Seems the owners spent more time on decor than on training staff. We ordered several items and none were any good. I also asked the server if they had sashimi and he said "Not Yet" Huh? Food: Then I tried the rolls and pretty sure I know why. All the rolls are covered in SO much sauce that it's impossible to actually taste the fish. Tuna or Salmon, who knows? The rainbow roll, which I have never had any sauce on in 30+ years of ordering, was covered here. The sad truth is that is typically an indication of using low quality or not so fresh fish. The fish should be able to stand on its own! The yakitori? The beef was not chewable, the pork belly was decent and the scallops were good. Outside of the beef, this may be the only decent edible option. Service: One server, even though it's a small place, it's not enough. Also factor in that he seemed to be somewhat clueless of how the process works. We almost left, as it was 5 minutes before we could get his attention to take our order. The rest of the meal time was not much better. Overall: Seems this place has been open long enough to fix these issues. I guess the owners do not care enough to do so. read more

Akatsuki - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Anime fans, this place is for you! Especially, if you love Naruto - that's where the name Akatsuki comes from - Akatsuki in Hamden is calling your name. A small, cozy restaurant that is decorated to full anime vibes: anime art covering the walls from floor to ceiling for favorites like One Piece, Dragon Ball, and many more (how many can you name), dividers, lanterns, cherry blossoms - it's a total vibe! The menu is small, but has a variety from entrees, sushi, noodles, and shareable appetizers. There were specials as well that we took advantage of and ended up with a lot of food. My husband and I shared the Yukitori Platter, something that I haven't seen before on a menu. It's a Japanese street food that has skewered meat. Our platter had chicken, shrimp, beef, pork, and zucchini and each were very good. My husband got the Gyu Don (which is a beef bowl) and for $5 more, he got the set that included three side dishes and a miso soup. I ordered the Shrimp Tempura Udon and made it a Combo for $5 more which included a classic Brown Sugar Bubble Tea and a Pork Bun. I loved my Udon, was flavorful and not too salty. The bubble tea was perfect, even the tapioca pearls weren't too hard or gummy. The service was good, but it was a slow start since there was only one staff member hosting and serving the dining room. It was a little busy with a couple of other tables. The staff were very kind and respectful. The food came out fast after we ordered. Akatsuki is really a hidden gem and it's a must try. My husband and I look forward to returning soon. read more

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I had dinner last night with my mom and daughter and Akatsuki went above and beyond with service, quality and taste. The decor was adorable with Dragon Ball Z anime taking over the walls (even in the bathroom). The vibe was comfy and relaxed and cozy. We enjoyed our little private dining area. It was perfect and intimate. As for the food, every bite was perfection. We tried the abalone and pork belly skewers-amazing. We all had ramen. I'm a sucker for Tonkatsu and this one did not disappoint. The broth was rich and delicious. The pork belly bao yum! The edamame! The edamame was like nothing I've ever tried before. It was garlicky and perfectly cooked. We will definitely be back to try more. Thank you Akatsuki! read more

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If you are in a rush, this is not the place to go, it is not fast food, it only has about 8 or 9 tables of 4 and if you have a larger party, they put 2 together, making it even smaller. But it is well worth the wait. They decorated the space just like a restaurant in Japan and the space is full of cool anime stuff and wall art. Even the bathroom! There is one guy running the entire front end: taking orders, giving takeout, payments, etc and while it takes a bit, he does it all with a smile on his face! The food was delicious. Oddly enough, the French fries are amazing, whatever seasoning they put on them elevates it. The pork buns were also very good. I got the spicy miso ramen and it was the perfect delicious amount. I can't wait to go back! read more

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Funky ramen shop, good but basic ramen Happened to be in the area for a random soccer match, decided to trek to this new ramen shop to give it a try. It's a fun little shack of a location. Not a lot of seating but enough for the kitchen to handle. Lots of anime and Japanese culture on display, and the seating is a modern take on traditional dining with bench seats and cushions to emulate the experience. The staff was very busy but friendly. Menu is limited but there's lots of stuff to try with a few sampler sets to try everything. We got the Takoyaki sampler, their signature sampler, a gyoza order, a tonkasu ramen, and an angry dragon roll. Food came out at a reasonable pace. Took pics and dug in. The Takoyaki sampler was good. The pork and sausage were highlight bites. I also enjoyed the zucchini, the sauce was creamy but spicy and worked with the veggie. The other skewers were okay but overcooked. The shrimp still had a shell on it and the chicken had a nice char but was very dry. As was the steak. The gyoza were a flop. Pan-fried but a very soggy filling. Dipping sauce had a nice spicy zip to it, so that helped. The signature sampler was pretty good. enjoyed the miso egg, the yakitori was creamy and didn't have a lot of octopus, the karrage chicken wasn't really crispy, but cooked well. The highlight was the kimchi cucumber. Very light and not astringent like other fermented dishes. A great pallet cleanser. The tonkasu ramen, it was good but something was off with the broth. I could taste the mineral qualities a soup can get by simmering bones for too long. Which can be the signs of a good broth. But all I could get from the main flavor notes was chicken boullion. Which is a real crying shame, because if it is a home made broth then it's destroyed by the seasoning they use. It very much reminded me of a creamy chicken flavor packet out of an instant ramen pack. The pork and egg were great! Pork was tender, egg was creamy. Everything was seasoned and cooked well. Noodles were springy, but just tasted cheap because of the broth. Same is true with the angry dragon roll. The rice was seasoned right, the proportions were right. The shrimp wasn't crispy, and the flavors were lacking. They are not a sushi restaurant, so I didn't expect much in that department. But I did hope for something more than basic, but only got basic. Price is actually pretty reasonable, and the samplers are great bargains. If I were at an anime convention then this food would be very good for the price. Because this is a standalone restaurant,it's just lacking the polish needed to truly shine. If you're really into anime and Japanese culture, you'll enjoy this location. If you're just wandering, it's not bad but it's kind of hit and miss. read more

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Very cool ramen shop vibe!! The decor is top-notch for a small ramen shop. And if you like or even appreciate anime this is a must try place. The food was decent and the pricing is reasonable. I loved the dim-sum like menu - allowing you to try multiple options in smaller portions. We had the yakitori sampler and the app sampler. Food was good - but not great. Gyoza was a miss, sushi rolls are very basic, and the ramen broth tasted just like a ramen packet. Overall some tasty bites depending on what you order. Staff was super friendly, clean, and efficient. Love the rice paper wall booths, so great for a casual date night. read more

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I'm a big fan of Akatsuki. This new Japanese restaurant, taking over the former Let It Be Thai Cafe location, is refreshingly unpretentious, serving up delicious comfort food at fantastic prices. They really did a wonderful job renovating the place. Anime enthusiasts will particularly enjoy the themed decor. The service is incredibly friendly and warm, though on both our visits, just one person was running the front of the house. While this currently contributes to some timeliness issues, we expect that to improve once they add another team member. While the gyoza seemed to be typical of what you'll find in most restaurants, we did enjoy the gyudon, though I can't speak to its authenticity. The karaage, while not the absolute best I've ever had, was still outstanding and I can confidently say it's the best you'll find in Connecticut. The true star for me was the spicy miso ramen. I don't normally gravitate towards spicy miso, but the menu recommendation prompted me to try it, and I thoroughly enjoyed it on both my visits. It offers just a hint of heat, so those craving something truly hot might want to inquire about making it extra spicy. You can really taste the distinct fermented flavor in the broth; whether you enjoy that will depend on your palate. While they do offer sushi, I would say it isn't their specialty nor the strongest part of their offerings. They unfortunately don't serve alcohol, but it appears they do accept BYOB. This is already the best Asian restaurant I've been to in Hamden, but if they were to expand to include alcoholic beverages, introduce daily/weekly menu specials, build an effective team to run the front and back, and refine their menu offerings a bit more, I believe they can establish themselves as a premier dining destination! read more

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Came in right at opening on a Saturday morning and ordered the tonkotsu ramen. First impression? The place is adorable. It honestly felt like I had just stepped into a little ramen shop in Japan. If you're into anime, especially Naruto you'll love the decor. The walls are decked out with figurines, poster. As for the ramen, I've tried my fair share of tonkotsu, and this one was different in the sense that the broth had a unique hint of ginger, which gave it a refreshing twist I haven't had elsewhere. While I personally prefer a slightly thicker/creamier tonkotsu broth, the noodles here were perfectly chewy, and the pork was tender and flavorful. They also offer a pretty solid deal: ramen, a pork bun, and a drink for about $20. Honestly, not bad at all for the quality and portion size. Service was super friendly, fast, and efficient. I'd definitely come back the next time I'm craving some comforting, affordable ramen in a cute, anime-inspired spot! read more

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The decor and service were amazing!! I'm not normally into ramen but I can't in and tried for my boyfriend's birthday! We were feeling adventurous so we got the sampler platter for the cold appetizers and the Yakitori sampler. There were definitely something things I wasn't a fan of (like the octopus) I didn't actually really look at what I was getting I was just in the mood to try new things! The sushi was so fresh it was my first time trying a bao bun it was soo good! And the gyoza was delicious! I would definitely go back to try other options on their menu and if you or someone you know is an anime fan this is a good place to take them! read more

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We we're craving japanese food so we decided to try this place out. It satisfied our craving! They have so much to offer on their menu and the prices are really reasonable. Staff and service was amazing. We also loved the decor. Def will be returning. read more

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First impressions walking in, very fun Japanese inspired decorations with Naruto and Anime inspired merchandise everywhere, the service was welcoming and informative and the food feels like a breath of fresh air; Almost New York level in terms of culturally delicious food and tons of variety, which is desperately needed in the New Haven Ramen game. The Ramen game in New Haven has certainly gotten stale over the past years and Akatsuki has certainly made a good impression changing things up. I definitely plan to come back and try all of the Ramen they have to offer on top of the amazing yakitori options they have! Definitely check this place out, had huge potential to be a big player! read more

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Great food and very kind sThis place is our new favorite restaurant! We will definitely be back. The ramen was delicious and so was all of our side dishes that we shared. read more

Akatsuki - Ramen Tonkotsu Ramen - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

SO YUMMY! I have been going to this place since it opened and have always been happy with my food, the prices are great, and the quality and presentation of the food is amazing. The ambience is so cool I love how they also bring culture not just to their food but to the atmosphere. read more

Akatsuki - SO GOOD! i've been here multiple times since its opened and i still love it, great prices for great quality and taste - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

Such a cute unpretentious restaurant. We were in town for a hockey tournament and found this place for lunch. The service was quick and friendly. My husband had the tonkatsu ramen he loved it he said it was out of this world I had the salmon don My salmon was a bit overcooked but well seasoned. We will love to come back and try different dishes read more

While on college tours, did a search for restaurants in the area and had a wonderful lunch. The scallion pancakes and sushi we great!

New Japanese restaurant in town so a family member and I went to try it. Food was fantastic, waitstaff was friendly and accommodating and the decor was very authentic. I got veggie fried rice, veggie yakisoba and veggie ramen. Fried tofu was added to the rice and soba (the ramen already comes with it) and I told them to hold the egg on the ramen. Fried rice was legit; good flavor and texture all around. Tofu was firm and crispy and there was a good amount of garlic. The yakisoba sauce had a very authentic flavor and the noodles had a great texture. The ramen broth was a little heavy on the ginger but I liked it; veggies were great in the ramen as well. I did notice that they didn't really use ramen noodles; it was just yakisoba noodles again. I'm gonna let that slide though, because it was still great. My family member got shrimp tempura and one beef yakitori; they said both were delicious, but the spicy mayo was too spicy for them. I tried it also; it did have quite the kick, but it was very good. Impressive food!! It has an advantage over other great places in the area (Roishi, Sono Bana, Donburiya) due to having more vegan protein options. Definitely giving this place my business; IMO you should too. read more

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Fridate with my magandang asawa Wilda Acebo Purcell. She wanted ramen so We tried a new place that has only been open 3 months in Hamden. AKATSUKI on Dixwell Ave. sooo good! I got salmon she got Ramen and we were both very satisfied. Super friendly service. You have to try this local place. Also seems very popular for takeout. Very cute smaller size. But plenty of tables. Try it. Thank me later and wow so surprised at the price! Dinner for 2? Very inexpensive. Decorated with real Japanese feeling. Food presented so nicely read more

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Beautiful place, good food. I love ramen and my favorite place Kiro Shiro closed. Ever since then, I've been on the hunt for the perfect ramen spot. Ambiance: perfect Ramen: Good but needs more flavor and more toppings. I personally like a rich tasting broth Buns: FREAKIN' AMAZING! Get the buns!! Gyoza: Good but again needs more flavor The Egg in the ramen & Gyudon is cooked to perfection!! Honestly the egg was my favorite part of my ramen! Service: Super nice, beautiful people Will definitely come again, I want to try their spicy ramen and see if that has the flavor I'm looking for. read more

The pork belly yakatori was so flavorful, I drooled on the table trying to eat it off the skewer. I got the ramen combo with the pork bun and bubble tea. The bubble tea was perfect, pork bun zesty and crunchy, the ramen so savory and delightful. Great table service; they didn't let a single plate or wrapper stay on the table unnecessarily. Glad to have them in the neighborhood. read more

The ambiance was great for anime lovers ! Many characters on the wall and decorations that fit the theme. The service was a little slower than most but nothing unbearable. Our server was very kind, attentive and let us know realistic time frames which I appreciated. The ramen was delicious ! Tasted nice and fresh and the noodles were chewy. They were out of some yakitori and bubble tea options at the time we went though (around 2 PM on a Saturday) read more

Akatsuki - Matcha Ice Latte - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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The food was pretty basic, but flavorful at the same time and the interior decor was dope all ur classics were there.

Awesome food taste so good. We were just driving through and thought we try it out. We went here for three weekends in a row. We love the chicken, Katsu, curry calamari sushi, Connie salad oh my God, awesome food, and the worker in the front that takes the order is awesome. He let us eat dine in right before the big blizzard storm and he had to drive home to New York in the storm, but still let us dine in we love this place also if you love anime the whole place is decorated with anime read more

Excellent food and service. Some of the best edamame, seaweed salad, scallion pancakes, and ramen I've ever had!

The food is very delicious! Service is very friendly and attentive. The ambiance is great and comfortable. read more

Akatsuki - Japanese Near Me - Hamden, Connecticut

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Tasty, authentic, a great addition to Hamden's "food scene." Wide variety of rolls, grill, soups, apps served quick enough and friendly. Gotta say the price was very reasonable, so we added an extra app of pork buns! We've been there 2 times and each was quite good! Solid! read more

True gem of a restaurant! Food is fantastic and reasonably priced, staff are unusually helpful and kind, and it has the cutest decor. My husband and I went a few weeks ago for the first time, and my sister tried it yesterday with a friend. Big thumbs up from all of us!! read more

Two thumbs up to this newbie! The owner is so welcoming. The decor makes you feel like you've escaped to another land. And the food and boba are incredible! We had gyoza, ramen, and curry chicken with rice covered with a delicate twist of egg. Who even knew you could do that? The sauce was incredible! We've been twice...so far! Totally recommend this one. read more

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