Ariake Japanese Restaurant — Restaurant in Reston

I’ve been going to Ariake somewhat regularly for a couple of years, and would go more often except that it’s justifiably popular and so usually too busy to enjoy with my young kids. Tonight we decided to give it a shot anyway after we called ahead and were told there was no wait for our party of seven (three adults and four children). We arrived and were seated at a 6-top with both the head and foot of the table open, which was perfect as my smaller kids don’t need much room.

After we ordered and just as I was starting to enjoy my large Sapporo, however, we were politely asked to move to another table. We readily agreed, because we didn’t imagine they would try to cram us into a 4-top with one end against a wall, such that not one, not two, but three chairs had to be jammed in at the corners and along on side of the table. But that was what happened, and it was downhill from there, unfortunately. In hindsight I wish I had politely asked to pay for my beer and left for dinner somewhere else, but anyone with young kids can understand the inertial effect of getting them out of their car seats and settled in for dinner.

We ordered a lot of sushi as well as a kitchen entree, which arrived first, and when the sushi arrived the server tried to remove the kitchen entree to make room even though there was still food on the plate. She asked us to move the food to a smaller plate and I had to firmly tell her we wanted to keep the plate there. Then another server apologized as she put the sushi on the table, saying “it’s a very small table”—no kidding!

We eat out a lot even though we’re a big family and we’ve occasionally offered to sit at a small-ish table because we can make room by having kids on adults’ laps, for instance. But we’ve never been asked to move to a smaller table after we’ve already been seated, and then made to feel like we were the problem.

It’s a real shame, because the fish was excellent as usual and we’ve had some really nice experiences here in the past. But after tonight, I think it’ll be a long time before we’re willing to try Ariake again.

EDIT: I appreciate the owner’s response to my review. Unfortunately I don’t see how the intention could have been to give us more space, when we were moved to a significantly smaller table. In addition, as soon as we were re-seated, the hostess seated a party of 8 at the table where we had first been seated. Even so, I understand that mistakes happen and I’m sure the intention was simply to accommodate as many guests as possible last night. It was just frustrating that that meant seriously compromising the experience of what was supposed to be a fun night out for us at the start of the...

Ariake Japanese Restaurant: A Hidden Gem of Authentic Flavors

Nestled in the heart of the city, Ariake Japanese Restaurant is a culinary treasure that transports you straight to Japan with every bite. From the moment you step through the doors, you’re greeted by a warm, intimate ambiance that feels like a peaceful retreat from the bustle outside. The subtle, elegant décor, combined with soft lighting and traditional Japanese touches, sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is a testament to the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Each dish is crafted with the utmost care, using only the freshest ingredients that burst with flavor. The sushi and sashimi selection is a standout—each piece a delicate balance of texture and taste. The buttery smoothness of the toro, the subtle sweetness of the uni, and the vibrant freshness of the salmon all come together in a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

But Ariake is not just about sushi. The tempura is impossibly light and crisp, with each bite offering a satisfying crunch followed by the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of perfectly cooked seafood and vegetables. The miso soup, often overlooked at other places, is rich and comforting, with a depth of flavor that speaks to the chef’s dedication to even the simplest dishes.

The service at Ariake is impeccable. The staff is not just attentive but genuinely enthusiastic about the food they serve. Their recommendations feel personalized, as if they’ve known your tastes for years, guiding you to dishes that surprise and delight. Whether you’re seated at the sushi bar watching the chefs work their magic or at a cozy table with friends, the experience feels tailored just for you.

In a city full of dining options, Ariake Japanese Restaurant stands out not only for its exceptional food but for the entire experience it offers. It’s the kind of place that leaves you thinking about your meal long after it’s over, eager for your next visit. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Japanese cuisine or a curious newcomer, Ariake promises a dining journey you won’t...

I would not recommend this restaurant solely based off of the owner . Let me explain... My boyfriend and I have visited this restaurant 4 times. The first time was exceptional, sushi and the waitress. Unfortunately, the second time was such an awkward experience that we opted for a pick up order for the 3rd visit. The second visit we were really hungry and we were treating ourselves so we got a large order. It got weird when the owner visited our table as our sushi was dropped off emphasizing how much money we were spending that evening . A few minutes later, one of our servers came over and was letting us know we got some of his favorite sushi, but as he was letting us know he was pointing to each roll about an inch away from touching it. That made us really uncomfortable. We paid, but left a small tip compared to what we would usually leave. When we went back for our pickup order there was a mistake in charging my card for someone else’s bill . It was a pick up order and I did not leave a tip. This most recent experience and final one we didn’t even end up ordering. We walked into the restaurant and was met by the owner at the hostess stand but our greeting was a conversation about how we didn’t leave enough tips in our 2 previous visits. I was confused With this conversation but I explain to him what are our last visits were like. He was not apologetic, but kept insisting that we need to leave bigger tips. He then said verbatim and chuckled “I don’t pay the waiters so they count on your tips”. I understand that most restaurants force their waiters to rely on tips, but to verbally express, not paying your waiters, and making it a joking matter to your guest, I can’t understand that. Sushi isn’t cheap, pay...