AKO by KENAKI

ako by kenaki

For discerning sushi lovers in Washington, D.C., AKO by KENAKI at The Roost is not just another sushi counter; it's a culinary gem that consistently delivers high-quality, inventive, and incredibly fresh sushi. Tucked within the vibrant atmosphere of The Roost food hall on Capitol Hill, AKO by KENAKI offers a surprising and delightful experience that stands out in D.C.'s competitive dining scene.

What truly sets AKO by KENAKI apart is its commitment to both traditional sushi excellence and innovative flavor combinations. Drawing on the expertise of siblings Ken and Aki Ballogdajan, known for their KENAKI Sushi Counter, this outpost at The Roost showcases a menu that balances familiar favorites with exciting new creations. Diners consistently praise the "really high quality" and "inventive" nature of the sushi, a rare find, especially within a food hall setting.

The experience at AKO by KENAKI is enhanced by its unique integration within The Roost. While you order and pay conveniently via QR code, you receive "a high level of table service" that includes professional and courteous staff bringing water, plates, silverware, and even cloth napkins – a "fancy" touch that elevates the food hall experience. This blend of casual convenience and upscale service creates a comfortable yet refined atmosphere for enjoying your meal.

Customer favorites at AKO by KENAKI highlight their creativity and dedication to flavor. The "Black Magic roll," featuring forbidden rice, spicy tuna, pickled jalapeño, truffle oil, and crisp leeks, is lauded as a "great combination of textures and flavors, and very fresh." Another must-try is the "Old Bay roll," which reimagines the classic California roll with lump crabmeat, avocado, scallion, and "Old Bay crispy potato," offering an "interesting spice and texture" that's "pretty dope."

For D.C. locals, AKO by KENAKI is more than just a sushi spot; it's a testament to exceptional culinary craftsmanship found in an unexpected and dynamic environment. It's an ideal choice for those seeking incredibly fresh ingredients, creative sushi rolls, and an elevated dining experience without the formality of a traditional restaurant. Whether you're a long-time sushi enthusiast or looking to try something new, AKO by KENAKI is a highly recommended destination in the District.

AKO by KENAKI is strategically located within The Roost, a prominent culinary clubhouse at 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA. This address places it in the heart of Capitol Hill, a vibrant and historic neighborhood known for its residential charm, government buildings, and increasingly diverse dining scene. The Roost itself is a significant landmark, making AKO by KENAKI easily identifiable.

Accessibility to AKO by KENAKI is excellent for D.C. locals, thanks to its central location and proximity to various public transportation options. The restaurant is a short walk from several Metro stations: Eastern Market (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) and Potomac Ave (Orange, Blue, Silver Lines) are both conveniently close, providing easy access from across the city. Numerous Metrobus lines also serve Pennsylvania Ave SE, with stops directly outside or very near The Roost, offering comprehensive connections.

For individuals driving, street parking can be found in the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood, though it may be metered and can be challenging during peak hours. However, being part of a larger complex like The Roost, there may be nearby parking garages or lots available for public use. The Roost's design, which emphasizes convenience and a welcoming atmosphere, further enhances the overall accessibility for diners.

The placement within The Roost means that visitors to AKO by KENAKI also benefit from the amenities of the larger food hall, including ample seating, a well-designed and decorated common area, and access to other vendors and bars. This integrated experience makes it a dynamic and appealing destination for a meal, allowing patrons to enjoy high-quality sushi in a lively and comfortable setting.

AKO by KENAKI at The Roost offers a refined selection of high-quality and inventive sushi, along with other Japanese-inspired dishes, all within the convenient and elevated setting of a food hall. Their services focus on delivering a premium experience with a modern touch. Here’s a breakdown of their primary offerings:

• High-Quality Sushi Rolls (Maki): A signature offering featuring both classic and unique, inventive rolls. Popular and highly praised options include:
  • Black Magic Roll: Made with forbidden rice, spicy tuna, pickled jalapeño, truffle oil, tempura flakes, avocado, black tobiko, and crisp leeks. Noted for its "great combination of textures and flavors" and freshness.
  • Old Bay Roll: A creative take on a California roll, featuring lump crabmeat, avocado, scallion, and Old Bay crispy potato, praised for its "interesting spice and texture."
  • Green Monster Roll: (Customer favorite)
  • Salmon + Avocado + Cucumber Roll
  • Cali Roll (Imitation Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Mayo)
  • Shrimp Tempura Roll (Butter Lettuce, Kewpie)
• Nigiri and Sashimi: They offer rotating selections of fresh nigiri (sliced fish over rice) and sashimi (sliced raw fish). This ensures the freshest available fish for those who prefer pure cuts.
• Donburi/Rice Bowls: Hearty and flavorful rice bowls, such as the "spicy tekka donburi" (spicy tuna rice bowl), providing a fulfilling meal option beyond rolls.
• Chef's Selection Chirashi Bowls: A curated bowl of assorted sashimi over sushi rice, allowing the chef to showcase the best available fish.
• A La Carte Options: The ability to order individual pieces of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls, allowing for customization.
• Beverage Program: While part of The Roost, AKO benefits from the food hall's extensive beverage program, which includes:
  • Japanese whisky assortment (in the second-floor lounge)
  • Specialty cocktails
  • Premium sake
  • Wine and local beers
• Order and Pay via QR Code: A modern and efficient ordering system, allowing customers to easily browse the menu, order, and pay directly from their table using a QR code.
• High-Level Table Service: Despite being in a food hall, staff provide attentive table service, including bringing food, water, plates, silverware, and cloth napkins, elevating the dining experience.
• Takeout and Delivery: AKO by KENAKI is available for online ordering and delivery through platforms like DoorDash, providing convenience for enjoying their sushi at home.

AKO by KENAKI distinguishes itself within the Washington, D.C., sushi scene with several standout features and highlights:

• High-Quality and Inventive Sushi: This is the primary highlight. Customers consistently praise the "really high quality" and "inventive sushi," noting that this level of quality is "especially surprising to find in a food hall."
• Signature Rolls with Unique Flavors: Their special rolls, like the "Black Magic roll" (forbidden rice, spicy tuna, truffle oil, crisp leeks) and the "Old Bay roll" (lump crabmeat, Old Bay crispy potato), are particularly popular. They are celebrated for their "great combination of textures and flavors" and their "interesting spice and texture."
• Located in The Roost Food Hall: Being part of "The Roost," a "well designed and decorated" culinary clubhouse, is a significant advantage. This vibrant environment offers a communal yet upscale dining experience.
• Elevated Food Hall Service: Despite the food hall setting, AKO by KENAKI benefits from The Roost's "high level of table service," including courteous wait staff who bring water, plates, silverware, and even cloth napkins, offering a "fancy" touch.
• Freshness and Flavor: Reviewers consistently note the freshness of the ingredients and the delicious taste of the sushi, from the rolls to the spicy tekka donburi.
• Diverse Sushi Offerings: Beyond signature rolls, AKO by KENAKI provides rotating selections of nigiri, sashimi, and chef's selection chirashi bowls, catering to various preferences and ensuring variety.
• Convenient QR Code Ordering: The modern ordering system via QR code allows for efficiency and ease of use, enhancing the customer experience.
• Extensive Beverage Options from The Roost: Diners can enjoy a wide array of beverages from The Roost's bars, including a "sizable and rare assortment of Japanese whisky," specialty cocktails, premium sake, wine, and local beers.
• Consistent Customer Favorites: Rolls like the Black Magic and Green Monster have developed a strong following, indicating a consistently satisfying product.

While specific daily or recurring promotional deals unique to AKO by KENAKI are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, being a vendor within The Roost food hall allows them to participate in or benefit from broader offerings. D.C. locals looking for value at AKO by KENAKI should consider the following:

• The Roost Happy Hour: The Roost often features happy hour specials across its various vendors and bars. While specific AKO sushi happy hour deals aren't highlighted, it's common for such food halls to have general beverage and appetizer discounts during these times. According to some sources, The Roost's happy hour is Monday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at some bars, and even Monday from 4 to 10 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at others (like the second-floor lounge). It's worth checking if AKO's offerings fall under these umbrella happy hour times.
• The Roost Loyalty Programs/Events: Larger food halls sometimes have their own loyalty programs, special events, or seasonal promotions that could indirectly benefit vendors like AKO by KENAKI.
• Limited Daily Specials: While not a permanent promotion, AKO by KENAKI (or its parent Kenaki Sushi Counter) has been known to offer "limited daily specials such as tuna with Italian truffle or jalapeno popper rolls" in the past, suggesting a dynamic menu with potential for unique, temporary offerings.
• Delivery Platform Promotions: When ordering through third-party delivery platforms (like DoorDash, where AKO by KENAKI is listed), customers might find platform-specific discounts, free delivery for minimum orders, or other promotional codes that apply to their purchase from AKO.
• Chef's Selection/Omakase Value: While not a discount, opting for a chef's selection (like a chirashi bowl) or an omakase option (if offered consistently at this location) can provide excellent value by showcasing the chef's expertise and the freshest ingredients at a set price point.

To stay informed about any specific promotions directly from AKO by KENAKI or related to their presence at The Roost, D.C. residents are encouraged to:

• Check The Roost's official website (theroostsedc.com) for their vendor hours and any announced specials.
• Follow AKO by KENAKI and The Roost on social media channels, as new offerings or events are often announced there.
• Inquire directly with staff during a visit to The Roost.

The inherent "high quality, inventive sushi" itself can be considered a consistent draw and value proposition for D.C. locals, regardless of explicit discounts.

For inquiries, to learn more about their menu, or to experience the high-quality sushi at AKO by KENAKI, residents of Washington, D.C., can use the following contact details:

Address: 1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA (Located within The Roost)

Phone: (571) 279-8667

Mobile Phone: +1 571-279-8667

Current Operating Hours (for AKO by KENAKI at The Roost, subject to change; always verify with The Roost's official website):

• Monday – Saturday: 12 PM to 10 PM
• Sunday: 12 PM to 9 PM

Please note that individual food stall hours within a food hall can sometimes vary slightly from the overall food hall hours, but these are the typical operating times for AKO by KENAKI.

AKO by KENAKI at The Roost is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended sushi destination for locals in Washington, D.C., offering a compelling blend of culinary excellence, innovative dishes, and an elevated dining experience within a dynamic setting.

The primary reason for its suitability is the consistently praised "high quality, inventive sushi." D.C. residents appreciate fresh, well-crafted food, and AKO by KENAKI delivers precisely that. Signature rolls like the "Black Magic" and "Old Bay" are not just creative but are bursting with "great combination of textures and flavors," making each visit an exciting culinary adventure. This commitment to fresh ingredients and innovative preparation sets it apart in a city with numerous sushi options.

Furthermore, its unique integration within The Roost food hall provides an unexpected yet highly advantageous dining environment. Locals can enjoy the casual flexibility of a food hall—choosing their seating, ordering via QR code—while still receiving "a high level of table service," including the thoughtful touch of cloth napkins. This blend of convenience and refined service offers a relaxed yet sophisticated experience, perfect for a casual lunch, an evening out with friends, or a quick, high-quality meal.

The variety of offerings, from inventive rolls to classic nigiri and sashimi, and even hearty donburi bowls, ensures that there's something to satisfy diverse preferences. Whether a D.C. resident is a sushi connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious and reliable Japanese meal, AKO by KENAKI provides compelling options.

Finally, the accessible location on Capitol Hill, with convenient Metro and bus access, makes AKO by KENAKI a practical choice for residents across the District. For Washington, D.C. locals seeking incredibly fresh, creatively prepared sushi in a vibrant and welcoming environment, AKO by KENAKI is not just suitable; it's a must-try destination that consistently exceeds expectations.

AKO by KENAKI

1401 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, USA