Akira Albany: A Culinary Fusion of Hibachi and Sushi Delights

We rented out Akira for our youth leadership conference and they were amazing! Delicious and wonderful food, hysterical comedy from the chefs and personal attention to each one of our guests. The chefs listened to dietary needs, allergies and other concerns and perfectly prepared each meal. With a large party you run the risk of not having enough beverage but the wait staff was super attentive. The decor is elegant and tasteful

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.

Four of us to celebrate my daughter's birthday. We were able to set in a little room all to ourselves (great for social distancing) They are always attentive to their patrons needs and did not disappoint. The food was outstanding as usual. We all ordered different sushi for appetizers and they always give generous entree portions. Doggie bags to go. I had brought in a birthday cake and they generously took care of that, brought the serving essentials, lit the candles and played an upbeat "Happy Birthday" song through the sound system. A great birthday luncheon!

Hibachi here is always a treat. The food is good and the Chefs who cook the meals are very good at what they do. We love coming here!

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.

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.

Food is always good and staff so friendly and helpful. Love the noodles

We haven't eaten inside here, in over a year. I think some new staff/management. They did a fantastic job. Everything was super fresh. The little salads actually had mixed greens with the iceberg which a health nut appreciates lol. Portions were huge as ever and lots of left overs. My mojito was delicious. Service and chef all very nice. Repeated some of the hibachi tricks for the kids. Lots of Covid precautions which was comforting. Enjoy