Overall our experience here tonight was poor. The bright spot was the service rendered by our waitress Natalie. She was great and kept us in the loop about our food and the extended wait. We had a reservation for 7 PM, and was promptly seated. We sat for about 10 minutes before our waitress came to take a drink or food order. After our order we waited roughly 10-15 minutes for the soup and salad to arrive. It took roughly another 40 minutes for the sushi to be completed. We didn't receive our order until around 8:20 PM. For clarification, we had a group of 4. Each of us order one specialty roll and a basic roll. The dining room had empty tables and booths, so it is clear that it was not filled to capacity. There were two groups of 8+ in the room however. The wait would have been justified if the food was amazing, but the rolls were subpar and tasteless. The fish was either covered by overuse of sauce or by overusing additional elements of the roll. I was disappointed by the tuna and salmon especially. Eating these by themselves out of the roll, they lacked flavor and seemed like they were maybe not the freshest. After this outing I would rather go to any of the Wasabi places in the Des Moines area. 2 hours for dinner is crazy, especially when the place is not packed. read more

Solid sushi, great happy hour. Quality of sushi was there, would've liked to see more variety in the sushi/sashimi choices (menu was roll heavy) but that may be more indicative of location versus choice. read more

Excellent food and fun environment! The seared scallop appetizer was amazing! Sushi is fresh. The bartenders are a lot of fun! read more

Akebono 515 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

This place is awesome from the owner to the staff. Friendly and Amazing service. Best sushi in town.

Excellent sushi, very good flavor in the rice and ingredients, their chicken katsu is delicious, fried to perfection.

I come in almost every week, I've always had a great experience until today. So here I am eating my sushi and a customer walks out on the bartender nick. He has every right to be upset! the customer wasn't nice to him. Instead of being upset and going on about his day or going somewhere private to be mad. he decided to talk so bad about his coworker TO THEM Talking bad about my FAVORITE server!!(amanda) and I asked for a manager and I said "I'm trying to eat and he's screaming at her for no reason" and he apologized.... Then nick decided to talk very badly of me, i told my server "can I get the bill I don't appreciate this man talking shit about me" I always thought this place was so amazing. But I don't know anymore, yelling about a customer, harassing your coworker and then having the audacity to talk shit about me INFRONT of me! Very unprofessional. Josh was an amazing server tonight. Shout out to Amanda for always being so kind, I can't say the same about nick read more

Akebono is a great spot to grab some amazing sushi in Des Moines! Be sure to get there around 11:30 as the place does fill up over the lunch hour quickly! So we went all out and tried 5 specialty rolls: the Fiji Roll, the Surf and Turf Roll, the Iowa Roll, the Malibu Crunch Roll, and the Dragon Roll. I will say my favorite roll hands down was the Fiji Roll! It's full of Kani, cream cheese, tempura, snow crab, unagi sauce, spicy mayo, and topped with spicy tuna! If that isn't enough to make your mouth water I don't know what is! The pieces on the Malibu crunch were enormous! The Iowa Roll has pulled pork in sushi? Sounds gross but is pleasantly tasty. Needless to say if you are getting the itch for some amazing sushi you should swing on over to Akebono for an amazing meal! read more

Akebono 515 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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I come here a lot since it's within walking distance of my apartment and I work nearby. If Nick is bartending, he already has a beer waiting for me as I sit down at the bar. If you're having a rough day, he'll spot ya a sake bomb or two. The regular staff here, Stephanie, Matt, Nick, etc., are always warm and friendly. I love unagi, so I absolutely love their Fargo and Zee Zee rolls. Their Captain Crunch and shrimp tempura rolls are also fantastic and always come out looking so great that you don't want to eat them. Even if you get a single roll, they ask if you want soup or salad with it. They have great soy and ginger dressings. The chicken or pork katsu rice bowls are very good and filling. Shrimp tempura comes with a delicious sweet and salty sauce. Their edamame comes with a soy-garlic dressing that leaves you licking the bowl. The interior of the restaurant is pretty laid back with dark colors and dark wood tables. They have original East Asian inspired art on the walls with a fish tank behind the sushi bar. Sometimes they have classic rock playing, sometimes elevator music. It's quiet but can get loud during peak hours. This place sees a lot of regulars - my favorite is Danny, an older gentleman who walks around, swirling his glass of wine and chatting up other patrons. It's a great place to go to after a long day at work. read more

This restaurant is PHENOMENAL! We live in southeast Iowa and made a trip to Des Moines for my 30th birthday. Nick is THE BOMB! He was so much fun and went way out of his way to make sure we had an awesome dining experience. The food was beyond delicious and the service was by far the best I've ever had. (That means a lot coming from a former waitress!) the restaurant business needs more of him! I can't wait to go back! Highly recommend to anyone and everyone! read more

This is the best sushi place I have ever been to. The staff is awesome, the food was off the hook, and the atmosphere is beautiful. It was exactly what we needed after a long day. I had some sake and my wife had the Moscow mule. Their take on the mule was superb. We had the ginger tuna salad and the dragon rolls for dinner. For desert we had the vanilla cheesecake. No joke all of the food and drinks were so good. read more

Everything about this place was awesome. Never did I think I would find such great sushi in Iowa. The ambiance was awesome, and fun. We sat at the sushi bar, and the sushi chefs were all very friendly, conversing with us. One of them even bought everyone at the bar sake bombs. We started with a shrimp appetizer and edamame, that we're all to die for. They even give complimentary salad and miso soup, which is one of the best we have ever had. For dinner we got beef Yakisoba, the dragon roll and Malibu roll, which were all very delicious. All were very flavorful and fresh. The staff was all very friendly, responsive, and professional. Definitely will be back in future. Recommend to anybody with a sushi craving in Des Moines. read more

Akebono 515 - Beef Yakisoba - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

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Perfect for a date night or girls night out. Great happy hour specials and right in the heart of downtown, providing easy access to anywhere the night may take you! read more

Very attentive and had my to-go order ready early! Always delicious and my boyfriend's favorite sushi joint in Des Moines.

Ate here for lunch. Excellent service however it was the worst sushi I've ever had. I've eaten here twice before, and although the food wasn't anything to write home about it was fine. This time, it was not fine. You know when you go to a fish market and you can smell that gross fish smell? That's what it smelled like when he set the sushi rolls in front of us. Bad fish. Spoiled fish clearly. We tried to stomach a couple of bites and it almost made us sick. Again, great service, but we won't be eating here again. read more

Went here for the first time yesterday, it wasn't bad. The staff is really friendly and I love their miso soup. I ordered sashimi and the Akebono Edamame, the edamame was amazinggg. It was my first time ordering sashimi ever, so I wasn't sure what to expect, but it actually wasn't that bad! But it also made me realize I only really like salmon and yellowtail, that's not on the restaurant of course. That's just me. But it was great, regardless:) read more

You won't be disappointed! Food, service, and atmosphere couldn't be better. Large parties should make a reservation, but the bar is a great spot. They are big supporters of the American Lung Association and multiple fundraisers a year. Could it get any better? read more

Huge bowl of Raman. Everything I ordered here was amazing. Akebono 515 was so good the first night I went back the second night while I was in town. read more

Really good sushi selection! The guys behind the sushi counter are really nice and always happy to share a drink or two. Happy hour deals are pretty good and they validate parking. Staff are happy to accommodate if you have any questions or need suggestions. Nice atmosphere for dates too. read more

We got the tempura bento box and it was delicious! The coating was crispy and the shrimp/sauce combo was on point. This time we got the nonsense roll and it was way better than the other roll we got last time. The salmon hand roll was pretty good as well. I can't give it 5 stars because it's still a little subpar compared to some sushi places I been before. But... definitely a better experience than last time. They also give little Andes mint at the end. read more

Akebono 515 - Tempura bento box. $11.50 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Akebono has never let me down! I've ordered pick up multiple times and everything was always right. I've even ordered close to closing time (dick move, I know), but they were super cool about it! Today was the first time dining in the actual restaurant. Drinks were good and although wait time was a bit, the atmosphere made it feel like there wasn't too much waiting. The waiter was super nice and attentive and gave my friend and I free sake bombs in apology for the wait. The restaurant was full and lively on a Tuesday evening, but they cleaned a table as soon as customers left so they could seat us next. Very attentive staff. Will return as my go-to sushi spot! read more

Highest quality sushi place in the metro by far. I always go for the Tasmanian Salmon - either the roll or the sashimi. If you want to try something a little less basic, this is the place to do it. They offer a wide variety of authentic dishes so don't just order a spicy tuna. Soup or salad are complimentary. It gets really busy on the weekend so call ahead for a reservation. The wait staff are great and attentive. read more

I enjoyed lunch here during the week and would recommend it as one of the better spots for sushi in Des Moines. All rolls and entrees come with a miso soup and a salad - neither was really anything special but it was a nice touch to have them. We tried 2 different specialty rolls - the Tazmanian salmon and the akebono roll. Both were good but the cuts of fish weren't very generous and didn't seem particularly fresh to the point where it melts in your mouth, as some other fish does. It's located downtown and has a great atmosphere and was fairly busy even for a late lunch on a weekday. Another plus is that they offer some sandwiches for non-sushi lovers that are pretty straightforward but with an Asian twist and are actually really good. I definitely recommend checking this place out but would try to come for their happy hour next time. read more

Akebono 515 - Top- the akebono roll Bottom - Tasmanian salmon roll - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

Went to Akebono for my second visit this weekend and cannot wait to go back for more! My first visit was with a large group of around 20 for a birthday party. We arrived in waves, and the staff was courteous, helpful and did not make us all wait for the entire group to begin service. We ordered a huge amount of food/drink and they did an amazing job of circulating the various rolls around the table, keeping us all well hydrated and happy and also encouraging the party to have a lot of fun. It felt like we were the only ones there the service was so attentive, and yet it was packed. The sushi was also absolutely fantastic. For my second visit I was with just one other person and we went for happy hour. Wow! The prices and happy hour offering is astounding, as is the service. The regular dinner menu comes with soup and salad and we were happily surprised that the happy hour menu also included this perk. I love visiting a restaurant where you aren't entirely sure who your waiter is, because every single time a service person walks by your table, they notice if you need something and just DO it. We stayed for several hours, and tried about everything on the menu. Everything from the mussels to the cocktails, to the 'house' wine was fantastic. I cannot recall visiting another restaurant in the past five years that has it all down, in multiple visits. Food, service, ambiance, fun. What a great addition to Des Moines, now please come to Ames! HIGHLY recommended rolls: oishi, tazmanian. read more

Man, Akebono 515 is a nice place.. With a super cool staff, and hip, trendy vibe. Lots of Beers on tap and in door and out door seating. I really think it's a 4 star, but If I could I would probably do 3 1/2.. But the staff and the way the food LOOKED, it's got to be a 4. The Sushi looks and smells incredible but I was a little disappointed when they told me they could only do a few things Vegan. I did like how honest they were about using the same utensils and cutting board for all the sushi too, So if you were a very strict vegan you might not want to have anything here! (I Like that kind of honesty from a staff). I choose not to eat anything but has a few beers like Lucky Buddah that I have never had before and they were great! Again I totally appreciate the staff being so cool and I hope that they could ad a few more things that a Vegan could eat! read more

If you are craving sushi this is definitely a spot to check out! If you work downtown this is an awesome place place for lunch. They are pretty quick with service! I was there just there for my lunch break and had the hi-ya ramen for the first time. It's a noodle soup with kimchi, tofu, and short ribs. A great alternative if you are craving something else aside from sushi. This is great place to go for dinner with your friends before a night out on the town. Drinks are decently priced and the bartenders know how to make some pretty good ones. Aside from the drinks, the awesome owners are always coming around with sake bomb and Hennessy shots! They make sure that you and your guests are having a good time. I love their cuts of sashimi, always excellent quality....my fave white tuna. A roll to try if you like a little spicy kick is the Oishi roll, you will not be disappointed. Definitely one of my go to spots! read more

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I live next door to Akebono 515 and couldn't be happier! The sushi is SO fresh and the service is great. I recommend the Akebono roll for sure. I find myself craving sushi all the time... Thank God I have Akebono 515! read more

I called in an order and specifically told them I don't like sashimi, they said they would substitute the sashimi for sushi if we did the sashimi for 2. When I got home I opened the bag and saw the sashimi I was a bit irritated but I didn't want it to ruin our night. I tried eating it but wasn't impressed with the quality. The staff were on their phones when I arrived to pick up the food, I don't know if there was some miscommunication or just a language barrier. read more

Been here numerous times and have always been impressed with the quality and flavor of their food. Their drink menu is imaginative and packs a punch. The sushi rolls are imaginative and fresh. The oh snap roll, scallop appetizer and blueberry mojito are must order items! Service is always friendly and wonderful! read more

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I have eaten here several times. I am a sushi person - lived in Japan for three years- California for almost ten years and Hawaii almost ten years. I met one of the owners and they operated numerous sushi places and don't need to be in the business, they do this because the love the sushi business. The owners have a Hawaiian Japanese back ground and I was gifted out with one of his limited nigiri creations after talking to him -very Japanese- very Hawaiian style. The sushi is Nuevo in style and the sushi chefs are creative with the rolls. They have rolls with a little kick and some interesting creative combinations. (Oishi roll (means delicious- The sashimi style slices are good. There are options here for both sushi lovers and non sushi fans. I have had a bento for lunch and it was great- I had there Yaki niku as the main dish (beef) there were veggies and a nagiri roll I also have enjoyed Tonkatsu bento (Japanese style breaded pork- love the sause) . I have also been here for dinner. The pork belly on a skewer was outstanding. Also had the "tuna Poke" which is a great Hawaiian style appetizer. Another nice touch is the miso soup and salad at no extra charge. There is a parking ramp next to the restaurant and you can have your ticket validated which in that part of town is important. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. Akebono 515 is one of Des Moines several good choices for sushi -( my other favorites are Miyabi 9 traditional - Sakari - Nuevo in style - great martinis and good group fun ) There are more and its interesting boom of good sushi.... I can remember having to go to Iowa City for sushi....its part of the great Des Moines food renaissance and worth a visit. read more

The sushi here is fine. The Sumo ramen is fine. You're not gonna be sad if you eat here. Well, you might be if there are factors in your life that are making things terrible...but your sadness won't come from the food. read more

Been wanting to try this place and finally did it before going out of town. The ramen bowl that I had was pretty delcious, I would give it a 4 compare to Krunkwich Ramen. I would give Krunkwich a -5 lol. Everything else that I had was normal, I would give this place a 3.5, but since I can't give half star, I can only do 3 star instead of 4. read more

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The guys at the sushi bar let me order my weird white girl vegetarian sushi every time I come and only laugh at me a little. Boyfriend orders regular sushi though, and he says it's divine. Get the donburi with pork; that's the most authentic meat for the dish. Pro tip: Make friends with the manager and the guys behind the bar. They like to bestow sake bombs and random shots of Hennessy upon you whenever they feel like it. read more

Our favorite place to eat in Des Moines...by a large margin. Fantastic Japanese food at great prices. The bento box is a great value. Great service on top of everything else. Seriously cannot recommend this place enough. Update: super busy tonight, but the food was so good, it was worth the wait. Reaffirming that they are our favorite place to eat. read more

I'm a huge fan of this place. The wait staff are pro. The sushi is fresh. I love the music! Anyone would feel comfortable visiting for lunch or dinner here. I bet they don't even need reviews as cool as they are and well known. I guess I'm typing this for travelers who don't know where to go for good sushi. I also appreciate that they supported the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in Des Moines this year by giving gift cards as incentives. Best Buddies is a group that pairs up folks with intellectual or physical disabilities with other working adults (and I think there are high school groups too). Akebono stood up and helped out this year when other local businesses were 'too busy to deal with that'. read more

I'm always a little hesitant to try new sushi places, because I have a few I really like. I decided to go here for my birthday dinner and couldn't have been happier with my decision. I started out with the cucumber martini which was very good and didn't have an overpowering cucumber taste. We needed up ordering the Fiji roll, akebono, oh snap, the trifecta, and shrimp tempura roll. They were all really good. I also had the Madai and hamachi nigiri, and both were great and tasted fresh. Overall I enjoyed my food and the service was excellent. My experience at akebono was a positive one, and will be going back. read more

Akebono 515 - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

What a great place for date night! I especially love the whole vibe of the place, kind of a modern trendy vibe while still keeping some of the traditional Japanese flair. I especially love the huge fish tank behind the sushi bar, it adds a nice centerpiece! we started off with Shrimp tempura appetizer, the presentation alone was beautiful!!!! These were some of the biggest shrimp we have seen!! Super crispy without being overcooked!! I love the complimentary Miso Soup and salad! Very refreshing!! My husband ordered the 515 roll and it was delicious, the batter coating was a bit weird at first but it added to the roll the more you ate! It had a good spice to it! We split a Spider roll which the soft shell crab was delicious and I loved the sauce that was on top! I ordered the Crab conscious roll which was a bit difficult to eat being wrapped in cucumber instead of seaweed and rice! I will have to choose this again in the summer as it was light and refreshing with the ginger dressing to dip in! Overall amazing!!! We made a bit of a miscalculation and ordered a Sumo ramen as well, we had too much food, the portions are very generous and if you are sharing they split it into 2 bowls!! This ramen was the most authentic I have had, a little salty but that is to be expected with the fish cakes, the pork belly, and poached egg!! Very delicious!!! The chocolate and vanilla martini my husband had was delicious and very smooth! Overall great experience! Our waitress could have been a little friendlier but she kept our drinks full and we left happy! We will definitely be back!!! read more

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Great vibe and delicious sushi! The ramen is fantastic and good to share. The selection of rolls is really great and big enough that you can try different things every time you go. The staff is friendly and helpful with recommendations. The vibe is trendy and chill. I like going to sit at the bar! read more

Average. The service and food was great. The downfall was a loud, inappropriate bartender. Frequently mocking people sitting at the bar. At one point was referring to vaginas being like the wizard of oz. He ruined the experience. read more

I went around lunch time, probably at 11:30 and they were not that busy. I got the bento box to go & the service was really good. The food is great, I just wish the sushi rolls were a little bit bigger for the bento box special read more

Akebono 515 - Bento box with spicy tuna roll, shrimp tempura, & sunomono salad. Also came with miso soup! - Sushi Bars Near Me - Des Moines, Iowa

It started off promising from their menu and immediate service then things went a bit downhill due to their food. First issue - kara-age bacon. Fried bacon should be delicious and amazing, right? A perfect way to satisfy my gluttonous cravings. The fried coating was thicker than the wafer-thin bacon. The coating was delicious. The bacon was hardly evident. Then I ordered the hi-ya ramen. It was okay and let me tell you why. Again, I went for the meat - short-rib. Trying to get meat off the bone is tough with only chopsticks and a spoon. It's even tougher when the meat is really chewy and super attached to the bone. I worked a bit too hard. Another note on the ramen - I always like it when it's a bit sticky - lip-smackingly good. This had none of it. read more