AKO by KENAKI — Restaurant in Washington

Absolutely do not let this place pass you by if you like sushi. I have dined in amazing sushi establishments in Chicago, New York City, Berlin, Seattle, and this really holds its own. A delectable summation of details makes Ako stand out from all of the other sushi places in DC that I have tried, from the sustainable to-go container, down to the aged soy sauce that doesn't smack of your average sushi fare. I love their forbidden rice roll, Black Magic, with its more nuanced flavor profile and who doesn't love a subtle smack of truffle. I am also a fan of their Green Monster roll with wits very flavor addition of shitake mushroom. Even the wasabi leans more toward a true wasabi experience versus the impossible sharpness of your standard wasabi paste. What I would hope Ako embraces, going forward, a better selection of parings and availability with their sakes. They should even have a bottle or two versus their single guest containers. Although their cater to different tastes at one table, their selection barely scratches the surface of adequate pairings with the caliber of their food menu. Regardless, I have eaten here twice and would definitely recommend, even to the more...

I'm going out of my way to write them a review because I'm constantly impressed by them.

Their fish is fresh - as fresh as it gets in the DC area aside from killing the fishes on the spot. Somehow they're flown from Japan, Scotland etc but they're so fresh and not fishy at all, texture is amazing even for tougher cuts. Lived in Asia for the first half of my life, travelled and tasted the best and this comes close to the top.

This place is not cheap - I'd consider it slightly pricey but nothing in DC is cheap and I've only heard good things from friends and family who try this place.

Their selection is small but impressive. Even their poke bowls are great and not overcomplicated. They've added texture and their wasabi tastes like it's been grated from fresh wasabi/horseradish and isn't that garbage paste you usually get. Even if it's not actual wasabi/horseradish, they've done an excellent job replicating it.

The soy they serve is good and high quality.

They have mastered the art of less is more. If you're expecting bursting flavors like biting into a burger, not the place. You must savor the delicate flavors and everything exists on your plate...

Really high quality, inventive sushi, especially surprising to find in a food hall.

The Roost is awesome as a food hall first of all. You sit anywhere, order and pay through the QR code, but you also get a high level of table service. Not only do they bring the food out to your table, a floating set of professional and courteous wait staff bring you water, plate, silverware and a cloth napkin (fancy). The whole hall is well designed and decorated.

As for AKO, I started with the Black Magic roll (forbidden rice, spicy tuna, pickled jalapeno, truffle oil, tempura flakes, avocado, black tobiko, and crisp leeks). It was a great combination of textures and flavors, and very fresh. Loved it.

Next I tried the Old Bay (lump crabmeat, avocado, scallion, and Old Bay crispy potato). It was also pretty dope, like a spruced up California roll with some interesting spice and texture from the key last ingredient). Loved it as well,...