Akira Albany (Glenmont Location)

If you’re looking for a sushi experience that balances quality, freshness, and innovation with classic preparation, Akira Albany in Glenmont is a restaurant that deserves your attention. Nestled in a quiet part of town, this spot combines a warm, welcoming ambiance with a focus on quality Japanese cuisine, delivering an experience that has quickly made it a local favorite. Let’s start with the sushi, which truly sets Akira Albany apart. One of the first things you’ll notice is the attention to detail in presentation. Each roll arrives at the table with the kind of artful plating you’d expect from a high-end sushi bar, often garnished with fresh herbs or edible flowers that elevate the aesthetic without distracting from the taste. More importantly, the fish is incredibly fresh—a crucial factor that makes all the difference in a sushi dish. You can taste the quality of each slice, whether it’s the buttery richness of salmon, the clean and mild flavor of tuna, or the slightly sweet, delicate snap of scallop. The rice, often overlooked in sushi but essential to the overall flavor, is perfectly seasoned and textured: slightly warm, with a hint of vinegar that complements the fish without overpowering it. Akira Albany offers a wide variety of sushi rolls, from traditional options like the California and Spicy Tuna Rolls to more adventurous fusion rolls featuring unique combinations of ingredients. The specialty rolls are definitely worth exploring for those seeking something beyond the basics. One popular choice is the Dragon Roll, which layers eel and avocado with a drizzle of sweet eel sauce, giving it a smooth, creamy, and slightly smoky flavor profile. There are also vegetarian rolls available, ensuring that there’s something on the menu for everyone, regardless of dietary preference. In addition to sushi, the restaurant also serves an impressive calamari dish that is not to be missed. Calamari can be a tricky appetizer, often ending up overly chewy or overly oily, but Akira Albany manages to strike the right balance. The calamari here is lightly battered and fried to a delicate crisp. The batter doesn’t overwhelm the calamari, allowing its natural flavor to shine through. Inside, each piece is tender, not rubbery—a testament to the kitchen’s skill and commitment to using fresh ingredients. It’s served with a zesty dipping sauce that adds a nice, tangy complement to the mild sweetness of the calamari, creating a combination that keeps you reaching for more. This dish is perfect for sharing, although it’s so good you might find yourself tempted to keep it all to yourself. Service at Akira Albany is also a standout aspect of the dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, able to answer questions about the menu and make recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi aficionado or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, they’re happy to guide you through the options without any pretentiousness. They strike the right balance between being attentive and giving you space to enjoy your meal, making the experience pleasant and relaxed. The ambiance in the Glenmont location adds to the appeal, with its cozy, modern decor and soft lighting that makes it an ideal spot for anything from a casual meal to a date night. The restaurant doesn’t get overly noisy, so conversation is easy even when it’s busy. They’ve crafted an atmosphere that feels both upscale and welcoming, perfect for families, friends, or even solo diners. In summary, Akira Albany’s Glenmont location delivers an impressive dining experience that combines high-quality sushi, expertly prepared calamari, attentive service, and a comfortable, inviting setting. The sushi, fresh and beautifully presented, is a highlight, but the calamari is an unexpected delight that elevates the meal. Whether you’re there for a special occasion or just craving some good Japanese food, Akira Albany offers an experience that is sure to leave you satisfied and planning your next visit.

I sat down with friends and it was very quiet with no music playing so when we all stopped speaking it was silent. Very awkward. The service lady immediately gave us to go boxes after we got served our hibachi. Basically telling us to pack it up and leave. The hibachi cooker barely said anything while cooking to keep us entertained. Horrible service and very poor environment. Over priced and not worth the money to sit down and watch your food get cooked. That’s all you pay for at the end of the day. Charged me over $70 in tips automatically. If I could I would give no tip. Horrible place. Overpriced. Bad customer service. Didn’t check up on us while eating.

Akira is one of my go-to restaurants for take out when I have the extra cash. Their chicken fried rice is a great quick meal, and the serving size is good. They perform nicely; I don't believe I've seen their chefs mess up before the atmosphere is lovely; a large decorative boat in the entry hall is a treat. Overall, a fantastic establishment.

The food was good I definitely would come back. Their rock shrimp is different from other places smaller shrimp and fried hard but good. I just wanted more rice that’s why I gave it 4 stars and cause the shrimp was small. I had the chicken and lobster hibachi.

This is my 2nd visit here. I went last year with my husband and we were impressed. Today I dined alone for lunch. I was the only person eating in at the time yet somehow I felt forgotten at times. I was seated and got my food right away. I got the sashimi lunch and samurai roll. So fresh and delicious! However I had ordered a side of spicy mayo which didn't come. No big deal. But no one came to check on me for my whole meal. I needed a drink refill. No one. I could see some staff sitting together which is totally fine with me. But again I was the only person dining there and for my whole meal no one came to check on me. I will certainly go back and hope for better service next time.