Let’s Explore the Akira Menu
Akira is a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine, with a strong focus on fresh ingredients and a diverse menu. Whether you’re looking for traditional sushi and sashimi, or cooked entrees, Akira has something for everyone.
This article will guide you through the Akira menu, highlighting its key features, popular items, and anything that makes it unique. It’s for anyone craving Japanese cuisine, planning a visit to Akira, or even organizing an event and considering Akira’s catering options.
We’ll break down the Akira menu section by section, including appetizers, sushi and sashimi, and cooked entrees. We’ll also highlight some of the unique aspects, such as the extensive sushi roll selection and any special dietary options available. If you’re wondering what to order, or just want to know what’s on offer, keep reading for a deep dive into the Akira menu!
Appetizers: A Culinary Prelude
No meal at Akira is complete without sampling some of the restaurant’s carefully crafted appetizers. These small plates are designed to awaken your palate and prepare you for the culinary journey ahead.
Cold Appetizers
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing start, Akira offers a selection of chilled appetizers:
- Edamame: These young soybeans in the pod, seasoned simply with salt or chili spices, are a perennial favorite.
- Salads: From the simple House Salad to the more complex Seared Pepper Tuna Salad, Akira’s salad selection offers something for everyone. Don’t miss the crisp Cucumber Salad, the tangy Sunomono Salad, the fiery Spicy Tako Salad, or the umami-rich Seaweed Salad. For a signature experience, try the Akira Salad, a unique blend of flavors and textures.
Hot Appetizers
For a warmer start, explore Akira’s selection of hot appetizers:
- Gyoza: These savory pork dumplings are available fried, sautéed, or steamed, and are served with a classic gyoza sauce for dipping.
- Fried Spring Rolls and Calamari: The Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls, served with a sweet orange marmalade, are a vegetarian delight. The Fried Calamari, made with only the highest quality seafood, is served with a variety of dipping sauces to complement its delicate flavor.
- Other Notable Hot Appetizers: Don’t overlook the flavorful Crab Cakes, the tropical Coconut Shrimps, the explosive Rocket Shrimps, the comforting Pork Steam Bun, the spicy Jalapeño Blossom, or the creamy Crab Rangoon. Each dish offers a unique combination of ingredients and preparation methods.
Soups and Salads: A Refreshing Interlude
Akira’s menu features several light and refreshing options to start your meal or enjoy as a lighter entree.
Miso Soup
A Japanese staple, Akira’s miso soup features a flavorful broth made from fermented soybean paste, with cubes of tofu, strips of seaweed, and thinly sliced scallions. You can also order a seafood miso soup with shrimp, scallops, and other delicacies from the sea.
Udon Noodle Soup
For something heartier, try the Udon Noodle Soup. You can choose your protein: chicken, tofu, steak, or seafood. Each bowl comes with thick, chewy wheat noodles, a boiled egg, fresh vegetables, and crispy tempura shrimp.
Salads
Akira offers a wide selection of salads, including a simple house salad, cucumber salad, sunomono salad, spicy tako (octopus) salad, seaweed salad, the signature Akira Salad, and a seared pepper tuna salad. Dressings include house sesame, citrus, and ranch.
Entrees from the Kitchen
If you’re looking for a heartier dish, Akira’s entrees offer a range of flavors and ingredients, from classic Japanese preparations to creative fusion dishes.
Teriyaki and Shioyaki Dishes
For a taste of traditional Japanese flavors, consider the teriyaki and shioyaki options. These dishes feature your choice of protein, prepared with either a sweet teriyaki glaze or a savory lemon-pepper seasoning (shioyaki).
- Chicken Teriyaki/Shioyaki: Tender chicken prepared with your choice of teriyaki or shioyaki seasoning.
- Steak Teriyaki/Shioyaki: A New York strip steak cooked to perfection and seasoned with either teriyaki or shioyaki.
- Salmon Teriyaki/Shioyaki: Flaky salmon fillet, seasoned with your choice of teriyaki or shioyaki, and also available with a creamy sesame seed sauce.
Other Notable Entrees
Akira’s menu also includes several other creative and flavorful entrees.
- Sesame Chicken/Tofu: Crispy chicken or tofu tossed in a sweet teriyaki sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Tori Katsu: A breadcrumb-battered chicken breast, fried until golden brown and served with tonkatsu sauce and a spicy dipping sauce.
- Japanese Curry: A comforting and flavorful curry dish, available with your choice of chicken, tofu, or steak, simmered in a homemade curry sauce with vegetables.
Stir-Fry Noodles
Akira offers a variety of stir-fry noodle dishes, with your choice of vegetables, chicken/tofu, shrimp, salmon, or steak.
Sushi and Sashimi: The Art of Japanese Cuisine
No Japanese restaurant would be complete without a selection of artfully prepared sushi and sashimi. Here’s a look at what you might find on the menu.
Nigiri and Sashimi Selection
Nigiri consists of a slice of raw fish atop a small mound of vinegared rice, while sashimi is simply the sliced fish served without rice.
- Tuna (Maguro/Kuro Maguro): Options range from standard tuna (Maguro) to prized Bluefin tuna (Kuro Maguro) and the melt-in-your-mouth Fatty Tuna (Toro).
- Salmon (Sake/Ora Salmon): Enjoy classic Fresh Salmon, flavorful Smoked Salmon, or the rich King Salmon (Ora Salmon).
- Yellowtail (Hamachi): Appreciate the delicate flavor of Yellowtail (Hamachi) as nigiri or sashimi.
- Other Notable Options: The menu might also include Red Snapper (Tai), Squid (Ika), Octopus (Tako), Eel (Unagi), and various roe options like Masago and Salmon Roe.
Sushi Rolls: A Creative Array
Sushi rolls combine rice, seaweed, and various fillings into bite-sized morsels.
- California Roll: The classic combination of crab sticks, cucumber, and avocado.
- Philadelphia Roll: A creamy blend of smoked salmon, avocado, and cream cheese.
- Spicy Roll: Choose your protein—tuna, yellowtail, salmon, or escolar—for a kick of spice.
- Unique and Specialty Rolls: Keep an eye out for standout rolls like the Rainbow Roll, Volcano Roll, and other creatively named options. Rolls are generally described by their ingredients, and prices will vary accordingly.
- Vegetarian Rolls: The menu will have at least one vegetarian option, such as Yasai Maki or a Vegetarian Roll
The Hibachi Experience
Akira’s hibachi dinners aren’t just meals; they’re a show! Watch as skilled chefs prepare your food right before your eyes on a sizzling hibachi grill. It’s a fun, interactive dining experience perfect for families and groups.
Choose Your Protein
The heart of any hibachi meal is the protein. Akira offers a fantastic selection, including:
- Chicken
- Steak
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Scallops
- Lobster
Vegetarians aren’t left out! The Hibachi Vegetable Delight is packed with fresh, grilled vegetables.
Can’t Decide? Go for a Combo!
Why choose just one? Akira lets you combine your favorite proteins. Some popular combinations include steak and chicken, steak and shrimp, and even filet mignon and lobster for a truly decadent treat.
Don’t Forget the Sides
Each hibachi entree comes with classic sides like hibachi noodles and hibachi fried rice. Feel free to customize your meal with extra sides to complete your feast.
Hibachi for the Little Ones
Akira caters to kids with smaller portions of their favorite hibachi proteins. Choose from chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, scallops, or filet mignon, all prepared with the same care and flair as the adult entrees.
Sweet Endings, Lunch Deals, and Party Platters
Akira doesn’t just excel at sushi and entrees; they also offer several dessert options to complete your meal. Choose from vanilla, chocolate, red bean, or green tea ice cream.
For a quicker and more affordable bite, Akira also offers lunch specials like Chicken Katsu and Shrimp Tempura. You can also order sushi in convenient boxes, including Box Eel, Box Salmon, Box Tuna, and the Box Special, which features a variety of premium selections.
Planning a party or a large gathering? Akira’s sushi party trays are always a hit! The Sakura Tray offers a smaller selection at a lower price point, while the Shogun Tray provides a mid-range option with a good variety. For the ultimate sushi experience, the Royal Tray boasts the largest quantity and the most premium selections. Call for pricing and specific piece counts for each tray!
Wrapping Up
Akira’s menu stands out for its impressive variety. Whether you’re craving expertly prepared sushi and sashimi, flavorful appetizers, satisfying entrees, or the excitement of hibachi, Akira has something for everyone. They’re committed to using only the freshest ingredients, which makes every bite a delight.
The menu appeals to a wide range of diners. Sushi lovers will find an extensive selection of classic and innovative rolls. Families can enjoy a fun and interactive hibachi experience. And anyone looking for a delicious and memorable meal will find plenty to choose from.
Overall, Akira offers a dining experience that’s both delicious and entertaining. We encourage you to explore the menu, try something new, and discover your own personal favorites. From the moment you walk in, you can expect a memorable meal and excellent service.