way that feels thoughtful, not forced. One tip. Be careful when choosing your beverage pairing. We did not read closely enough and ended up with the more inventive pairing that included cocktails and a beer. It was fun, but afterward we wished we had gone with the higher end wine pairing instead. Bottom line. Esmé remains one of the most consistent Michelin starred experiences in Chicago. It is not just very good. It is reliably excellent every single time.

    My rating of a 3 is specifically for the Restaurant Week menu though I'll say it definitely didn't…read moreinspire me to come back. I really wanted to like it; this was a nine-year anniversary dinner. Service was really attentive and friendly and I did appreciate that they brought out specific utensils for me as a left-handed person, never saw that before! The restaurant felt a bit bare and sterile, I think I was maybe expecting a little more decor on the table for a Michelin star restaurant. To echo several of the reviews below, the salad was awkward to share and scanty, the soup was good but the bread served with it felt like an afterthought, the sturgeon wasn't anything special though the sauce was quite good, and we are pretty sure the cut of beef was not wagyu or if it was it was not cooked the right way. The beef was the most disappointing part, I couldn't even chew through all of it. The add-ons were the best part - pasta was great and our dessert was delicious. But the rest of the meal was unfortunately mediocre. Hoping that others have a different experience with the regular menu!

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    Esme
    Esme
    Esme

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    Willow Room

    Willow Room

    4.2
    (430 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$

    Loved everything. Delicious really great foods. Group of four, zero complaints. The service was on…read morepoint. Nice wine pour. Bright fun atmosphere. I thought for the quality and portions and fair prices this is a really great choice. Looking forward to returning.

    Chicago Restaurant week. I reviewed various dining options in search of a good place for dinner…read more Reddit gave me some ideas. I'd never been to Willow Room and liked that they had a four course dinner menu, with items I liked. I was able to make a reservation for a Saturday night at 8:15pm. PARKING Parking on Halsted on a Saturday night can be a nightmare, and it did take a minute to find street parking. North of the 1800 block is busier because there are several restaurants within a two block radius. Side streets are permit parking after 6pm. Meters on Halsted are $2.50/hr. ATMOSPHERE Willow Room was pretty packed. We had a reservation for 8:15pm and my party of two was seated right away. The restaurant features a full bar, dim lighting and is nice and roomy. They have banquette seating around the perimeter, in addition to tables in the middle. SERVICE Our server, who was very nice and accommodating during our dining experience, came by and gave us our menu's. I had already decided on the RW menu and after review, my friend was interested in the Beef Wellington (not on RW menu). Our server informed us that normally the whole table had to order off of the RW menu if one person does, but said she would check with the kitchen since this was the last day of RW. Luckily, we were able to proceed with ordering from different menu's. FOOD I ordered a raspberry Cosmopolitan. I'm a Riesling/Moscato girlie, but I tasted the Riesling and didn't like it. RW dinner was priced at $60. I ordered: First Course: Caesar Salad (Typical salad, was good) Second Course: Mussels (Tasted fine, came with a baguette) Third Course: Short Rib (Could've been slightly more tender and better seasoned. I've definitely had better. Wouldn't order again.) Fourth Course: Orange Ricotta Donuts (Donuts were very good. Three were served, a few more would have been more filling.) My friend ordered a glass of Pinot Noir and: Truffle Fries (Fries were very tasty. I would order again if I went back.) Beef Wellington (The breading was buttery and very good. The beef could've been more seasoned. I wouldn't order.) Key Lime Pie (Was not sweet and had no taste. When our server came back and saw it was uneaten, she offered to take it off the bill. It should be removed from the menu altogether.) The busboys and server were very attentive. Our water glasses were always filled. OVERALL The atmosphere was nice, our server was great. Of all the food we ordered, I would order the truffle fries and Cosmopolitan again. I did leave full and did take my leftover Short Rib to go. Main dishes needed more seasoning. I would dine here again and try a different menu (brunch/lunch), or Happy Hour if they offer it.

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    French 75

    Akiro - japanese - Updated June 2026

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