Akira Ramen & Izakaya

For those in Maryland with a keen appreciation for authentic Japanese cuisine, Akira Ramen & Izakaya in Gaithersburg offers a distinctive and memorable dining experience. Unlike typical sushi bars or ramen shops, Akira Ramen & Izakaya blends the comforting warmth of a ramen house with the vibrant, social atmosphere of an izakaya, providing a broad menu that caters to diverse tastes. This unique combination makes it a standout destination for locals seeking an immersive culinary journey.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya prides itself on delivering a multifaceted Japanese dining experience. While "ramen" is in its name, highlighting its dedication to rich, flavorful noodle soups, the "izakaya" aspect signifies a broader offering of small, shareable dishes, akin to Spanish tapas. This concept encourages diners to explore a variety of flavors and textures, perfect for a casual evening with friends or a relaxed family meal. The restaurant has garnered attention for its thoughtful details and attentive service, aiming to create an environment that feels both inviting and authentically Japanese.

What truly sets Akira Ramen & Izakaya apart for many Marylanders are the delightful surprises found within its offerings. From generously sized portions of comforting miso soup to an unexpectedly ample serving of house warm sake, the restaurant challenges conventional expectations, delivering more value and a richer experience. While the core of their menu revolves around their acclaimed ramen bowls, featuring house-made noodles and unique broths, their extensive list of appetizers and commitment to excellent service ensures that every visit is more than just a meal – it's an exploration of Japanese culinary artistry.

Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur of Japanese food or new to its intricate flavors, Akira Ramen & Izakaya invites you to discover its unique charm. Its friendly atmosphere, diverse menu, and dedication to customer satisfaction make it a valuable addition to Gaithersburg's vibrant dining scene and a compelling choice for anyone in Maryland looking for an authentic and exceptional Japanese dining adventure.

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Akira Ramen & Izakaya is conveniently located at 105 Paramount Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA. This address places it within a dynamic and easily accessible area of Gaithersburg, a bustling hub in Montgomery County. Paramount Park Drive is situated in a commercial zone that is well-connected to major roadways, making it straightforward for residents from various parts of Gaithersburg and surrounding Maryland communities to reach.

The restaurant's location offers practical advantages for diners. Being in a commercial park, it typically provides ample parking, which is a significant convenience often sought after in suburban dining destinations. This ease of parking eliminates potential stress, allowing patrons to enjoy their meal without worrying about finding a spot. Its position makes it an ideal choice for a casual lunch, a lively dinner, or even a quick stop for takeout after a busy day.

Furthermore, Gaithersburg itself is a diverse and growing city, and Akira Ramen & Izakaya's presence contributes to its rich tapestry of international cuisine. Its accessibility, whether by personal vehicle or local transportation options, ensures that a wide array of Marylanders can easily experience the unique flavors and inviting atmosphere that this Japanese restaurant has to offer. The well-known nature of the area means that even those unfamiliar with Paramount Park Drive can typically locate the establishment with ease.

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• Specialized Ramen Menu: Akira Ramen & Izakaya offers a variety of ramen bowls, including their signature Akira Ramen and spicy Akira Volcano Ramen, with options for skinny or curly noodles made in-house. Other popular ramen selections include Tonkotsu Miso, Tonkotsu Shoyu, Karaage Ramen, Shrimp Tempura Ramen, Vegetable Ramen, and Tantanmen.
• Extensive Izakaya-style Appetizers: A wide range of small, shareable dishes is available, perfect for starting a meal or enjoying with drinks. Popular appetizers include Gyoza (pork dumplings), Chashu Bun (pork belly bun), Karaage (deep-fried chicken), Takoyaki (octopus balls), Edamame, and various tempura options.
• Sushi and Sashimi Selection: The restaurant offers a selection of regular sushi rolls (e.g., California, Alaska, Eel Avocado, various spicy rolls like Spicy Tuna) and special sushi rolls (e.g., Akira Sushi Roll, Fancy Sushi Roll, King Dragon Sushi Roll, Magic Sushi Roll), as well as sashimi appetizers.
• Cold Soba & Udon Dishes: A unique offering of chilled noodle dishes, such as Mori (plain cold soba), Ten Zaru (with shrimp and vegetable tempura), Tonkatsu, Chicken Katsu, and various preparations with sliced meats and seafood, are available.
• Donburi (Rice Bowls): Hearty rice bowls are offered, including Katsu Curry, Chicken Katsu Curry, Tonkatsu Don, Oyako Don, and Gyu Don, often served with pickled veggies and miso soup.
• Dine-In Service: Customers can enjoy their meals within the restaurant's well-appointed dining area.
• Takeout Options: Orders can be placed for takeout, providing a convenient way to enjoy Akira's cuisine at home.
• Beverage Selection: Offers a variety of beverages, including hot sake, which is noted for its generous portion size.
• Accommodating Service: The staff is willing to accommodate special requests, such as remaking sushi rolls into "ice cream cone style" hand rolls.

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• Generous Miso Soup Portions: Customers frequently praise the large size of the miso soup, noting it is significantly larger (3-4 times) than typical restaurant servings, with an "amazing" broth.
• Unusually Large Sake Servings: The house warm sake is served in a notably "enormous" bottle compared to standard restaurant portions, offering exceptional value for sake enthusiasts.
• Delicious and Unique Ramen: While acknowledging slight variations from other Akira Ramen locations, the ramen consistently receives praise for its delicious taste and unique qualities, including house-made noodles and broth.
• Excellent Appetizers: Many appetizers are highlighted as "very delicious," complementing the main ramen dishes and providing a great opportunity to sample various Japanese small plates.
• Fabulous and Accommodating Service: The service is consistently described as "fabulous" and "excellent," with staff willing to go "above and beyond" to ensure a positive dining experience, including customizing orders.
• Pleasant Ambiance and Decor: The restaurant features more than adequate decor and a good ambiance, contributing to an enjoyable and comfortable dining environment.
• Sushi with Unique Appeal: While some find the presentation "unappealing," the sushi is noted for tasting "very nice," suggesting that flavor takes precedence over aesthetics for some items.
• Singularly Unique Experience: The overall dining experience is often described as unique compared to other Japanese restaurants in the Moco area, standing out for its distinct offerings and service.

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While specific daily discounts or seasonal promotions are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews or general information, Akira Ramen & Izakaya offers inherent value through its generous portion sizes, particularly noted with its miso soup and house warm sake. These larger-than-average servings effectively act as an ongoing "special offer," providing more for your money compared to what one might typically find at other Japanese establishments in the Maryland area.

It is always advisable for interested patrons to directly contact Akira Ramen & Izakaya at their provided phone numbers or check their official website or social media channels for any current specials, loyalty programs, or seasonal menu items that might be available. Restaurants often introduce limited-time offers or lunch specials that aren't widely advertised but can provide additional value. Given the positive feedback on their appetizers, there might be bundle deals or happy hour promotions on these popular izakaya-style dishes.

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Address: 105 Paramount Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA

Phone: (240) 247-0732

Mobile Phone: +1 240-247-0732

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For residents across Maryland, particularly those in the Gaithersburg area, Akira Ramen & Izakaya presents itself as an exceptionally suitable and appealing dining destination. It stands out by offering a unique fusion of the comforting and hearty world of ramen with the diverse, social appeal of an izakaya, providing a comprehensive Japanese culinary experience right in our backyard.

One of the strongest reasons Akira Ramen & Izakaya resonates with locals is its commitment to providing a distinctive and value-driven experience. The notoriously generous portions, particularly with the miso soup and house sake, are not just pleasant surprises but tangible benefits that offer more for your investment. In a competitive dining landscape, getting such substantial servings of quality items adds significant appeal for Marylanders looking for good value without compromising on authenticity.

The breadth of their menu is another major draw. By specializing in both delicious ramen and a wide array of appetizers, Akira Ramen & Izakaya caters to various cravings and dining occasions. Whether you're seeking a soul-warming bowl of Akira Volcano Ramen on a chilly evening, a selection of savory gyoza and chashu buns for a casual gathering, or even some unique sushi rolls, the restaurant has something to satisfy. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for repeat visits, allowing patrons to explore different facets of Japanese cuisine.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "fabulous" and "excellent" service elevates the entire dining experience. The willingness of the staff to accommodate requests, such as customizing sushi rolls, reflects a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction that resonates deeply with local expectations for friendly and attentive service. This personalized touch fosters a welcoming environment that makes diners feel valued and eager to return.

In essence, Akira Ramen & Izakaya is more than just a place to eat; it's a unique culinary discovery. Its combination of authentic flavors, surprising value through generous portions, diverse menu options, and outstanding customer service makes it an ideal choice for anyone in Maryland looking for a memorable and satisfying Japanese dining adventure. It’s a place where you can comfortably explore the rich tapestry of Japanese cuisine, from hearty ramen to delicate sushi and savory small plates, all within a welcoming Gaithersburg setting.

Akira Ramen & Izakaya

105 Paramount Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA