Akira — Restaurant in Town of Bethlehem

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...

My sister took me out for my birthday and knows I love sushi, so we came to akira. The food was great as usual, and the waitress was nice at first. Then came time to pay the bill. She charged us for refills which we didn’t realize had a charge (we should have taken that into an account but slipped our minds) and she charged her an extra dollar on a roll that was only supposed to be 4.50. Were going through and realize we’re a few cents short, so I went down to our car to get the change. I came back with the change and we made it extremely clear to the waitress to put the change on first and then do the card, otherwise it’ll decline. She said okay no problem, went, and our bill was paid etc. we sat and chatted for a little while and then got up to leave. The waitress stopped up and said “excuse me where’s my tip, it’s not on the receipt” and we told her we’re really sorry but we don’t have enough for a tip. She still insisted for a tip and we said we’re sorry, we don’t have money for one. Then she rolled her eyes at us, grabbed the bill booklet from the table and gave us a dirty look and started muttering something in Japanese, and I can kind of imagine what it went along the lines of. Don’t get me wrong, we felt terrible we couldn’t leave a tip but we didn’t expect to end up being short on money, especially when she added those charges. The food was great, the service was okay at first but after the waitress got nasty for a tip that would’ve only ended up being $5 for our bill anyways, I’m extremely...

Total Rip-Off – Worst Hibachi Experience Ever

What a joke of a restaurant. We were a group of eight, including two kids, and chose the hibachi live table expecting a fun night with good food — instead, we got overpriced scraps and rude service.

The food was nothing special, definitely not worth the absurd prices they charge. My wife and I ordered a combo for two ($68+), and I swear they didn’t even serve a full portion for one person. A couple tiny pieces of chicken and beef, and a pathetic sliver of lobster — that’s it. Most hibachi places give you fried rice and noodles. Here? Just plain rice. Clearly cutting costs wherever they can. It felt like a scam.

They even tried to pass off ice water with a squeeze of lemon as “lemonade” for our kid. Seriously? That’s just cheap and embarrassing.

My sister ordered salmon and chicken — what she got looked like a leftover salmon trimming, maybe 3-4 oz at best, for $28. It was laughable.

And the chef? Miserable. Didn’t smile, barely spoke, just looked like he didn’t want to be there. Worst part: he sprayed water toward my kid’s face like it was a joke — and when it was obvious my kid was uncomfortable, he kept doing it. Completely tone-deaf and unprofessional.

We left feeling ripped off, annoyed, and honestly pissed. The whole experience was a waste of money. We’ll never come back, and I highly suggest anyone thinking of going here to look elsewhere — plenty of better hibachi spots that actually respect their customers and...