153 Akira

AVOID more

I am so happy that I was able to find this restaurant through groupon. However, when I first arrived, I was not impressed because the ambiance and the decor of the restaurant is very plain, and old. However, the place was packed! We had reservations for 7o'clock but had to wait a little bit to be seated. Thank god our table was near the front of the restaurant because I felt bad for those that were seated next to the entrance with the door that constantly opened and closed with people constantly rummaging in and out. It is a very small restaurant, and it is very busy. Not only was it a full house, the phone constantly rang, and there was a herd of people parked at the door waiting for a table. The menu that was given to us had the smallest print, and was very hard to read which was frustrating. 20 minutes in, and we were NOT impressed. However, I began to see the dishes that were passing by on the way to the other tables, and I became intrigued. Janey was our server and she was very helpful in the midst of the chaos, and helped us plan our courses. She was able to accommodate all of our requests and explained the menu items we were interested in very thoroughly. Very friendly and sincere, we noticed that she had good relations with the other guests that were dining. She definitely turned our night around because after our interaction with her, our impression of the restaurant changed from the negative aspects toward the anticipation of the positives. She was a true joy. The food that we had was so beautifully created and delicious too. The rolls that we had looked so amazing that it was hard to go for the first bite to ruin the chef's creation. Not only was the presentation wonderful--it tasted just as delicious as it looked. I would recommend this restaurant to those who have excitable palettes because at Akira, you wont be disappointed. Service A+, Food A+, atmosphere C+. Though we were only brought there because of a Groupon, I will definitely be back! Dont judge a restaurant by its cover, its all about the experience that lies beyond the obvious. more

First off, you're packed in like rats, and this place is loud (there was some kind of banging in the kitchen for a while on top of the loud environment). Some people with a kid came in behind us, the kid hit the chinese wall/screen and nearly knocked it down onto the tables. They said that a table would be a minute - so 10 minutes later we and the people behind us were ready to walk out, and then they seated us - that should have been the first clue. The service was EXTREMELY slow. We nearly walked out after being seated and before ordering because it took so long (at least 15 minutes). Once we ordered, the food was again EXTREMELY slow in arriving (maybe 20 minutes). The appetizers were anything but - being quite bland and greasy. When the entr?e finally did show up, my food (meat) was undercooked I asked for medium well, they gave it to me rare - I got up and handed it back to them. They refired it, but the meat just didn't taste right, it was tough, several pieces were fatty and I spit them out. My Wife's sushi was bad - she normally finishes all of it, and left quite a bit on the plate. We asked for the bill, and they processed that extremely quickly (which is how the food should have been dealt with). Lousy service, and bad food = zero tip. It took us about 30 minutes to get home, by the time we got back home my wife was vomiting. If she continues to do so, I'll call the credit card company and dispute the charge. AVOID THIS PLACE LIKE THE PLAGUE. There's plenty of other good restaurants that provide great food and service at the same or a lower price, and at those, we've never gotten sick or disliked the food. We will not ever go back. more

the owners of this resturant bought out a former place (can't remember the name) that served the best chicken salad sandwiches. people must still come back all the time asking for them since when i walked in yesterday and asked about them the co-owner (female - not sure if she is Akira or Kelly) got really irritated. my family and i ate at 153 a few years ago and at that time they had kept the sandwiches on the menu (probably to maintain a customer base). We have not been back since for obvious reasons. Can't imagine why anyone would eat here with Joy Yees just a 5 minute drive away. more

I've been looking for good Japanese restaurant. One of my Japanese friend recommended 153 Akira before, but I didn't have chance to visit. I read the reviews and last review made me reluctant, but I decided to give it a try. more

Eh, I've had better. So we decided to venture to a new restaurant, boy did we have an adventure. The food took super long to be served. Seriously forever (the place wasn't even that busy). Not only that, there were numerous times that we heard screaming coming from the kitchen, which bothered our dinner conversations throughout the evening. It was chaotic, I sensed it as I am sure the other patrons did as well. When we finally received our dinners, we were not thoroughly impressed. Definitely not worth the wait. Our waitress was really apologetic and nice, but we will never go back again. more

Initially heard of the restaurant from the coupon that was sent to my home. However, after doing some online research I was curious about their establishment seeing 12 reviews of 5 stars. Walking in, we were greeted by everyone that worked there which was nice, but too loud and obnoxious for my taste. We were then seated, and given an extensive menu, however, when I asked our server about some details of menu items, she seemed unable to explain what the dishes were apart from the descriptions on the menu, plus I couldn't understand her from her speaking so small (probably to cover up the fact that she didn't know) However, the server at a neighboring table went over specials and wines extensively, and by viewing the food that they had received, I was a little jealous. Though it was a Saturday that we visited, it took a very long time for our food to be served. Food was good though when it arrived. My wife's food was served well before mine, and by the time my food arrived she was almost finished and watched me eat (bad). Another thing that bothered me was that it was so hot in there, I felt as though I was inside a sauna at one point. A lot of stuff they still have to work on since they are a new restaurant like timely food presentation of all parties, training of employees, and temperature control. I did leave content since our bill was discounted 20% so can't complain too much on a good meal at a decent price. more

This place is on the money. If you love fresh thick cut sashimi, this is the place to go. They have this amazing sashimi platter that is so vibrant and beautiful you almost dont want to eat it. From beginning to end our server was extremely helpful and made our dining experience wonderful. They gave us a complimentary fish dish that was amazing to start off our night. I ordered a special roll that was not in seaweed. I have never seen a roll without seaweed so i tried it and it was delicious. A bit pricey but definitley worth every penny! Pros: Beautiful creations of sushi more

I love the udon soups. The one particular soup I ordered was served in a hot crock with a lot of seafood, vegetables and noodles. By far, it is the best Japanese soup I've had in the area. It beats Royin, Evanston, in my book. Pros: Best udon soups and sushi more

I was there for dinner and I was impressed. Impressed by the host, the server, and the food. The server recommended this amazing Pinot Noir that they were featuring that night that . We were also given a free appetizer that was very thoughtful. They have a very different menu than most Japanese restaurants I have been to. Everything was so plentiful and delicious. We left impressed and more than satisfied. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone! Pros: great food great service more

I believe this restaurant to be amazing. The second time I was there, the owner Kelly greeted me by my first name! I was pretty impressed. They have a very large selection, and everything we?ve tried so far has been very satisfying. The rolls and the entrees come in very generous portions, which can be rare for a lot of Japanese restaurants. I would strongly recommend this restaurant for any occasion! more

Akira is the only restaurant I know of to take a transition from a Polish restaurant to a pan-Asian restaurant. Remarkably, owner Kelly successfully did this by keeping the very best features of its precursor restaurant, the Butt?ry. The first feature to jump out is a huge oil painting of Polish rustic scenery. The second feature is the lunch menu. The bread is prepared exactly the same way as the previous owners had it. This lunch menu, like the previous owner?s, is affordable. The major changes in the restaurant are in the dinner menu, which is pan-Asian. The dinner is slightly pricey, but the food is worth the price. For instance, the dragon maki is the best dragon maki I have ever had. The other observable change is in the choice of music. The current owner plays a light jazz piano. Besides the lunch, the other thing I?m glad has not changed is the service and the quality of the food. I never ceased to be impressed how quickly my food is served. The owner knows every one of her customers by name and has, from time to time, dined with them. Most of the nearby restaurants don?t have this feel. Many of them are chain owned. These considerations make this restaurant the best restaurant one of the best in Wilmette. I might wager the best on the east side of Wilmette. Pros: Food, service, atmosphere, cheap lunch Cons: Slightly pricey dinner menu (but it's worth it) more

I travel quite a bit and for the past 20 years have ventured into many sushi restaurants across the country. Some of the best have been on both coasts with California winning hands down. Here in Chicago I've tried the top restaurants and found that there are two places - both in the northern burbs that have the best sushi. For years I've enjoyed Kyoto's in Hubbard Woods. Michael is an artist and always has the freshest fish. But recently I found what I consider to be even better and on the top of my list and something that rivals the west coast. It's Akira 153 named after the owner and sushi chef Akira. I'm telling you - go. You will not be disappointed. His rolls are ingenious and the traditional sushi perect. For family or firends who do not enjoy this type of food they have other great entrees that will be enjoyed - steak, chicken, etc. Akira has his resume full from working at top restaurants and finally ventured off on his own to start this family restuarant. Kelly, his wife, is the hostess and is in charge of the floor. Very gracious and welcoming. All in all a great experience and something you shouldn't miss. Pros: Sushi an beyond more

A special hidden restaurant in the middle of downtown Wilmette. I would have never known this place existed till my sister took me there for dinner last night for my birthday. A pleasant surprise for sure, luckily it wasnt that packed when I was there and the server was very nice to explain and cater to all of my likes and dislikes. You definitley have to try the special roll they have called the Strawberry roll and it was d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. Nothing like I have ever had before; i didnt need any soysauce (and Im a dunking queen) there were many different sauces on top of the strawberries. I ventured onto some cold sakes that was recommended, and it came in this beautiful carafe. Nice presentation with every dish that came out they even brought out a cucumber wrapped crab dish for a complimentary appetizer. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone sushi lovers especially. There is no signage for the place so you really have to be on a look out! Call ahead for directions youll probably need to! Pros: MAKI mania!!! Cons: they close SUNDAYS :( more

153 Akira was definetely the greatest restaurant i ever visited. Especially, the choices, There are so many choices of special fusion oriental cuisines, that sometimes just making one can be exhausting. However, you will be obviously enjoying the fantastic cuisines after your effort of choosing them. Take the choice of your eating out dinner for example. Even if each member of your family had different choices, you wouldn't be disappointed of choosing this restaurant. As i just mentioned, there are so many kinds of japanese cuisine that makes me exhausted. And also it will be in the greatest mood to get together with you and your girlfriend or your boyfriend or your companies. Few weeks ago, when i visited this restaurant, we just had to hush up while we were eating 'Menage a troi' and 'Sushi special'. There are many diffrent kinds of sauces on the sushi, and absolutely superwhite tuna, that made me being addicted with low sodium soy sauce. Last, but not least, sushi dinner was also so wonderful and i would like to visit there again. I super recomand this amazing restaurant. Pros: Great services from the servers Cons: not enough parking lot but on the street parking more

Highest quality family run sushi restaurant. Generous portions will satisfy a hearty appetite quality will please even the most seasoned sushi aficionado. Have the staff recommend the best sashimi of the day and you will surely be pleased. Staff are extremly knowledgable, if you are new to sushi/sashimi ask some questions they will take the time to explain. They have kept the ""Buttery"" name and lunch sandwich menu but don't let that fool you at night Akira 153 has great sushi! more

It is simply one of the best dining experiences ever! - i really enjoy the quaility of the food & presentation & service. Sushi & Sashimi can not be faulted in any way. Had a great time there. I am willing to visiting there again and again. Thank you!!!! more

Pros: Absolutely amazing sushi, even a standard shrimp temura tastes better and far more original than ""advanced"" (and expensive) creations at other restaurants. Honestly, this is better than most (if not all) downtown Japanese restaurants. Try tempura maki, spicy salmon maki, crunchy tuna and basically everything they suggest. more