Delicious Sushi, Wonderful Service, and a Team That Truly Cares!…read more
Sushi is one of my favorite foods, and my husband and I have tried quite a few sushi restaurants throughout the DMV and Northern Virginia. We celebrated my birthday at Akeno this weekend, and we both agreed that we'll definitely be back!
When we arrived around 7 p.m., the restaurant was packed, so it was clear that Akeno is a popular spot. Unfortunately, our reserved table was right by the front door. Since it was a particularly chilly evening, we felt a cold breeze every time the door opened, making it difficult to get comfortable. We had planned an intimate birthday dinner, so the seating wasn't ideal.
Thankfully, the staff made all the difference!
My husband noticed a cozy table farther back in the restaurant and asked Benji, the host, if we could move once it became available. Benji was gracious and accommodating, and when the table opened up, the staff helped move our food, cutlery, and belongings. Not once did we feel like we were being difficult or inconveniencing anyone.
Our waiter, Randy, was fantastic as well. He continued serving us seamlessly after the move, checking in just enough to make sure we had everything we needed without interrupting our dinner. The staff also did a great job clearing used dishes and keeping our table comfortable without making us feel rushed. That kind of attentive, thoughtful service really stood out.
Now, onto the food!
I ordered the summer rolls, Dragon roll, and Thai fried rice with shrimp, and everything was delicious. The summer rolls were some of the best I've had! They were fresh, flavorful, and generously portioned, with crisp cucumber, delicious peanut sauce, and just the right balance of ingredients. I've had summer rolls at many restaurants, and these really impressed me.
The Dragon roll was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated, and the Thai fried rice with shrimp was excellent, too. We've had sushi at several restaurants around the DMV, and Akeno absolutely made a great first impression. I'm already looking forward to trying more of the menu!
Before leaving, I made sure to thank the staff for being so accommodating. I hadn't mentioned my birthday earlier in the evening, but they let us know that they typically offer a complimentary dessert for birthday celebrations. So, if you're visiting for a birthday or another special occasion, be sure to mention it!
Ultimately, what could have been a disappointing evening because of the initial seating situation turned into a wonderful birthday dinner. I understand that a busy restaurant has seating limitations, but how a team responds when something isn't working matters. Benji and Randy handled everything with kindness, professionalism, and genuine consideration.
Thank you, Benji, for helping us find a more comfortable table, and Randy, for taking such great care of us throughout the evening. Your efforts were noticed and appreciated!
Akeno has earned five stars from us for the food, hospitality, and overall experience. My husband and I left happy, well fed, and already talking about coming back. We look forward to our next visit!