Akai Hana Japanese Restaurant
| Address: | 206 W Main St, Carrboro, NC 27510, USA |
| Phone: | +1 919-942-6848 |
| Site: | akaihana.com |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 11:30AM–2PM 5–10PM 5–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 11
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Allison Morgan
Tonight was my first dining experience at Akai Hana, my friend was very excited about the sushi and I was excited to try their chicken teriyaki. Upon arrival our server seemed very flustered and we had to wait about 15 minutes to order drinks, which I was completely fine with as I am a bartender, and have been a server before for many years, and understand being in the weeds. The soup and salad came out very promptly, as well as an appetizer we had ordered. When I got my food, (chicken teryaki) the vegetables tasted frozen, the chicken was cut up into little cubes with no flavor, and the sauce was basically water with some soy sauce and a little sweetness. Very disappointing. It tasted like a TV dinner. Our server was not very attentive, and seemed almost bothered by our presence and even had a slight attitude when I asked her for a fork. Our water was never refilled, she never asked how our dinner was. My friend ordered a Pinot Grigio, and it tasted corked or that it had been open too long. She felt bad and tried to drink it regardless, but it was very bad, I even tasted it. She ordered a beer, and just pushed the wine to the side, with a few sips taken out of it. When our waitress Sarah came to clear some plates, she asked "oh did you not like the wine?" to which my friend replied "Im so sorry, it just doesnt taste right I tried to drink it but it might be old." Our waitress said, "Im so sorry, are you ok with the beer" which my friend was enjoying and thanked her. Then she came back and dropped the checks off, and said no rush whenever you are ready. We wanted to see dessert menu, and my friend wanted to get another beer but we felt rushed, so decided to move on. When we looked at the check, the wine was on the bill. My friend said to our waitress "I am so sorry but I dont feel comfortable paying for a wine that was not drinkable." To which Sarah our waitress replied "well you drank over half of it, and I know how much I pour so you have to pay for it. Do you want to talk to a manager?" and we said sure. She went inside for about 10 minutes, and stormed back over and said in an aggressive tone "He took it off. but just so you know if you are ordering a wine you have not had before please order a taste next time, instead of wasting a whole glass. Its not my fault YOU dont like the wine," and walked back away before we could even reply. We were all literally stunned. I have never seen such a rude interaction between a server and a customer in my life, and it was sooo uncomfortable. Not only will I never go back, I will let people know please avoid this place. The worst experience. I work all week with customers, and although it can be an inconvenience if someone doesnt like a dish or a drink, it is my job to make sure that they are satisfied and enjoy their experience. Sometimes when people send back wine it lets me know, oh it might be corked, I double check it, and alot of times it is. We send it back to the distributor not problem. Please do yourself a favor and skip this place.
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Q Ram
The sushi was incredible. Not only was the food delicious but the entire staff was very courteous and professional. From the initial hostess greeting us to the person taking care of us at our table, it was a very pleasant dining experience. Prices are very competitive and worth it. A special thanks to the young lady who took care of us that drives 40mn home (we talked outside after closing when we dined there Christmas eve but I didnt get your name but you have worked there for 13 years I think). Dining area is cozy and very clean. Will return soon and tell others how pleased we were for choosing this resturant!
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Cliff Chafin
These must be mostly reviews from the family. The sushi is small and pricey. There is nothing special about it at all. The waitress is (no exaggeration) the worst one Ive ever encountered. She was actually annoyed at having to serve us. I watched to verify she treated everyone this way. Her lack of communication and helpfulness led to my first serious gluten ingestion in 6 years. They do have gluten free soy sauce so there is no excuse for this. Fortunately I figured out something was wrong so didnt each much and recovered in 24 hours. Looks like there is still room for a good sushi place in Carrboro.
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Abram Milton
I enjoyed my experience at this restaurant. Prior to my visit, I felt like I struggled to find a restaurant which catered to traditional Japanese taste and flavor. The Miso was delicious and the gyoza were well prepared - something that is hard for me to admit at other locations. I personal wondered if they used Japanese rice because the texture and taste of the rice did not match some of my other experiences. The pork cutler was well prepared and average. However, given the location, I was satisfied with my meal.
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RGC Base04
I go here traditionally every summer with my family from Germany. Its the best sushi youll get around Chapel Hill and Durham. Last time they had a bit of a struggle but thats not so bad. I love the piano player although I miss the old guy which I last saw 5 years ago. Dont know what happened to him. The new guys also great. They should try expanding to second floor. Theyre really nice.
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A Private User
My wife and I regularly eat at Akai Hana in Carrboro. Their sushi is consistently fresh and the service is fantastic. It is not overpriced and their location is very convenient for locals. They also have a lot of choices than other than sushi which are also delicious. Their tempuras are the best! Their ginger salad is good too! Keep up the good work. We love it!
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A Private User
Akai Hana is one of Carrboros best kept secrets! Nothing else in the area comes close if you want traditional Japanese food, fresh fish, great service, and a comfortable atmosphere. This restaurant has been consistent for all the years Ive been going. On top of this - the prices are really very fair. Make sure you give this place a try, you wont regret it.
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A Private User
Akai Hana is by far our favorite place for sushi! They have a great menu, good location and fresh food. The spicy tuna roll is just spicy enough and the miso soup is always a good way to start. We especially like the outdoor seating and lighting. Be sure to check out the deals on their website.
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Sammy Uyama
I love the environment here, especially all the servers. Their sushi chef was pretty renowned when he lived in Japan, and their sushi proves it. They dont have a lot of tables and it gets really busy on Friday/Saturday night, so make sure to go early or make a reservation.
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Jasmin Ramsey
Had a variety of sushi and was excellent. It was one of the best sushi I had in NC. Very fresh and tasty. Our waitress was great and friendly. Service was awesome. My husband and I definitely enjoyed it. I would definitely go back to Akai Hana and recommend this place.
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Alexander Forbes
We really enjoyed our dinner. The food was fresh and flavorful and even the simple sushi was really tasty and well-executed. Our server was very friendly and attentive as well (the name on our receipt was Cerena). Well definitely be back!
