Akino

For New Yorkers, the phrase "all-you-can-eat sushi" can evoke a mix of excitement and skepticism. However, in the bustling Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, Akino has cultivated a reputation as a sushi destination that aims to deliver on both quantity and, crucially, quality. This Japanese restaurant stands out by offering a comprehensive all-you-can-eat experience that focuses on fresh ingredients and a wide selection of dishes, making it a compelling choice for sushi lovers across the city.

Akino has garnered attention for its commitment to providing a consistent and enjoyable dining experience. Patrons frequently highlight the freshness of the fish, the variety of their rolls, and the overall pleasant atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a fulfilling meal, Akino invites you to explore its offerings and discover why it's a popular choice among locals. Let’s delve deeper into what makes Akino a go-to spot for an all-you-can-eat sushi adventure in New York.

Akino is conveniently located at 82-80 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA. This address places it in the heart of Elmhurst, Queens, a vibrant and densely populated neighborhood known for its diverse culinary scene. For New Yorkers, particularly those in Queens, Broadway is a significant thoroughfare, ensuring excellent visibility and ease of access to the restaurant.

The accessibility of Akino is a major advantage for its local clientele. Elmhurst boasts robust public transportation options. The restaurant is within close proximity to several subway lines, including the R and M trains at Elmhurst Avenue station, and is also reachable via numerous bus routes that traverse Broadway and the surrounding streets. This extensive public transit network makes Akino a highly convenient destination, whether you're coming from other parts of Queens, Manhattan, or even Brooklyn. Its prime location contributes to its appeal as a readily available spot for an enjoyable sushi experience.

Akino primarily operates as an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi restaurant, offering a comprehensive dining experience with a focus on variety and freshness:

• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Dining: This is Akino's signature service. Customers pay a set price for unlimited orders from a vast menu of sushi, sashimi, classic rolls, signature rolls, and cooked kitchen items within a time limit (typically 2 hours). Orders are usually placed by checking off items on a paper menu.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant features a clean, well-lit, and inviting physical space for guests to enjoy their AYCE experience. The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant, making it suitable for both casual meals and group outings.
• Extensive Menu: The AYCE menu includes:
  • Sushi and Sashimi: A wide selection of fresh nigiri and sashimi, including popular options like salmon, tuna, white tuna, yellowtail, red snapper, and more.
  • Classic Rolls & Handrolls: Standard favorites such as California Roll, Spicy Tuna, Salmon Avocado, Philadelphia Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, etc.
  • Signature Rolls: Creative and unique roll combinations like Dreamin' Roll (spicy salmon, avocado topped with salmon, ikura), Akino Roll (spicy kani, cucumber topped with eel, avocado), and Phoenix Roll (spicy tuna, avocado topped with tuna, jalapeno).
  • Kitchen Appetizers: Cooked items often included in the AYCE, such as Gyoza (pork, chicken, vegetable), Fried Shumai, Edamame, Chicken Wings, Takoyaki, and various Tempura options (vegetable, shrimp, seafood).
  • Teriyaki and Donburi: While the primary focus is sushi, the AYCE menu also includes limited hot kitchen items like Chicken Teriyaki, Donburi bowls (e.g., Chicken Katsu Don), and sometimes fried rice.
• Takeout and Delivery: Akino also offers a la carte ordering for takeout and delivery through popular platforms like Seamless, Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. This allows customers to enjoy their favorite dishes at home, even if they aren't opting for the AYCE experience.
• Beverage Options: They provide a selection of non-alcoholic drinks, including Japanese sodas, and often offer a variety of Japanese beers and sake to complement the meal.

Akino has garnered a strong following among New Yorkers for several distinct features and highlights that enhance the dining experience:

• High-Quality AYCE Sushi and Sashimi: A significant highlight is the quality of the fish, especially for an all-you-can-eat establishment. Customers frequently praise the "super fresh" and "great quality" fish, specifically mentioning salmon and white tuna sashimi as "pretty good." This focus on freshness sets it apart from many AYCE competitors.
• Non-Overstuffed Rolls: Unlike some AYCE spots that load rolls with excessive rice, customers appreciate that Akino's "rolls were not overly stuffed with rice," allowing the flavor of the fish and other ingredients to shine.
• Wide Variety of Options: The extensive menu covers a broad range of tastes, offering not only numerous sushi and sashimi options but also popular classic and creative signature rolls, alongside a selection of hot kitchen appetizers and entrees. This ensures that even those less keen on raw fish can find something to enjoy.
• Pleasant and Fast Service: Many reviewers commend the "pleasant and fast" service, noting that orders are served promptly and efficiently. Attentive servers contribute to a smooth dining experience, especially important for an AYCE model.
• Clean and Well-Lit Space: The restaurant is described as a "clean space" and "well lit," creating a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for diners.
• Consistency: For a sushi restaurant, consistency is key, and Akino is often noted for providing a "consistent" experience, which is "what you want with sushi and sashimi for an enjoyable experience."
• Value for AYCE: While the price point is mentioned as "a bit on the pricier side for the location," many customers feel they "definitely get money's worth and more" due to the high quality, variety, and unlimited nature of the food, especially when considering the inclusion of sashimi and other higher-value items in the AYCE.
• Popular Signature Rolls: Specific rolls, such as the "Dreaming Roll," are highlighted as "great," indicating that their unique creations are well-received.

Akino's primary "promotion" is its all-you-can-eat (AYCE) model, which inherently offers a comprehensive dining experience at a set price. While prices can fluctuate and vary, here's a general overview of their structured offers:

• All-You-Can-Eat Lunch: Akino often provides a more affordable AYCE option during weekday lunch hours. For example, previous pricing has been noted around $24.99 - $30 per person (Monday through Thursday, typically until 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM). This lunch deal usually includes unlimited nigiri, classic rolls, signature rolls, and various hot appetizers.
• All-You-Can-Eat Dinner/Weekend/Holiday: The AYCE price is higher for dinner and during weekends and holidays, reflecting the expanded demand and often a wider selection or premium ingredients. Prices have been observed in the range of $39.99 - $53.50 per person.
• Cash Discount: Some reviews suggest that Akino may offer a small discount (e.g., 5%) if customers pay with cash for their AYCE meal, providing a small saving for New Yorkers who come prepared.
• Online Delivery Platform Deals: While the AYCE is a dine-in experience, for a la carte orders via delivery, platforms like Uber Eats or Postmates sometimes feature "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" offers on popular items like specific sushi rolls (e.g., Tuna Avocado Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll) or appetizers (e.g., Fried Pork Gyoza, Miso Soup). These are specific to the delivery platform and can change.

It's always recommended for New Yorkers to check Akino's official website or call directly for the most current AYCE pricing, hours, and any ongoing special offers, as these can be subject to change. Booking reservations, especially for peak times, is also advisable to ensure the best experience.

For New Yorkers eager to experience Akino's all-you-can-eat sushi, here’s how you can get in touch or find them:

• Address: 82-80 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA
• Phone: (718) 779-8280

You can also find them on various food delivery platforms if you prefer to order a la carte for pickup or delivery to your location in New York.

For New Yorkers, especially those with a hearty appetite for sushi, Akino in Elmhurst is a highly suitable dining destination. Its core appeal lies in its well-regarded all-you-can-eat model, which, unlike some AYCE spots, manages to consistently deliver on the promise of "super fresh" and "great quality" fish. This focus on freshness, particularly for salmon and white tuna sashimi, is a significant draw in a city that values quality. New Yorkers appreciate being able to indulge in their favorite sushi and sashimi without worrying about the per-piece cost, ensuring a truly fulfilling meal.

The restaurant's location on Broadway in Elmhurst offers excellent accessibility via public transportation, making it a convenient choice for residents across Queens and beyond. Whether you're planning a casual dinner with friends, a family outing, or just craving a substantial sushi fix, getting to Akino is straightforward.

Furthermore, the extensive menu caters to diverse palates, offering not only a wide array of sushi and sashimi but also a selection of cooked appetizers and dishes, ensuring everyone in a group can find something they'll enjoy. The "pleasant and fast" service and "clean space" also contribute to a positive dining environment, which is crucial for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. While the price might be "a bit on the pricier side for the location," the quality and quantity offered mean that locals often find it to be excellent value, making Akino a highly recommended spot for an all-encompassing and satisfying sushi journey in New York City.

Akino

82-80 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373, USA