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    Akebono 515

    4.3 (325 reviews)
    ModerateSushi Bars, Japanese
    Closed Closed

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    AKEBONO 515 ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy
    Moderate noise

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    Recommended Reviews - Akebono 515

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    Uni
    Makeemsayung A.

    This place is one of our favorite spots locally! Our go to roll is the nonsense and the seared scallops. One of the few spots in town that offer Uni too!! Convenient location downtown for out of towners that are visiting. Staff is always helpful with the items on the menu if it's your first time there. They have a bar inside as well if you wanted to just stop in for drinks. Definitely recommended for any sushi lovers!

    Miso soup
    Jackson D.

    Great all around experience. Waiter was very engaging and made lots of jokes, there was a sleek ambiance and everyone was very happy with their food. I got the beef yakisoba and It had great flavor and texture. It also came with a salad and miso soup which was nice. Conveniently down town so it was easy to take a little walk afterward and enjoy the sculpture park after our meal.

    Sashimi, fresh but poorly cut .
    Dianna W.

    My friend and I went there for dinner . Nice and authentic Japanese cuisine. We love sushi and have been eating sushi in different places. The sashimi are fresh with good quality, just a little disappointing at the cut . Could have been cut more professionally for a Japanese restaurant. The Hamachi Kama was a little disappointed because it was not exactly fresh . Probably not too many people like to order that in Iowa . Great customer service and good dinning experience.

    Devionne H.

    Food was amazeballs. We had a few of the specialty rolls and the ramen, delicious. Service top notch as well.

    Dragon roll - top right Fargo roll - bottom right  Tamago nigiri - left

    First off, I had a Fargo and Dragon roll (both pictured) and they were top notch, I'd highly recommend giving either a shot. Bit where this place really killed it was the service, I sat at the bar as I was alone. The bartender, whose name I failed to get, did an awesome job of not only making me feel welcome; but when I seemed a bit overwhelmed (everything looked great) offered to pick out a couple of things to try. I'd generally ask for advice anyway, no one knows the menu like the folks working with it, so I put him in charge and he crushed it. Just sitting there enjoying the food I got to hear banter with numerous customers and see him greet some guests as they came in and overall I'd say this is the kind of person most restaurants and other service jobs wish they had working for them. Definitely stop by if you're able to.

    Anna H.

    My coworker & I stopped in with time to kill before she took me to the airport (I'm a DSM visitor). She is obviously a regular because before we sat down, Nick asked her if she wanted her regular drink and what I wanted. I asked what they had and he said "Everything I make is magical". You can't beat that. We had already had lunch, so we wanted drinks. We sat in a booth and he told me not to look at the cocktails in the menu. I said I liked the sound of their blueberry vodka drink and he said he would make me something similar. He did. Amazing. For my second, he asked if I liked cucumber. What he brought was not only picture perfect, but a light refreshing vodka drink with slices of cucumbers. See photo! Before I was finished with that, I slid a new fruity cocktail onto the table for me. All were amazing drinks. We ordered the fried cheesecake that was so different and a great dessert. What a great first visit and he encouraged me to come back. I would like to taste their food next time. Nick is delightful.

    Yaki Niku Bento Box
    Jamie H.

    My sister recommended I try the bento box. It was really delicious and was a big portion of food. I had pleasant interactions with multiple servers, which made it a good experience. Our table split a bottle of the white peach sake, super delicious as well. Looking forward to coming again and trying out a specialty roll and some more sake. Service was very fast, friendly, and personable. Really good energy and vibes here. Thank you!

    Betsy S.

    We had such a great evening here with our extended family. Nick decided to take us under his belt and we got the royal treatment! We ordered so many different kinds of foods that we loved it all - the carb conscious roll (tuna, salmon, snow crab mix, massage, avocado, wrapped with cucumber, served with ginger), salmon bento box, yaki nike donburi (marinated sliced beef) and sashimi large and of course, some drinks -old fashioned, cosmo, sho chiku bai nigori and angry orchard draw. Nick sent several sake bombs to the table along with shots! It wa fabulous and it really was a treat to laugh, and enjoy good food with our family! I highly recommend going here while in Des Moines! Take a gander and go here!

    Janella N.

    We've been here a few times, but we dog in so fast that I forget to take pics. Here are some from our visit last weekend. The food is amazing! Service is always great, and atmosphere is very fun and inviting! They offer great drinks and the prices for their menu is very reasonable. We love this place! Highly recommend!

    Chef's choice sashimi large
    Maya Q.

    Met a friend for dinner here. We had a great time! The restaurant has a good atmosphere and the booth was clean and comfortable. Everything came out really quickly. We split mushroom tempura and edamame. Both were fresh and tasted good. They were generous portions. My friend ordered one of the rolls and liked it a lot. I got a sashimi platter and was pleasantly surprised by how fresh and high quality the fish was. I think it was a good price for the quantity as well. The only think I wouldn't order again is hot tea. The cups they use are boiling hot... by the time the outside has cooled off enough to drink the tea the tea is room temperature! Just a heads up if you were thinking of ordering tea you might lose your fingerprints in the process. Otherwise, I will definitely come and enjoy sashimi again this is a great date night or meet up spot.

    1 Piece Seared Salmon Nigiri

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    12 years ago

    Mmmmm! Great sushi, great service and fast! Can't beat it over your lunch hour downtown!

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    11 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    9 years ago

    This is a wonderful place with excellent service. The food came out quick and tasted exceptional. Would go back again.

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    12 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Top notch - has to be one of my favorites in DSM right now for fresh, creative sushi.

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

    hi-ya ramen was great. I sat at the bar and the bartender was really friendly and was offering out sake bombs

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Great Korean ramen with short rib, tofu and kimchi. The bartender was very friendly and helpful.

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    12 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Absolutely delicious. Had the Udon noodle soup and some sushi. Reasonably priced and great service!

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    11 years ago

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    13 years ago

    Pretty good. Tuna sashimi was very good. Like buttah...

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    9 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

    This is the coolest place for sushi in Des Moines downtown...hands down. Nice vibe and atmosphere to hang out. The food will not disappoint.

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    10 years ago

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    12 years ago

    Awesome sushi!! The service rocks and the specialty rolls are spectacular. Fiji twister kaji are all must try rolls!!

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Got to ask for Lexi as your server! Great spot, great food. Can't go wrong really with anything on the menu. Best sushi in city!

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    10 years ago

    a group of friends and I go here for Happy Hour at least once every two weeks & it is worth it! Great food & drinks at a great discount.

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    Page 7 of 9

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    Hokkaido Ramen House

    Hokkaido Ramen House

    4.3
    (49 reviews)
    8.4 mi
    $$

    If you're looking for authentic, flavorful ramen, Hokkaido is absolutely worth the visit. This was…read moreonly our second ramen spot, but it has officially become the standard we'll compare every other ramen restaurant against. We started with the dumplings, and they were outstanding--crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They were the perfect way to start the meal. I ordered the Spicy Beef Ramen, and all I can say is... wow. The broth was rich, bold, and full of depth without overpowering the dish. The beef was incredibly tender, practically falling apart with every bite, and every ingredient came together perfectly. My wife ordered the Miso Ramen and couldn't stop talking about how flavorful and comforting it was. Every spoonful tasted fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The atmosphere was another highlight. The restaurant has a beautiful, open layout with warm lighting, Japanese-inspired décor, and a welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay and enjoy your meal. It feels modern while still being cozy. To top it all off, the service was phenomenal. Our server was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling intrusive. Hokkaido delivered on every level--food, atmosphere, and service. We'll definitely be back, and if you're in the Ankeny area and craving ramen, this is a place you need to experience. Highly recommended.

    Their yaki udon (chicken) is amazing. Travels really well too. Recommend adding some sriracha. I…read morefound the regular ramen bowls well made but I'm not a huge ramen fan. The rest of the menu is solid.

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    Kobe Beef Bun
    Kobe Beef Bun
    Green tea

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    Green tea

    Akebono 515 - sushi - Updated July 2026

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