AKO by KENAKI

One of my favorite sushi spots in DC. Love the black magic roll, the Green Monster, and the spicy tekka donburi.

Really high quality, inventive sushi, especially surprising to find in a food hall. The Roost is awesome as a food hall first of all. You sit anywhere, order and pay through the QR code, but you also get a high level of table service. Not only do they bring the food out to your table, a floating set of professional and courteous wait staff bring you water, plate, silverware and a cloth napkin (fancy). The whole hall is well designed and decorated. As for AKO, I started with the Black Magic roll (forbidden rice, spicy tuna, pickled jalapeno, truffle oil, tempura flakes, avocado, black tobiko, and crisp leeks). It was a great combination of textures and flavors, and very fresh. Loved it. Next I tried the Old Bay (lump crabmeat, avocado, scallion, and Old Bay crispy potato). It was also pretty dope, like a spruced up California roll with some interesting spice and texture from the key last ingredient). Loved it as well, also a must try.

Fresh, creative rolls. For those who need gluten-free, they were careful to prepare the GF rolls separately. There are other restaurants you can order from at this location which was convenient for one person in our party who wanted pizza instead.

Don't underestimate this sushi spot inside the food hall The Roost. It's worth your time. Creating many sushi options, you can't go wrong. Preferring less "fishy" sushi, they have great veggie options and ones with shrimp and crab meat. Order and within a few minutes you'll get a plate of sushi with soy sauce and all the fixings.

I'm going out of my way to write them a review because I'm constantly impressed by them. Their fish is fresh - as fresh as it gets in the DC area aside from killing the fishes on the spot. Somehow they're flown from Japan, Scotland etc but they're so fresh and not fishy at all, texture is amazing even for tougher cuts. Lived in Asia for the first half of my life, travelled and tasted the best and this comes close to the top. This place is not cheap - I'd consider it slightly pricey but nothing in DC is cheap and I've only heard good things from friends and family who try this place. Their selection is small but impressive. Even their poke bowls are great and not overcomplicated. They've added texture and their wasabi tastes like it's been grated from fresh wasabi/horseradish and isn't that garbage paste you usually get. Even if it's not actual wasabi/horseradish, they've done an excellent job replicating it. The soy they serve is good and high quality. They have mastered the art of less is more. If you're expecting bursting flavors like biting into a burger, not the place. You must savor the delicate flavors and everything exists on your plate for a reason.

We ordered takeout the salmon ikura bowl. I find it expensive for what you get but it was delicious and the fish was super fresh (I've had bad salmon, this was good).

I never expected a food hall would have sushi of this quality! I've tried several different things across a few visits, from more traditional nigiri/sashimi, to the speciality rolls, and it has all been great. My wallet hates that it's my top choice at The Roost but my taste buds are oh so happy.

My husband, puppy and I dined here since we live a short walk away and were trying to get to know the neighborhood. This place is a hidden gem, don’t know how we ever missed it! There’s a hygge deck with seating surrounded by lush greenery and warm hanging lights. I ordered the spicy donburi and it was an explosion of flavor. Will definitely be back to try more.