KENAKI Sushi Counter

This was my second visit to Kenaki Sushi, and once again, the service was outstanding. The sushi was fresh and flavorful, and I ordered three rolls this time. The White Tiger roll stood out with its unique combination of flavors and a satisfying crunch. The Scallop roll was equally delicious, offering a perfect balance of taste and texture. However, the Blue Crab roll, while decent, didn’t quite hit the mark—it was missing that extra something to make it memorable. I also tried the Tokyo cocktail, which had a flavor profile reminiscent of an Old Fashioned—smooth and well-balanced. That said, the presentation could use a bit of refinement. A touch like clear ice and a cocktail pick for the cherry would have elevated the experience. Overall, the atmosphere is inviting, the service is attentive, and the sushi is top-notch. I’ll definitely be returning for another round.

Very fresh sushi with creative maki selections and other great appetizers and drinks! There was no wait to be seated for our party of 4 during a weeknight evening. We got a list of monthly specials and tried some of their drinks and appetizers! I highly recommend the duroc pork belly bun (comes in an order of 1) and their karaage, which comes with shaved fish flakes on top as appetizers! Many for their specialty rolls (maki) also included eel in interesting combinations like with potato or plantain, so I really enjoyed trying those out (Kitchen Sink or Donkey Kong maki). We also tried out their seasonal special croissant pudding with matcha and blueberry. I happily enjoyed all the food we ordered and I look forward to going track to Kenaki again in the near future! 😋

My god is this place good. KENAKI uses high quality fish with modern takes, so you get the quality of a high end sushi restaurant with unique flairs. What drew me to this place was that they serve bluefin tuna (not that cheap hot pink looking tuna) — we got otoro and chutoro. Immediately just melts away in your mouth. The quality of their fish is just next level. I barely had any room to finish my tekka bowl too because I was so excited to eat everything. Hamachi crudo was a great appetizer — grapefruit was slightly sweet and refreshing. Hamachi quality was exceptional. Bluefin tuna was worth every dollar. There are so many varieties to choose from and I can’t wait to go back and get the rest of the bluefin menu. Maki were excellent. And tekka don used chili crisp which was a nice touch. Desserts were so decadent.

One of my favorite Japanese restaurants in the DMV area. I’ve been here twice and everything I’ve tried is delicious. I can’t wait to return!

Delicious and interesting sushi at a great price for its quality! It's a local favorite of mine—I recommend it to anyone curious about its unique dishes. We couldn't help but get started on our meal in the photo 😆 We especially like the J-Pop and the Donkey Kong.

Food is really good. The fish quality is one of the best. Service quality could be varied depending on the server.

I was impressed with this suburban Gaithersburg sushi restaurant. The menu is inventive and they execute well on it. The truffle oil in the Black Magic roll was melded well into the flavor. The beet salad was a nice version of one of my favorite vegetables. Service was prompt and attentive. The manager stopped by to check on us as well.

I'm still new to sushi, but I have eaten at many locations over the past 6 months. I think the quality of the food here is in my top 2 choices. We ordered 2 rolls each and a pork bun. The pork bun was great. The cut of meat was twice the thickness of what I had at a shop in Pike and Rose. The pork was moist and flavorful and I enjoyed every bite. The sushi was also spot on and filling. They used what appeared to be fresh ground. Got two thumbs up from my wife as well. Will be returning in the future!

Just a quick review in case I haven't mentioned the tempura softshell crab roll before. I usually don't order softshell crab tempura rolls from other restaurants; the crab is usually poorly fried and not full, fresh, or big enough to stand up to being in a roll, and the roll usually detracts from what might have otherwise been a passable tempura soft shell, but we've been to Kenaki enough times to trust the cooks and the recommendations of the wait staff, particularly affable GM Joy. Well, as usual at Kenaki, the crab itself was large, fresh, and very nicely fried, which alone makes it better than many restaurants' tempura, but what puts this dish over the top is that the roll (5 pieces that did not fall apart) includes plum wine shallots, chive, rice pearls, butter lettuce and sushi, all adding to it's fine taste and mouth feel. I'll try to take pix next time, but when the food is this good, it's difficult for me to bother to do anything but eat, drink, and talk.

Pan Seared Scottish Salmon - wasn't listed on the dinner menu, but when I asked for it, they had it and shared they still have it, but just not on the menu (hidden item or is it being phased out??). Hojicha Pot De Crème - exactly what it is - a pot of crème. Cream at both the top and bottom. I wasn't thinking when I ordered it - will have to try another dessert next time. It consisted of roasted green tea custard, whipped cream, puffed rice, and cinnamon dust. Passion Paradise drink - when it was brought to me, the employee (I think she was a host) spilled some of the drink on the table and was aware she made a bit of a mess. I waited for her to wipe the spill she made or at least bring some napkins so I could clean it up. Nope...she never came back to my table. I ended up having to ask my waitress/server and they cleaned it up immediately for me. Back to my review - Drink was delicious. Not too strong, not overly sweet and nowhere near being bitter. It was perfect. I'll have that again. It consisted of passion fruit and guava, vodka, sake, and elderflower. Yum. Visited October 2024.

Loved my takeout experience here! It is helpful that you can note your allergies and they accommodate accordingly. Very thoughtful since usually when getting take out, the platform doesn't have allergy options.

Delicious sushi! The uni was pretty good, it was not as sweet as other uni I had, so next time I will try the uni from Japan. The Scottish Sake Toro Aburi (seared salmon belly) had great flavor from the sweetness and freshness of the salmon, and the torched flavor. And the White Tiger was really great! The only thing I think it did not need was the apple slice inside. It did add a different texture, but I couldn't taste it, and the crunch of the chili crunch on top did that. I would definitely come back to try other sushi and dishes!

I got sushi the day after my wedding and it was divine! We also went back a couple days after to actually eat in the restaurant and the vibe there is very chill! I got many sushi roll and nigiri the first time, as well as a bento box the second! My vegan husband can eat here easily too which we really appreciate! Food is excellent and came quickly!

This sushi place located in the heart of the Kentlands has excellent, very fresh sushi. I really like their Chirashi bowl. It's a lot of food. It comes in a wide round bowl, attractively served. There aren't a lot of Asian restaurants in Darnestown and the few that are here are mostly lackluster. However, this sushi place can stand up to the best in downtown Bethesda or Rockville. Service is friendly. They do not serve udon noodles here but have lots of small appetizers and large selection of rolls.

My favorite quality sushi spot in gaithersburg. The beets by Ken is my favorite small plate. The sesame sauce works so well with the beats. The blueberry bread pudding dessert with matcha cream is really good. The deep sea sushi is my favorite and has really nice complex flavors. The spicy salmon is a large cut from the belly (best part) And I got the guava drink which surprisingly complemented the flavors of the sushi.

Walk in for carry out. There were only two tables (4 people) in the place. I was made to wait for three orders who had prepaid. And then in the middle of my order, she stopped to help two separate couples who walked in. This place is expensive but one of the few decent sushi places around. I understand sushi is expensive- you get what you pay for which is why I will likely return. Proximity and quality of fish. However, I will preorder and prepay.

There is more staff waiting around than customers inside. Overall awkward experience, but terrible compared to any other sushi spot nearby. We ordered the pork bun which was OK-- the meat was decent, and the size was small for the price. The bun came undercooked, and when we notified the staff they claimed that all of the buns are like that. Food itself is not bad but very pricey, however some of the combos have clearly clashing flavors (notably the black magic and old bae). The interior is nice, and lighting is good, but the experience as a whole felt very creepy because of the lack of customers. tldr; will not be going again, rude staff and below average food.

Neighborhood gem of a sushi spot! We love their sushi and they always have uni but OMG the cocktails are where it's at! Happy hour is good but it doesn't matter we pay full price all the time. Old fashioneds are better than anywhere in town, seriously, and the other specialty cocktails are top notch. Love the sake selection and even great mocktails for the kiddos.

Best sushi in upcounty MoCo. Excellent service, interesting menu, cool vibes and interior, and decent prices. Can't go wrong here after multiple visits.

The food was fantastic, and our server provided great service and suggestions. The restaurant isn't very big inside, although they have a nice smallish outdoor area. We sat inside. The menu isn't huge, but there are enough selections and some pretty unique ones. They had a particular cold sake that came out in a glass bottle. It was unique as it had creme on the bottom, and once you shook it up, it mixed and made it so delicious and light with a creamy flavor. We started with the pork belly rolls, which were nice, large, and very tasty. That was our appetizer, but we received it at the same time as our sushi, so it was dessert. Being born and raised in Maryland, I had to get the Old Bei, a delicious 8-piece roll with blue crab, avocado, and other yummies! I also got the Kitchen Sink, which our server recommended. It had a little bit of everything sushi-wise. I highly recommend both of those sushi rolls. Oh, and the Kitchen Sink, being a special roll, had only 5 pieces. My relatives got a roll called the Green Monster, which had delicious mushrooms that almost looked like beans. They also had a roll called Black Magic and one called the Lil Chick, which had a slight kick but was very good. Our server recommended both. Our server also was very nice and personable. She checked on us regularly and always kept our water glasses filled! I can't say enough about this place, and I will be back. I can't wait to go back, likely with my relatives. I highly recommend a visit here!

I was in the Gaithersburg area for work and wanted to find somewhere great and low key to eat dinner. Yelp steered me to KENAKI for sushi. I snagged a parking spot close by and gave it a shot. I was greeted immediately and was shown to my table. The space itself is small but I thought the atmosphere was clean and modern. The tables are a little close together for my taste, but it didn't affect my rating. My server was Karin and she was very attentive and made menu recommendations enthusiastically when asked. I tried the Duroc Pork Belly Bun for a starter. I'm not a fan of watermelon so when I saw the watermelon radish as a part of that dish, I almost didn't order it. Crisis averted!! Thank goodness I ordered it anyway. It was incredible. On to my signature sushi roll, the Green Monster. This was also super delicious with all my favorite things: shrimp, shiitake, tuna, avocado, & spicy mayo. Overall, so glad I gave this place a chance. I will be back whenever I'm in town again!!

The place is small and good for parties of four or less. There were many open tables available when we arrived after 6. The menu had a variety of options for non seafood diners. The waitress was available but you had to signal for her attention if you needed anything (I.e. take your order, order something additional). The lady that came to fill our glasses with water was very nice and attentive however she was not our server. We enjoyed the food- the kitchen sink was our favorite.

Love the vibe of this place and I feel like it's just big enough, where servers can pay attention to diners and the quality of sushi isn't compromised. This is one of the better sushi quality spots in Moco. I've loved every specialty roll I've had there and they never miss on presentation. The sake harasu is one of my faves! The cocktails are delicious and the echigo red ale is a must. The prices are reasonable for what you're getting.

Priced high, possibly to the neighborhood. We started with shrimp tempura, which was nice and crispy. The sushi options were creative, yet not that good. Who would cook Salmon Belly? Well, they not only have a roll with cooked salmon belly (Sake Harasu+ume), but it also contained a crispy skin, which had the texture of plastic. If you want to try Salmon belly done with perfection, try Yuraku's in Gaithersburg - it melts in your mouth! Beverages were creative, yet none were a decent ABV, as most are mixed with Sake, which is only a wine. Being from Los Angeles, this place would not make it on the west coast.

Came in when we found the place we wanted to eat at was 10 minutes from closing. We remember when this used to be Hakuba, so there was a lot of wonder as to what we might encounter when walking in Very glad my vegetarian husband found something to enjoy as the menu is very fish/meat heavy (as to be expected of a Japanese fusion restaurant. For my drink, I ordered the Osaka Mule - which, if you like shiso, I highly recommend. The New Spicy Tuna was full of flavor and very good! I wish I could have said the same about their Tamago-zushi. The egg tasted more of their refrigerator than of anything else. It's hard when we just got back from Japan where the egg is made fresh and served warm, but it was a disappointment even compared to other tamago nigiri we've had. The dessert was actually a little weird after eating food that was very Japanese/American fusion. It would have been better if the blueberries weren't part of it at all, and they played with more matcha flavor and sweetness. Or added a side of matcha gelato or something to balance the tart of the blueberries and the warm of the pudding. Overall, not a bad experience. And even with two alcoholic drinks, the price was decent. It easily gets noisy inside, but the service was great!

Let me preface this by saying I ordered this to go, but based on my experience I will HAVE TO come back and eat in. Very quaint, cozy, but modern establishment. I ordered the Donkey Kong, New Spicy Tuna, Old Bae, Pork Belly bun, spicy karaage bun, and warm croissant pudding. I would order all again. The staff were lovely in that they provided all sauces on the side. Unfortunately for me I didn't know which sauce was supposed to go with which, but there are worse problems to have. I think the new spicy tuna roll was my least favorite - I felt it was missing something. More spice? I'm not sure. The spicy karaage bun was not spicy and the chicken was mostly fat, unfortunately. Those are my only thoughts on room for improvement. The warm croissant pudding is now my favorite dessert. Now that I'm thinking about it, I need it again.

First off today was my first time dining at Kenaki. My sis and I had ordered 3 rolls and added a 4th (Philly roll) mid way. The food was amazing. Quality of the fish was superb! I enjoyed the salmon. It was super fresh. The waitress was even nice enough to bring a small water bowl for my dog as we sat in the outdoor seating. Service: However we waited about half an hour or more for just ONE roll. The service was just very slow even though it made the eating experience not as enjoyable. We had even called beforehand if there was any wait times. They had told me no. The sushi rolls are good though, but the wait for the Philly roll took forever. It was still pretty good. Maybe a second try here in the future would be better if the service was handled quicker and better.

Great variety of rolls with creative ingredients and combination, and everything we ordered tasted marvelous. Friendly, attentive service and stylish decor too. Wish we lived closer so we could come back more often...

The best sushi that I have had in as long as I can remember. I have been to many sushi restaurants here in MOCO and this is by far the winner. We had a party of 6 plus our 1 year old. Our waitress was very attentive, and our food came out quickly. So many great options for specialty rolls! All the sushi was super fresh. Absolutely loved their hot tea. They use real wasabi.. I did not even realize how different it is than the fake stuff that is served 99% of the time if you get sushi somewhere else.

"We hope to bring our family recipes and take on modern and traditional sushi to the Kentlands neighborhood." This was said by the owner and chef Ali Ballogdajan. I think they did just that...one of my favorite dishes of the night was the crabmeat and egg drop soup. The thick, tasty broth, rich in flavor, with chunks of delicious crabmeat was fabulous. It had a crunchy wonton crumbles that added the perfect crunchy texture to the warm and inviting soup. I ordered the plum wine, which was sweet and satisfying. There was a tasty Japanese plum to decorate the beverage. It tasted very good. Next, we ordered the pork belly appetizer. The Bao was so soft and tender, it cradled the tender pork bun. There was a delicious sauce that contained hoisin sauce, ginger, and barbecue sauce. That really added richness to the dish and some crunchy scallions to add freshness. I ordered two traditional sushi rolls, the California roll and the salmon and cream cheese roll. I was not a fan of the California roll. There was a lot of Bonita flakes or not enough crabmeat. It just had a very fishy taste to it. The salmon and cream cheese roll was fresh and delicious. Funny enough, the California roll is one of my son's favorites. So, different strokes for different folks. My friend ordered the rainbow roll and that looked enticing. She loved it. Lesson learned, I will order that next time. We did have epic desserts. I had the parfait, which was filled with custard, a banana cream layer, strawberries and charred whipped topping. It was excellent! My friend ordered a tea inspired pudding dessert and she enjoyed hers. She did say there was a distinctive, strong tea flavor. The restaurant was lovely and our service was very good. The front of the house manager came over to check on us and see how we were enjoying the restaurant. I thought that was so thoughtful and nice. This is not a cheap meal, so be prepared to spend some money. But, I would definitely come again and try some new dishes. It was worth it!

Came with my wife for our anniversary. Ordered the more expensive sushi. They were awesome.

I love this place for a casual sushi fix on a summer night. They have an outdoor patio that is dog friendly! HH is $2 off drinks. Service is good. Always have fresh cuts of fish. Ps you'll get more bang for your buck with the sashimi combo vs the chirashi.

This was an impromptu find I must say I haven't had good sushi like this in a long time. I had a sample plate and nothing we had was disappointing. Cocktails were amazing as well I sampled the wallflower as well as another. Service was good quick turn arounds. Very small location sees we got there at a great time cause shortly after the place became packed

The consistency of the fish was really slimy (chu toro negi roll) and was unpleasant to eat. The other specialty rolls we got were just okay. They are definitely more tailored towards Asian fusion but nothing stood out and some rolls were just not good. The standard rolls were fine but I'd rather get Yoyogi sushi next door.

I was visiting my parents, and I can't live without sushi for an entire week, and given this place had really high reviews, I figured this would be a great place to try! Their rolls looked great, so I was excited! Things we ordered: *Old Bae - crab meat and avocado and crispy potatoes, what can go wrong! I'd call this a glorified California roll, but lacking much flavor *New Spicy Tuna - first of all, this was not spicy, second of all, it was somewhat bland *Salmon, avocado and cucumber roll (added cream cheese) - this was by far, the best of the sushi rolls *White Tiger - ordered this because I love scallop, and this was disappointing and really lacked any kind of flavor *Spicy Karate buns - delicious and actually spicy! *Unagi - good *Scottish Sake Toro Aburi - good, but given the price point, it was small pieces So, while the buns were good and I'd say the actual fish was of good quality, I'd also say the rolls are on the bland side. Potentially, this place is great for sashimi? Or maybe I only ordered one of the good rolls? I'd come here again and know the fish is of good quality, but I've had significantly better rolls!

Love this place!! The rolls are delicious as is the sashimi. I loved the J pop roll. It was bursting with flavor and their raw fish is so fresh and thicc. Try their buns as well, the dough is so pillowy and soft. Both the short rib and karaage buns are delicious but the karaage is probs my fav! Service is fast and staff is friendly. A hidden little gem.

Food: I really do appreciate kenaki. They have a refreshing take on simple rolls, adding in simple ingredients that elevate the flavor profile. Their fish has always tasted fresh and they are well priced for the most part. My favorite here has to be the spicy tuna crunch roll and the spicy tekka don. I also enjoy the buns here but can't justify the price for one bun but that's just me! Ambiance: The restaurant is clean with indoor and outdoor seating. They have a more urban aesthetic interior and great ambiance with all the windows and music. Service: they're usually pretty busy but I'd say they accolade well!

Good service. Fresh sushi. We came here for happy hour 4-6pm - the only HH special is $2 off any cocktail. Got the wallflower (lychee flavored) and was worth the $10.

I had the best chirashi bowl I've had in DC here. Very fresh, well balanced, excellent Tamago (cooked egg), excellent quality fatty tuna and collection of fish with some nice herbal and other accents. Properly made sushi rice, good quality wasabi and ginger. Excellent and friendly service on each visit. It's clear everyone who works here is proud of the food they serve. The matcha blueberry croissant bread pudding is incredible but if I eat more than five bites I may die. It's delicious and rich and one of the best desserts I've ever had.

I've found my new favorite sushi place of all time. I've been to a lot of sushi places where they cram so much in every roll that it all ends up tasting the same. KENAKI scales back and makes each roll delicious, but DISTINCT. There is a huge change in flavor profile from roll to roll, and each one highlights a particular ingredient. Not only is presentation gorgeous, but the tastes are AMAZING. Each roll was so fresh and flavorful. And prices are so reasonable! The hojicha pudding for dessert is a must; it's a tea-pudding with a gentle smoked/charcoal note woven into the creaminess. I haven't had anything like it before, and I definitely could've finished all 4 cups at the table (but my friends were probably thinking the same thing!). Service was friendly and attentive, and the waitress gave good recommendations on how much of each dish to order for the table (the answer is one chicken karaage per 2 people). There wasn't anything that I ate here that I didn't love. I'm looking forward to coming back!

Came here for lunch with one of my work friends and the overall experience here was a 7/10. Pros: 1) Lots of different sushi options! I got a mix of the old bay option and hot chik (spicy fried chicken embedded in with the sushi). The old bae option is THE BOMB. Savory deliciousness. 2) Tons of parking options, both garage and open lot which is a huge plus because who wants to be driving around stressed to find a spot? But with that said, the cons stood out a bit more to me. I went during the lunch hour, so of course it was crowded and busy. But does it validate it taking almost 40 minutes to come and get me started with drinks and such? I don't think so. And that stood out to me the entire time - there would be these LONG periods in between contact with the waitress and God forbid you asked for a straw/fork/etc it's like you're annoying them. Again, completely understand the circumstances when there are so many people you need to tend to that the customer services gets impacted, and I personally don't like helicopter waiters/waitresses so I don't mind not having a waiter constantly in my face. But with that being said, I don't think I'll be returning here. I'm sure there are other spots where you can have AMAZING sushi as they have but with great vibes and have an enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Excellent sushi place in the moco suburbs. Probably our go-to at this point for high quality sushi if we don't want to go into DC. The higher prices justify the quality, but be aware of that before heading in: for two people ordering a lot of nigiri, we spent about $100. But for donburi and bento, you can go a lot cheaper here so those options are also there. The Suzuki bronzino nigiri was our favorite. We ordered it twice! The other sushi were also great: honey-dashi tamago was slightly sweet and soft, the mushroom in the vegetable farmhouse was so savory and surrounded by fresh and crunchy greens, and the chu-toro negimaki, sawara, and Madai nigiri really shone their fresh fish quality without a drowning out of dressing and other filler. The hojicha tea was lovely, albeit a little expensive at $3 (unless refills are included; I didn't ask) and did not expect it in a glass. The cocktails (wallflower and paper crane) were fine, not super memorable though the wallflower had an interesting minced lychee texture. The kurobuta shumai was delicious and pretty. Just the slightest kick from the chili oil and a yummy fried garlic top. Outdoor seating available. Definitely coming back!

KENAKI is a solid option. I recently went on a Friday night and it was pretty busy when we got there. We were seated immediately even with it being so busy. The atmosphere was very family friendly and fast paced. I started with the miso soup and it was nice and hot. The soup was a nice start. The sushi itself was only okay. The yellowtail was okay. I've had way better fish quality and flavor elsewhere. The rolls did its job, but it wasn't the best. The only roll that was noteworthy was the shrimp tempura roll. I enjoyed this roll the most. Overall, I wouldn't go back. It was pretty decent, but I've had way better sushi.

I love fish. Sushi is just a craving for me that can't stop. A nice little place in DC, love the service and the cute bento boxes they create. They helped my craving and here I'd what we ordered on there! nigiri was very satisfying!

So happy we found this place. Was looking up best sushi place eat Rockville and was recommended this one. The donburi was perfect for kids. The sushi was fresh and reasonably priced. Interior is modern. Ample parking. Friendly service. Some tables are seated a bit to close to each other.

Since moving to the DMV area last year, my wife and I have been scouring for a decent sushi place for casual dining. Frankly, most places in Montgomery County are very disappointing, it's sad to have to go to NoVA or to a high-end sushi place and pay $$$ to have decent sushi close to home. That being said, Kenaki definitely stood out as one of the top 2 sushi restaurants we've tried in Montgomery County. The prices are fairly reasonable and the fish is fresh and well prepared. The special rolls are a bit eclectic with ingredients not usually used in more traditional restaurants, so we did not try them; however, the standard maki had good fish to rice ratios and the rice was fairly well seasoned. If you live in the area and are craving sushi but don't want to go too far, check out Kenaki! I do wish that there were special rolls without weird ingredients like apple, potato, or plantains, but I appreciate the effort to stand out. The only thing we ate there that was not great was the salmon belly nigiri, which was not as buttery and soft as I would have liked and had a fishy taste (at ~$4.25 a piece, that was a bit disappointing).

all around great food and experience. sashimi rainbow roll black magic roll just wonderful

The service was good. Ambience was average. Tables were very close together. The food was good with a twist. I like the fusion concepts of their dishes we ordered. We had the following: Agedashi tofu with tasty Karaage was not bad Pork belly Bun this was delicious Pan seared Scottish salmon. This wasn't bad, but would try something different next time. The sushi were good and everything was fresh. Prices were on the higher side. Parking was difficult to find, so we parked by the supermarket around the corner.

KENAKI is terrible for people with disabilities! They don't care if they cause pain to disabled customers or strip them of their human dignity. People with disabilities should beware of this deplorable restaurant. As a disabled person using a crutch, I asked to be seated at a table with bench seating because sitting in regular chairs is painful. Despite an uncrowded restaurant, the manager argued that it was impossible to place us at a table with bench seating because we were a party of six. (I have included pictures to show how uncrowded the restaurant was). The manager insisted we be seated at a table that only had chairs that we repeatedly said cause me physical pain. Fifteen minutes of sitting in the chair KENAKI provided was so excruciating that I was forced to lay down on the sidewalk outside to relieve my pain. It was only after I was on the sidewalk like a dog that KENAKI realized how easy it was to push tables together to allow our party to have bench seating. NO ONE EVER APOLOGIZED TO ME. If the restaurant was full, I can understand not being able to provide the seating we requested. But we arrived when it was not busy. See the pictures below that were taken after we spoke with the manager.

Another visit to Kenaki Sushi Counter and another fantastic meal! We had a big 8-person party, so we got several rolls, chirashi, and I got the Moriawase. Hands-down, the freshest, most delicious and inventive sushi place in Montgomery County. I recommend the Moriawase as it really shows off the breadth of the sushi options at Kenaki. But you won't go wrong with the rolls and chirashi, either. Definitely coming back soon. If you haven't tried Kenaki yet, give it a try!

I was satisfied with all the dishes here! The sushi seemed a bit too pricey for me, so I got a bento that had more variety. Everything in the bento was so yummy! I appreciated that it came with a spicy tuna roll, and the side dishes each had a different and unique flavor. Next time, I definitely want to try out their nigiri and makis. I also think if a sushi boat was added to the menu, I'd order that with a group of friends... Overall, great experience with service, atmosphere, and food. Just a bit too expensive for a broke person like me.

Way above average service, our teas and drinks were refilled constantly with several servers. Beautiful tables & menus and it just felt very high end, yet still comfortable & casual. It was so hard to order because literally everything sounded good. My nephew ordered the ribeye bento box and the portions were huge, definitely a filling lunch and a lot to try. Next time I'll order this to try more things. My husband ordered the Hot Chick roll & the crunchy salmon roll and I ordered the Black Magic Roll. The Hot Chick was unique and tasty and would definitely recommend trying it. We both agreed that the crunchy salmon roll was the favorite. The salmon with the crunch was a perfect bite, especially with a little ginger on top. I didn't love the Black Magic Roll. It sounded super interesting and there was a lot going on with it, but to me it was actually very bland and I couldn't taste the tuna or the spice. Loved the hot tea. Got there at 11:45 on a Friday and by 12:15 it was packed! Definitely a place for a quicker lunch, not to sit and chat for too long.

I have been to all the best sushi places in DC and Kenaki in little 'ole Gaithersburg is better than all of them. This truly is a half-hidden gem. Every time I come the food amazes me, even their take out. This is the best sushi spot in the entire DMV!

This is about as close to a flawless sushi bar as I've seen so far. Atmospherically, it's adorable a nice mellow vibe with wonderful food. The overall area as well counts toward this appeal. The kentlands is easily one of my favorite developments in the area! Service wise, everything was fast, our server was extremely polite and prompt. She was nice, and gave us time when needed, attentive but never hovering. Finally the food. Wonderful overall! The Karaage Bao Bun is a wonderfully tasty creation that I'm glad I took part in. The sushi is delicious, tastes fresh, and is just spectacular. If you're in the area give it a try!

Great quality sushi is surprisingly hard to come by in the local MoCo area. I've been trying to crown the best quality sushi in the area ; this place may be it in terms of strictly sashimi quality. The sashimi assortment for ~22 dollars is unparalleled with anything I've ever experienced for the quality and price. The sashimi comes with unique pieces of fish - each one exquisite and melt in your mouth. What I appreciate on top of the fresh tender sashimi is the wasabi. The wasabi is not your typical horseradish numbing green paste; it actually complements the sushi and adds more complexity to each fish. However, I will admit that the special rolls are a miss here. Maybe I haven't had the right one yet, but nothing has particularly wowed me yet. The business owner seems to really care about the business which is really promising as a restaurant - it shows in the fish quality! All in all, I'll be back for their sashimi any day of the weak for my sushi fix.

Kenaki is one of our favorite sushi places in the DMV. We have been coming here for years and are never disappointed with what he order. My most favorite roll is the White Tiger Roll and I've recommended it to all my friends and they've loved it as well. The fish here is so fresh and the dishes delicious! We have also ordered their omakase to go and that was delicious. Not only do they care about the quality of their dishes but also how their dishes look. I am so glad that kenaki is here and hopeful that they will be around for a very long time!

Came here for a Sunday Brunch type of deal. We didnt expect much. Actually we didnt even plan on coming here. We just though maybe they would have some food we would like. The interior is nice and clean and when the morning sunlight hits through the windows, it gives the place a nice glow. We were one of the first tables and it was pretty relaxed. In the middle of us ordering and receiving our food, the tables quickly filled up and I saw a huge group of people waited to be seated for 8 people. Now, this place isn't that big so a huge table like that isn't going to be easy. The middle tables that are not booths aren't spaced out a lot either. So please plan accordingly or its going to be a less than stellar experience - for everyone. Behind me was a table of 6 and they were pretty close to my back and I could hear their conversation. Just be mindful that it isn't a type of place that "comfortably" seats huge crowds - especially rowdy groups. Anyways, food. It's good. It plays homage to more authentic Japanese tasting cuisine where it isn't heavily salted and is quite light. They do have some dishes or sides that are more flavorful that tends to the American taste, but it isn't too overpowering. The amount is pretty good for the price. I was a bit shocked that I was full from the bento box, but that is good for me. The value is pretty solid. Parking is a bit tricky as you cant really park "close by" as it is just street parking in a busy section. You would have to find parking nearby and walk. Not a big deal, but do understand this if it rains or snows or is super windy. I love that you can walk around afterwards so it works super well when it is nice out.