I really wanted to like this place. Great service and ambiance but the food left a lot to be desired. We ordered a variety of apps, sushi and teriyaki and sides. Each dish was mediocre at best - bland and lacking any complexity or so salty it hurt our mouths. The sushi was the best part of our order but nothing special. Really disappointing after so many great reviews.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
M Marshall
Absolutely amazing omakase experience! The ambiance was unusal in the best sense -- it's an old building with original floors and ceilings, very cozy, great music (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, INXS, CSNY, etc.), the staff were all SO fun and friendly, and the sushi was the BEST we've ever had.
I've never leave restaurant reviews but sushi aka merits breaking my precedent.
I took my husband for his birthday last weekend and it was a top 10 date experience for us! A table by the window and closer to the sushi bar (best seat in the house IMO) became available and we were invited to move there. At one point our first dance wedding song came on and when the chef overheard, he restarted the song for us and the staff decided to make room for us to dance (and even took a video for us).
We were asked some questions beforehand to get an idea of what we liked and didn't like, what our favorite sushi was, how adventurous we were, etc. The omakase was very reasonably priced (our budget is tight right now, but this was worth saving up for), and included three sushi dishes, a sashimi platter, a three-part sashimi tasting menu (can't empathize the difference expert rice prepararion and seasoning makes!), all prepared by Chef Michael, and an amazing desserts course prepeared by Chef Adam. All eight courses were delicious and delightful surprises.
**Making a reservation is advised and omakase is by reservation only, so call in advance.
The drinks menu was extensive. My husband ordered the Japanese whiskey flight and loved it. The rest of the menu looked really interesting and we look forward to trying some of the staple dishes next time.
Chef Michael's technical skills, knowledge, and presentation were all incredible. Some of the fish I hadn't experienced before, which says a lot, and all of it was unbelievably fresh and perfectly prepared. They had actual, real, fresh wasabi root available, which I've never seen anywhere else in the region. It's also the only authentic omakase I've seen in Virginia outside the DC area. We eat a LOT of sushi and this is hands down the best within a 3hr radius (and likely beyond).
We hardly ever go to Suffolk, but sushi aka was definitely worth the drive and we'll be returning as soon as we can. I can't recommend it enough. The staff were attentive and just made us feel special.
(Apologies for my picture quality -- I do not take food pics ever, but this was an exception. My photograpy seriously does not do the dishes any justice at all!)
Thanks so much to everyone at sushi aka!! You gave us more than just a memorable meal. They gave us a truly memorable night and birthday for my husband. <3
Food: 5
Rie Azuma
I am a Japanese, I and my friends really enjoyed sushi from here!!! ❤️ We felt like it’s Japanese authenticity + beautiful American twist. Thought this place would do great in VB, but it’s a gem of Suffolk 💎✨ it’s hard to find good quality sushi places here (I tried a bunch of different places), and I’m glad I found this place. Wish they were open for lunch time too. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristin Starcher, Virginia Realtor
I found Sushi Aka on TikTok and we drove an hour through bridge traffic, Calling to make a reservation for two on the way to the restaurant.
My expectations were high and were exceeded. The quaint restaurant with wood paneling, Historic penny tiling on the floor …. I felt like I was transported to a little boutique European restaurant. The tea light candle on the table, The black table cloths And the glass bottled water - I loved everything. THE FOOD THOUGH! Oh my gosh - So fresh and the flavors Took us on an adventure in our mouths. I would drive two hours to dine there. BEST SUSHI I’ve had! Highly recommend the ceviche appetizer, the bomb roll, the spicy tuna roll and the lump crab California! … Honestly, though, I think I could’ve ordered anything and would have absolutely loved it. Like I said… We will be returning to try everything else on the menu 😂
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Javier
Good food, good service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Neal Andrews
This place was so very lovely. My wife and I celebrated our second anniversary here! The food was fantastic and the service was outstanding. The inside of the place is small and intimate. Perfect for something soecial like an anniversary. If you like sushi and a great atmosphere, you are going to love Sushi AKA!
Really enjoiyed our first visit. Food was excellent...very fresh and diff from normal sushi restaurants. The restaurant is cool...old vibes! Was it a pharmacy? dress shop? It is not japanese but feels good :) the ham and eggs roll...wow!
Erica
This is a hidden gem!! Will definitely be returning. This sushi reminds me of major city vibes! Loved it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Cowboy Roll
Tanya Hobbs
From the moment you step through the doors you know you are in for a truly special dining experience. This is not just a sushi restaurant; it is a showcase of culinary artistry and a testament to what happens when pristine, high-quality ingredients are treated with reverence and expert skill. The spicy Carachi roll is my new favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Erica Dantzler
I was taken aback being that I frequented this establishment in the recent past. I was looking over the menu to try something new, other than the chirashi bowl that I normally order. I was told to sit at the bar in front of the chefs and was thrown multiple menus to order from. I was left there waiting to be served. while i was waiting to be acknowledged and noticed I was being avoided, keep in mind i was in front of the chefs. while they were looking as well without asking was i being serviced. I sat there for 5 minutes and nothing. I MEAN NOTHING! I started walking slowly towards the door and still no one, I mean no one said anything. They watched me walk out the door. Everyone there was European and already served i just wondered why was i treated as though I wasn't in the room.
This was the second time we have eaten sushi at this establishment. It is so good and so enjoyable that we bring our out-of-town guests here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Wendi
Waitress did not know how to describe the menu items we inquired about. We also asked if the mango was close to the dishes that were made since one of us was allergic to it.
It’s very dark in there-when you walked in you can smell raw fish-I know some sushi and sashimi is raw but this was foul and not normal in higher priced locations throughout VA.
JunieB Jones
Well I was a server for 2 days and I got fired for taking pictures of the food and posting it . I’m new I just wanted to help promote and also get a picture of the food that’s being made so I can remember what’s what . My trainer was soft spoken barely wanted to talk ., when asked questions she didn’t know she didn’t want my help serving I asked if I could help bring items out she denied , every time I clean in between times she running to the table with an order then I have to follow up behind her . anyways the owner fired me on the day I was pose to come in . Can’t even search words on the menu cause he watching me on my phone and I didn’t even understand the language that’s spoken on the menu so I wanted to search how it’s pronounced but thanks for the opportunity I guess I’ll be by Tuesday to get my first and last check .
Yuki Wong
Sushiaka's omakase course is the best in Hampton Road area. My 6 course meal was absolutely amazing. You can taste the high quality and creativity.
I really wanted to like this place. Great service and ambiance but the food left a lot to be desired. We ordered a variety of apps, sushi and teriyaki and sides. Each dish was mediocre at best - bland and lacking any complexity or so salty it hurt our mouths. The sushi was the best part of our order but nothing special. Really disappointing after so many great reviews.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi
Absolutely amazing omakase experience! The ambiance was unusal in the best sense -- it's an old building with original floors and ceilings, very cozy, great music (Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, INXS, CSNY, etc.), the staff were all SO fun and friendly, and the sushi was the BEST we've ever had.
I've never leave restaurant reviews but sushi aka merits breaking my precedent.
I took my husband for his birthday last weekend and it was a top 10 date experience for us! A table by the window and closer to the sushi bar (best seat in the house IMO) became available and we were invited to move there. At one point our first dance wedding song came on and when the chef overheard, he restarted the song for us and the staff decided to make room for us to dance (and even took a video for us).
We were asked some questions beforehand to get an idea of what we liked and didn't like, what our favorite sushi was, how adventurous we were, etc. The omakase was very reasonably priced (our budget is tight right now, but this was worth saving up for), and included three sushi dishes, a sashimi platter, a three-part sashimi tasting menu (can't empathize the difference expert rice prepararion and seasoning makes!), all prepared by Chef Michael, and an amazing desserts course prepeared by Chef Adam. All eight courses were delicious and delightful surprises.
**Making a reservation is advised and omakase is by reservation only, so call in advance.
The drinks menu was extensive. My husband ordered the Japanese whiskey flight and loved it. The rest of the menu looked really interesting and we look forward to trying some of the staple dishes next time.
Chef Michael's technical skills, knowledge, and presentation were all incredible. Some of the fish I hadn't experienced before, which says a lot, and all of it was unbelievably fresh and perfectly prepared. They had actual, real, fresh wasabi root available, which I've never seen anywhere else in the region. It's also the only authentic omakase I've seen in Virginia outside the DC area. We eat a LOT of sushi and this is hands down the best within a 3hr radius (and likely beyond).
We hardly ever go to Suffolk, but sushi aka was definitely worth the drive and we'll be returning as soon as we can. I can't recommend it enough. The staff were attentive and just made us feel special.
(Apologies for my picture quality -- I do not take food pics ever, but this was an exception. My photograpy seriously does not do the dishes any justice at all!)
Thanks so much to everyone at sushi aka!! You gave us more than just a memorable meal. They gave us a truly memorable night and birthday for my husband. <3
Food: 5
I am a Japanese, I and my friends really enjoyed sushi from here!!! ❤️ We felt like it’s Japanese authenticity + beautiful American twist. Thought this place would do great in VB, but it’s a gem of Suffolk 💎✨ it’s hard to find good quality sushi places here (I tried a bunch of different places), and I’m glad I found this place. Wish they were open for lunch time too. Thank you!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I found Sushi Aka on TikTok and we drove an hour through bridge traffic, Calling to make a reservation for two on the way to the restaurant.
My expectations were high and were exceeded. The quaint restaurant with wood paneling, Historic penny tiling on the floor …. I felt like I was transported to a little boutique European restaurant. The tea light candle on the table, The black table cloths And the glass bottled water - I loved everything. THE FOOD THOUGH! Oh my gosh - So fresh and the flavors Took us on an adventure in our mouths. I would drive two hours to dine there. BEST SUSHI I’ve had! Highly recommend the ceviche appetizer, the bomb roll, the spicy tuna roll and the lump crab California! … Honestly, though, I think I could’ve ordered anything and would have absolutely loved it. Like I said… We will be returning to try everything else on the menu 😂
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, good service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place was so very lovely. My wife and I celebrated our second anniversary here! The food was fantastic and the service was outstanding. The inside of the place is small and intimate. Perfect for something soecial like an anniversary. If you like sushi and a great atmosphere, you are going to love Sushi AKA!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Cowboy Roll, Edamame, Gyoza
Really enjoiyed our first visit. Food was excellent...very fresh and diff from normal sushi restaurants. The restaurant is cool...old vibes! Was it a pharmacy? dress shop? It is not japanese but feels good :) the ham and eggs roll...wow!
This is a hidden gem!! Will definitely be returning. This sushi reminds me of major city vibes! Loved it!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sushi, Miso Soup, Cowboy Roll
From the moment you step through the doors you know you are in for a truly special dining experience. This is not just a sushi restaurant; it is a showcase of culinary artistry and a testament to what happens when pristine, high-quality ingredients are treated with reverence and expert skill.
The spicy Carachi roll is my new favorite.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was taken aback being that I frequented this establishment in the recent past. I was looking over the menu to try something new, other than the chirashi bowl that I normally order. I was told to sit at the bar in front of the chefs and was thrown multiple menus to order from. I was left there waiting to be served. while i was waiting to be acknowledged and noticed I was being avoided, keep in mind i was in front of the chefs. while they were looking as well without asking was i being serviced. I sat there for 5 minutes and nothing. I MEAN NOTHING! I started walking slowly towards the door and still no one, I mean no one said anything. They watched me walk out the door. Everyone there was European and already served i just wondered why was i treated as though I wasn't in the room.
Corporate African American Women with an OSHA 30
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
This was the second time we have eaten sushi at this establishment. It is so good and so enjoyable that we bring our out-of-town guests here
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Waitress did not know how to describe the menu items we inquired about. We also asked if the mango was close to the dishes that were made since one of us was allergic to it.
It’s very dark in there-when you walked in you can smell raw fish-I know some sushi and sashimi is raw but this was foul and not normal in higher priced locations throughout VA.
Well I was a server for 2 days and I got fired for taking pictures of the food and posting it . I’m new I just wanted to help promote and also get a picture of the food that’s being made so I can remember what’s what . My trainer was soft spoken barely wanted to talk ., when asked questions she didn’t know she didn’t want my help serving I asked if I could help bring items out she denied , every time I clean in between times she running to the table with an order then I have to follow up behind her . anyways the owner fired me on the day I was pose to come in . Can’t even search words on the menu cause he watching me on my phone and I didn’t even understand the language that’s spoken on the menu so I wanted to search how it’s pronounced but thanks for the opportunity I guess I’ll be by Tuesday to get my first and last check .
Sushiaka's omakase course is the best in Hampton Road area. My 6 course meal was absolutely amazing. You can taste the high quality and creativity.
Great jewel in downtown..
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