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Ako
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars [Edit]
205 Bedford Ave(between 5th St & 6th St)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Neighborhood: Williamsburg - North Side
(718) 302-2035
- Nearest Transit:
-
Bedford Av (L)
Metropolitan Av (G)
Lorimer St (L)
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
68 reviews for Ako
Review Highlights
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"Pink Lady Tempura - Spicy Strawberry Cream shrimp tempura..." In 3 reviews -
"...dinosaur roll and their crunchy spicy salmon/tuna roll is..." In 3 reviews -
"Lobster Rock 'N Roll shrimp, avocado, cucumber roll with..." In 3 reviews
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68 reviews in English
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Review from Bryana S.
Brooklyn, NY
3/4/2012
i have yet to actually eat there but have ordered delivery several times. ALWAYS quick and very good. I have had sushi as well as a couple of their hot dishes.
BIG fan of the tofu teriyaki and the sweet potato tempura roll! and they'll even delivery mochi!
the only down side about ako is that every time they have come to my apartment building they call and make me meet them out front... PLEASE walk in and up the stairs! i'd give you 5 stars for that!
i'll make it in there one of these days. :) -
Review from Anikha R.
5/10/2012
Ha... dubbed "Racist Sushi" because of an unsavory experience I've once encountered here...
It was a cold and rainy summer evening. The boyfriend and I wanted some sushi, so we trekked to Ako. Since the garden in the back was rained out, we sat in the front, right behind the sliding glass windows, which were left open. I was getting splashed by the bad weather, so I kept my hoody on.
The food was great, the service was good, especially since it was a very slow night and not too many customers ventured out because of the storm outside.
I needed to use the bathroom, so I got up and proceeded to the back. One of the waitresses stopped in front of me and said, "Bathroom for customer only!" I looked at her, then around the somewhat empty establishment and thought, didn't you just serve me the sake! I just calmly said, I'm sitting in the front with my boyfriend. I was then "allowed" to use the bathroom. We haven't gone back since, but I do miss their rolls.
I should've gotten a manager or something. But, then again, I didn't want to be "that" person...
Other than that, I like the food. When they say a roll is spicy, they live up to the word.
It became our regular spot because the sushi is pretty good, plus the presentation is nice. Once my heavy heart subsides, I will return back. Only on sunny days though...
2 stars for that one bad experience
4 stars for the food
So I averaged out their rating. -
Review from Kassy M.
3/11/2012
The reason why Ako has 3.5 stars overall is because it's not mind blowing in any way, yet it's a restaurant that you can count on to be good. Not amazing, but good.
I believe the rolls are about 50 cents more than at Mizu and Samurai, and the pieces seem to be smaller...but that's not necessarily a bad thing, because sushi rolls shouldn't be packed with rice to the point that you can't taste the fish.
I got the classic roll combo (tuna, salmon & california) for $12, which includes miso soup or garden salad ($1 extra for both). That's cheap for a sushi entree, and it's pretty filling too (I got both soup & salad).
Service was alright. We kind of had communication issues with our waiter but he wasn't bad by any means. -
Review from Carrie M.
Brooklyn, NY
5/9/2012
Wonderful place. Amazingly fresh and delicious Sushi. Great atmosphere and lovely service. Not too pricey either.
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Review from Jennifer S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
I had a solid meal here.
Zach S said it right when he said "Better than Samurai however not as good as Bozu". But really, what is as good as bozu?? The portions and prices here are good when the sushi craving hits you but you don't want to go balls to wall crazy.
I ended up having a beer, a sm hot sake, two orders of squid sashimi, tako, salmon roe (they were out of uni), soup and a few other sashimi items. They were all very good.
I had the wasabi roll with salman, tuna and wasabi tobiko and it was really nice. I was really pleasantly surprised with this place. I imagine I hit it at a good, fresh moment. It is, so far, my favorite mid range sushi place around Williamsburg. -
Review from Zach S.
2/27/2012
3.5
This place is cheap and good. Nothing to write home about but a good option if you are in the mood for sushi and in the area.
Better than Samurai however not as good as Bozu.
Great lunch specials too. $9/$11 for any two/three rolls w/ miso soup and salad.
$4 beers and their rock shrimp appetizer are great as well. -
Review from Susan s.
1/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great lunch specials.
Bento box for 9.99
Two roll special with soup or salad 9.99
Service is good!! -
Review from Daniel P.
1/4/2012
Extraordinarily sub-par takeout for this neighb. I'm not saying their food is disgusting, it's just lifeless and made without any love.
Sadly north williamsburg is pretty much a quality sushi wasteland, but I'd certainly recommend Bozu if you can spend a bit more and deal with their hipster attitudes. -
Review from Nick G.
Brooklyn, NY
3/18/2012
Best quality for fresh sushi and sashimi on Bedford Avenue. I live on N5 and Bedford Ave and have tried all of the options. Ako consistently has fresh sushi and sashimi. (My favorite is the salmon sushi and the spicy salmon sushi.) Last night the owner showed me all about the high-tech refrigeration system for the sushi counter as well as the deep freezer downstairs. Very impressive. Staff is friendly. Also, pro tip: the green tea + brown rice tea is free with any order, just ask.
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Review from Lucy L.
11/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
quick lunch pick up spot !
Location is good, and sushi is average. they have garden open in the back which is always a plus. -
Review from Toby D.
Brooklyn, NY
2/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
Their lunch special is really doing it for me. But they're piping in THE WORST smooth jazz bullshit music!!! Make it stop!!!
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Review from Ken Z.
Mobile, AL
9/27/2011
Don't expect much from Ako. But don't expect nothing either. It serves good sushi but not great sushi. The quality of its beer and wine selection is up to you since their policy is BYOB. It can be fun to mingle their pretty standard sushi line-up with Spanish wines from Uva Wines just a few doors over--it does liven up the dining experience. (During the holidays you can even bring egg nog. By stocking nothing, Ako cleverly makes it so that they stock everything.) Anyways, bringing your own drinks saves you money and promises you can get more drunk.
They have a fair lunch special (you can see how much I'm struggling to make this review more memorable than the restaurant it's being written for; but here I am, paragraph two, waxing about the lunch special). I think it consists of three regular rolls, six pieces per roll for 12.00 dollars total, plus a little ginger salad and a miso soup. Not a bad deal really. And their yellowtail is pretty good. Did I mention that the ambiance is nice? And you can even br zzz... zzz...
Sometimes they drop a giant martini glass filled with radish shavings in the middle of your plate like it's a Christmas tree. Then they stack your sushi around it like presents. To complete the analogy, the martini glass has a little blue LED disc dropped in the bottom before the radish shavings are piled in so that the radish shavings glow like blue and silver tinsel. Just like their BYOB policy, things like this are what you make of them. But hey, at least you can get fat and hammered on a budget.
"Ako." It's Japanese for "so-so." -
Review from Hope J.
Brooklyn, NY
10/25/2011
AKO is pretty convenient. I'm in the neighborhood and go there often when I'm craving sushi. The atmosphere and service is always good. They used to be BYOB, but now have an alcohol menu. The food is okay, and it's always okay...at least its consistent. I've never had anything that was terrible, but I've never had an omg-my-mind-is-blown there either.
If you're craving decent sushi, and you are close by...go for it. But I'd say don't go out of your way. -
Review from stephanie y.
Brooklyn, NY
10/6/2011
I am shocked everytime I place an order to pickup. They literally have all my food ready under 10 minutes! I honestly dont know how they do it.
The sushi is fresh, and good for the price. Its a great place for a quick meal. I will continue ordering from here. The volcano roll is awesome, however if you like shrimp tempura rolls, don't get them from here. I know you are wondering how they can mess that roll up, but they only put the shrimp in the roll (nothing else). -
Review from Anna F.
Avondale Estates, GA
2/6/2011
Wonderful classy atmosphere. Get the bento box lunch special--you get miso soup, salad, shumai dumplings, rice, and a variety of enteés to choose from for $9!
I also had great tempura with tons of different vegetables as well as shrimp and even chicken. The breading was very crisp and light. For dessert get the mochi balls--your choice of vanilla, red bean, or green tea ice-cream wrapped in rice flour.
We'll definitely go again! -
Review from Dmitry K.
Los Angeles, CA
1/15/2011
Looking for Sushi in Williamsburg?! Ako is the place to be.
Upon entering, the wonderful Chefs greeted us with the warming yet incomprehensible welcome. The Chefs were hard at work, and the server seated us right away.
On a freezing cold December afternoon, the hot Miso Soup hit the spot. I ordered the Tuna Love roll and fell in love. Four Words: Spicy Tuna, White Tuna, Avocado, Crunch! It was fantastical.
The Dragon Roll roll was pretty standard as it came with an eclectic display of fish and rolls. We also ordered the Green Tea, CA Roll and an Eel Roll. The total came to about 47 dollars. Not bad at all.
The customer service was great. In all, it was a great experience, and I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a Sushi joint in Williamsburg.
The TUNA LOVE Roll is a MUST! I can't wait to try this place again. -
Review from Ally D.
Brooklyn, NY
5/16/2011
I order from here all the time. The tuna salmon twister, golden dragon, pink lady, lobster rock n roll, and spicy girl rolls are all amazing. Some of the rolls come with spicy and fruity sauces on the side when you order out and really add to the flavor.
Eating in the restaurant is fun too. BYOB alcohol, the sushi presentation is funny (like two tier plates with flashing lights and hearts drizzled in sauces all over the plates...), but the decor and service is just average -
Review from Dance N.
New York, NY
12/19/2011
This review if for delivery orders! The food came within 15 minutes I ordered late like 10pm but still pretty damn fast. The soup was hot (is cold out there) and the roll taste good. Not great but good.
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Review from Dudeman S.
Brooklyn, NY
2/29/2012
meh all around. the borked website should say it all. i thought the prices werent so bad until i got my food - i see why its rated as an expensive place. the sashimi special i got was barely a mouthful. too many options around here to give em a second chance on that.
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Review from Paulina V.
Brooklyn, NY
6/5/2011 1 photo
My first sushi place in this city and it's quite comparable price wise to where I come from. However, though prices are the same, the rolls I got were super yummy (Crunch Spicy Tuna and Salmon Avocado, $5.50ea). The miso soup for $2 wasn't too bad either. The great part was I got it all delivered (free delivery) at 11 at night and got it in less than 20 minutes.
For the taste, delivery service (price- free! and quickness), and also the decent pricing, I would have to say that this could easily become my favourite Sushi on Bedford :) -
Review from Onneesha G.
Woodside, NY
8/9/2010
This place is the bomb, straight-up.
everything was delicious.
awesome awesome awesome.
SERVICE= A+++
attentive but not annoying
she smiled a lot which was made us feel very comfortable, and it was very welcoming.
she was friendly and just plain great :)
FOOD= YUMMMY!
we started off with the "pork and veggie gyoza", FANTASTIC, it was pan-fried lightly, came with a light-soy vinaigrette dipping.
I had the "Sashimi Salad" which was EXCELLENT, it came with mesclun mixed greens, fresh salmon and fresh tuna, tossed in a light dressing, can't remember what it was though.
My lover had the "Chicken Teriyaki", I knowww, simple and boring but because it was our first-time here, he wanted to stick to something "safe" It was DELICIOUS. The teriyaki sauce was amazing, it was sweet but not overwhelmingly tooo sweet. The chicken breast was grilled then sliced into thin pieces, PERFECTION.
The presentation of each dish was eye-catching, a little funky. They placed purple-orchids on the plates which added a little nice touch to it.
We ordered iced-green teas with honey, very REFRESHING.
We ended our meal, with Mango Sorbet, which he devoured in less than 3 minutes!
Not bad for the first time. We love it here, we enjoyed everything about this place from the the food to the service, OUTSTANDING, way better than crowded-ass Juliette down the block.
DEAR AKO, you are truly heaven on earth. AHHHH, can't wait to go back.
XOXO
check them out :) -
Review from Ciara S.
Queens, NY
Updated - 10/1/2011
AKO now charges a $12 fee to open up each bottle of wine, guess what turns out I only really loved that we could bring our own wine because since we were charged a fee a couple months back we have not been back to this restaurant since.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/21/2011
I went with a friend after work and we both LOVED it. It wasn't to pricey and the rolls were… Read more »
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Review from Tiffany F.
Manhattan, NY
12/7/2010
Oh my!
Love the neighborhood, love this restaurant. The scallop appetizer is to DIE for, i wish they had an entire entree that was comprised solely of the scallops and 'shrooms. the sauce it swims in is amazing, and the three little scallops aren't really enough to split with someone. do yourself a favor and just get the appetizer for yourself.
the sushi is fresh and filling, but i was less than impressed with the king crab roll which was rather bland. -
Review from Alessa M.
I really liked the sushi. I mean I really like liked the sushi. I had the Sushi Ume with a California roll and Andres had the sushi and sashimi for one.
It's a nice cozy place. The decor was nice. The service was great although at times it was over barring. That's ok though, as long as they were nice is what I cared about the most.
So come here for really good sushi.Listed in: Best Eats...., Where Brooklyn At?
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Review from Charles P.
Sunnyside, NY
7/29/2011
This place just makes me think of city sushi (pronounced shitty sushi). For those of you not familiar, watch the south park episode of the same name. I never, ever thought I'd use use this word, but I can say with 100% confidence that Ako is wiggedy wiggedy whack. Step one to fixing this place: use fresh fish! I just hope no one commits hara-kiri over this review.
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Review from Bria D.
2/14/2010 3 photos
Ako gets 4 stars and props (and I'm pretty stingy with my 4-star reviews these days).
The sushi was tasty and presented with care. The style of presentation wasn't really my thing (lots of glass and ice and cutesy designs), but I was definitely impressed that they put the effort into it. The staff was super-attentive and very amenable to my request that they alter my dishes to leave the masago and tobiko out--I'm off of all forms of raw fish for the next few months, but I can rock some cooked ingredients. You're not going to get the same rich flavor sensations that you'd have at Bozu or Zenkichi, but you're also not going to pay as much as you would there for the same quantity of food.
Awesome holdovers from Wasabi: the 2-3 roll lunch specials plus free hot sake with supper (which I also had to decline, but my husband seemed to enjoy).
Awesomer new policy: Lunch starts at 12:30 Monday-Thursday. YES! One of my most irritating frustrations about living in this neighborhood is that the Bedford Ave-North 6th sushi joints don't open for lunch until 1, so I often end up going to Red Bowl or Peter's when I really want sushi because they're open. Nice call, Ako! -
Review from Nate B.
3/10/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have a bit of a hard time taking a sushi place seriously when they're plating with LED ice cubes, but when I saw that the martini glass holding out maki was bonded to the plate with wasabi paste, I knew that the chefs were men of artsy practicality. Men I'd give a fist bump to, a respectful silght nod. A shot if I saw them at the bar.
The roommate, who loves sushi almost as much as I do, and I ordered an opulent number of rolls and sashimi. Our waiter was cheery and accomodating, but lost a little in translation. Still cool though. He was giddy when he told us we got the fresh wasabi - as opposed to the regular pasty stuff. I hope I'd get the fresh stuff all the time. I could eat it straight, which I did. I say gottdam, it's good stuff.
All the rolls were good, not too silly and not too simple. The cuts for the fish were all perfectly fresh, especially for a weekday. The only thing I wasn't into, though I appreciate the engineering, were the cuts in the cucumber shot glasses. The uni came like this and I couldn't figure out if I was supposed to slurp it or eat the entire thing. Eating the entire thing was a bad idea because I then realized how good the uni was and how the cucumber took away from it. I really, really like uni and I couldn't do that thing where I smoosh it around in my mouth to savor it.
The chefs sent us an mid-meal surprise of some tuna tartare, mild and delicious on top of a fried wonton, or something.
But man, the red bean ice cream was the best I've ever had. Or maybe the most divergent from regular red bean ice cream. I couldn't squeeze info out of the staff about the source, just that it was from a Japanese company.
Cool place. Decent prices. Great to have it in the neighborhood. -
Review from Matt V.
Manhattan, NY
3/4/2010
I'm a big Sushi fiend/connoisseur, so when my fav sushi spot Wasabi had "closed for renovations," I was very scared what would happen next.
A couple months later, Ako arrived, and I could not be happier.
Donning an upscale and modern renovation, Ako still has the fantastic quality and edge that brought me to Wasabi in the first place.
Down to the finite details such as the dishes, Ako is a seriously delicious crowd pleaser with a modern edge.
Highly recommend the crunchy spicy tuna and volcano roll!
Ako has officially become my obsession. At least it's a healthy one! -
Review from Colin P.
Brooklyn, NY
8/9/2010
The BEST sushi place in Williamsburg, possibly in all of brooklyn. As of right now it is BYOB with a wine store less than a block away. The sushi is incredible and the service is just as good.
I LOVE the dinosaur roll and their crunchy spicy salmon/tuna roll is incredible too! There are plenty of options of places to go for sushi in this city but once you go here, it will be hard to imagine going anywhere else. For the price, you will not find a better value anywhere and the garden in the back is great on a cool day or a warm night! GO TO AKO! -
Review from Danielle J.
Brooklyn, NY
6/15/2011
BYOB! The hand roll combos are listed under entrees and are priced very well at about $16 for 3 rolls plus soup and salad. I saw the coulple next to us get the sushi for two and it looked very romantic with ice in a martini glass and baby's breath decor. Great outdoor space. Impressive!
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Review from Devin S.
9/20/2010
Delicious! Very fresh, very good sushi at very reasonable prices. My boyfriend had the $11 for 3 rolls lunch special. I had a spicy tuna hand roll, two pieces of salmon sushi, and one piece of surf clam. Turns out I do not like surf clam (I couldn't remember when I ordered it) - but for what it's worth it was plenty fresh, just not my thing. I'm shocked to hear the food poisoning reviews below, because we both left with very happy stomachs.
The service was very friendly, though I will say it took a little while to get our food. Still, Ako gets 4 stars for having everything you could ask for from a good sushi place, including "exotic" specials like live sea scallop and urchin. We were not feeling adventurous and so we declined to try - but I liked that the option was there!
The decor was also super cute. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone in the north Williamsburg area. -
Review from Lauren B.
Manhattan, NY
9/2/2011
Fresh sushi. Solid lunch specials.
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Review from anni b.
Brooklyn, NY
2/14/2010
horray horray horray.
Man do I love me some sushi. Walking by the space that was formerly Wasabi and noticing the change of name, I had to see what the deal was. Vast improvements in pretty much every way.
We ordered the sushi for 2, and it arrived on a massive plate (probably about 3 feet long) with a decorative roll in the center arranged in a martini glass with a glowy ice cube lightey thing. Sort of more bells and whistles than I'm used to with my sushi, but props to them for paying such good attention to presentation.
The fish itself was all amazingly fresh. The service was friendly and happy and positive and everyone seemed to really want to be there, a rarity in the NY restaurant biz - they're so new, they're not even jaded yet! Crazy.
Complimentary decorative and delicious seared tuna and seaweed salad amuse bouche. Classy touch.
Really, nothing bad to say. Even the price was right ($40 for the massive sushi for two choice.)
Also had the agedashi tofu. Huge portion, delicious, and $5.
And they deliver. Ako, you are my new go-to sushi joint fo-sho. Sparkles and love. This is what sushi dreams are made of. -
Review from Marshall H.
New York, NY
3/31/2010
Prior to a show at Brooklyn Bowl I came in here on Zach M.'s recommendation. I'll tell you what: not a bad call.
Dining quickly at the sushi bar, I went with a light meal of a green salad and the Honey Dragon Roll ($13). The salad was definitely larger than expected. The roll was delicious, especially since it came with an awesome honey wasabi sauce.
There were plenty of interesting special rolls on the menu to choose from ($11-$13 range, pretty standard, at least for Manhattan), and I'd definitely encourage people to try those if you're into that sort of thing. My next meal here will be strictly sushi and/or sashimi though, so I can get a feel for the fish itself.
One downside is that this place is fairly small. With seating for maybe 30 people total, I can imagine the place potentially filling up on weekends during peak hours. The decor is simple but a few strategically-placed tea candles add nicely to the atmosphere, and I could see coming in here for a low key date. The music, however, left a bit to be desired -- it was like the awful elevator/waiting room music that drives people crazy. Yuck.
More than anything, I noticed that the sushi chefs take great pride in their presentation. I think that would set Ako apart from other sushi spots in a similar price range. Even meals like the sashimi deluxe were plated extremely well (it took the chef 5+ minutes to arrange everything once the fish was sliced) -- the chefs utilize large leaves, light-up cubes, martini glasses and decoratively-placed sauces to achieve interesting presentations. Tacky? Perhaps. But I like when a restaurant puts care into how food is presented.
Overall impression: with decent fish, creative rolls, simple decor and solid service -- this was the perfect, quick, inexpensive meal that I was looking for. -
Review from Zach M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/12/2010
So the space that was formerly Wasabi has been reborn as the new sushi joint Ako after a minor renovation. Those who loved the openness of Wasabi and the cozy feel of a neighborhood sushi joint will not be disappointed, Ako maintains that humble elegance.
As for the sushi, the flavor combinations, while not radically different, are perfectly balance and expertly executed. There wasn't a single item I ate during my meal there that I didnt think was absolutely delicious. The sweet shrimp sashimi was plump and delicious and the plating was gorgeous (funky glowing martini glasses and beautiful play with sauces on the plate).
For now they are BYO but they are planning on doing a nice Sake and Beer list once the powers that be gives them the go ahead. For now, enjoy the excellent hospitality and great sushi with your own bottle of wine any day of the week. -
Review from Becca S.
Brooklyn, NY
5/3/2010
Absolutely positively the best Sushi place ever in Williamsburg. First off, I know they are getting a liquor license at some point, but right now its BYOB.. and they are more than attentive and hospital about bring your own in. The waitstaff is not only ridiculously attentive without being overbearing, but they're also friendly and awesome.
The sushi quality is great. The prices are even better. And the presentation is magnificent, I'm a suck for glowy lights any day.
If I wouldn't die of mercury poisoning I would come here every day of my life. -
Review from Hey T.
Brooklyn, NY
3/6/2010
Sushi=fresh and delicious.
It's not the cheapest sushi place in the Williamsburg area, but it is definitely the best for its price rage. There used to be a different sushi place in this location, but this one is better.
We ordered the sushi and sashimi for two, and it was filling and yummy. I've also ordered takeout from here several times, and that's good too.
The lady who seems to be the owner is nice. -
Review from Matt R.
Brooklyn, NY
4/21/2010
I have lived in Billyburg for almost 5 years. I have seen Sushi places come and go.
Ako actually opened just about 2 months ago - i have been to this places many time and find it to be the best in Williamsburg.
the food is fresh and Delicious (not only the sushi, but the sauces they have are yum yum!) The food decoration is a little wild, but it add much charter to the place - people who say "pay more attention to the food" are a little clueless - food presentation IS important, especially when the food is good.
The staff is extremely friendly and does a good job making you think you are the only on that matter in their restaurant.
I would highly recommend this place to others. (not only dinner - their lunch special is cheap and very good!)
If you are not 100% sure where to get sushi in Williamsburg, go check them out, you will not be disappointed.
Bon appetite
M -
Review from molly c.
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Review from Christine S.
Brooklyn, NY
10/30/2010
Only ordered for delivery so far (about once a week) and mannn, it's damn good!
You really should have a look at their Signature Rolls. First I was like, errrrr, Pink Lady Tempura with Spicy Strawberry Cream (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, jicama, avocado wrapped in soy bean sauce), really?! Strawberry Cream? OMG, what a great idea! They're to die for.
The next time I got even more adventurous and tried Tuna Salmon Twister with Spicy Cheery Aioli (crunchy spicy salmon, sweet peanut roll topped with Japanese spice crusted tuna & avocado). Same OMG reaction!
The Tempura is nice and crispy and all the dishes we ordered so far were absolutely delicious.
