Akiko — Restaurant in Houston

This was in 12/10/24 but the disrespect has left such a bad feeling we haven’t been able to bring ourselves to return, we got there at 8:45. No one said- too late! No new customers- our server was very gracious, told us to take our time but we quickly ordered and just as quickly our food arrived. By then it was 9pm. Our server said, take your time! So we relaxed. Then literally five minutes later, he left! Took his coat and bag and walked out. We were surprised bec - who’s serving us now? We saw we were last in the restaurant so we started wolfing down our food even though Japanese food isn’t really made for that, you know? But I guess we.weren’t fast enough because this young woman came out with a big yellow rolling bucket and started mopping next! Worse it was mop water full of antibacterial fluid that smells really heavily industrial. That smell makes me sick. I could hardly taste my food, because the cleaner’s perfume was so strong. Ugh! So then I notice the girl was looking at us. The guy behind the bar was looking at us. The guy at the door was looking at us. They’re all looking at us. Geez! At 9:10 we decided to go. We were not finished but obviously we weren’t welcome anymore . We asked for a box and the girl got it for us but didn’t wash her hands first. I should’ve said something bec I thought that was so gross. We boxed up our food, put on our coats got up to leave, but the danged floor was wet! I was afraid my elderly husband would slip and fall. That made me furious. Her behavior was thoughtless and stupid but no one apologized ( Sorry, guys!) as they saw us carefully tiptoeing out the door so as not to fall. Then they noisily locked the door behind us. It was 9:20. Really? Really??? I was so pissed off. $55 incl tip, and treated like that? And I was worried about bacteria on our food box and had to empty it soon as we were home. Not putting that box in my fridge. I’d heard the food was good at Akiko and it was. But I DID NOT feel like an honored patron. I did not enjoy my indigestion later that night. I can certainly take my custom to SushiWabi or any other number of Japanese restaurants in SW Houston where the employees practice kindness and real...

Over the past five years, this spot has become one of our go-to Friday date night destinations. It’s always busy, which I take as a good sign, but the wait is never long. The servers are consistently friendly, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the place is always spotless.

We usually start with the gyoza, perfectly pan-fried dumplings with a savory dipping sauce, and the spicy edamame, which has just the right kick. From there, we dive into the sushi rolls. The Akiko Roll and Houston Roll never disappoint, the Katy Perry Roll brings a fun and flavorful twist, and the Texas Hybrid Roll is a bold favorite. But the star of the night is always the Josh Roll—so good that we almost always end up ordering a second round before we leave.

I wouldn’t call this place cheap, but it’s not over the top either. For two people, we usually spend around $120, more if we decide to share a bottle of sake. I’ve brought several friends here over the years, and everyone has walked away impressed.

Bottom line: you can’t go wrong here. Great food, great service, and a consistently...

If I could do negative stars I would. I walked in and asked if I could use the restroom and then took a seat at a booth (the lady working there automatically thought that I wasn’t going to stay and eat) and said there was no public restroom. My family then walked in and she then understood that a whole family was coming to dine and immediately regretted behaving rudely to me. My husband saw the unwelcoming look on her face and asked if there was a problem, she responded and in an uncivilized manner and started waving her finger in his face and say no, no problem and disrespectfully explained that there was no public restroom here and then went on to point at the sign that said wait for the host to seat you. I didn’t notice the sign since there was no host at the stand and she made it seem as if I disrupted their whole set up, when in fact there were three booths open and minimal amount of people dining. We told them that they did not deserve our business and left. The customer service was bad and would not recommend...