Julian Rocha / The Hofstra Chronicle
When my friend invited me to go out to Huntington with him and a mutual friend for sushi, I was somewhat apprehensive. Sure, I love Japanese food just as much as the next guy, but I had yet to really explore Suffolk County up until that point – and traveling nearly an hour each way just for dinner is not something I normally do. However, Akebono is well-worth the trip, as the customer service and quality of food is a step above most other restaurants I have been to.
At Akebono, the restaurant feels more like a dining room table than anything else. The employees certainly go above and beyond to tend to the customers, acknowledging many of them by name and treating them as though they are family.
Despite never having set foot in Akebono or even the town of Huntington before, I immediately felt welcome, as though I were eating at a friend’s house. With enthusiastic employees and cozy booths, it provided a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City restaurants and the limited and stifling options of on-campus dining.
The abundance of menu options overwhelmed me at first, but per my friend’s recommendation, I decided to start off with a few small dishes. The miso soup and green salad were both excellent starters, as they settled my growling stomach and the fresh ingredients made me hopeful for the rest of the meal.
The garlic edamame, however, was certainly one of the best vegetable appetizers I have ever had. It was piping hot and perfectly seasoned, with the garlic just about melting in my mouth. Throughout the meal, my friends and I found ourselves continuing to snack away at the once-heaping pile as it was just too tasty to waste.
Most people probably don’t think to order pizza when at a Japanese restaurant, but at Akebono, the sushi pizza is a must. The scallion pancake crust was topped with various sauces, tuna and fish eggs. The flavors and textures were vibrant and combined to make the perfect shareable dish.
When it came time to order an actual entree, I uncharacteristically opted to order the chicken katsu instead of sushi. This decision was worth it, as the dish was simple yet hearty and certainly not as oily as many other katsu dishes in the area.
After all these dishes, the employees surprised me and my friends with the fried green tea ice cream for dessert. It was certainly one of the most unique desserts I have ever had, but the flaky coating and the tart and creamy filling perfectly balanced each other out.
Akebono, despite all the solid menu offerings and friendly staff, was oddly empty. Perhaps it was just a quiet night, but the quality of the food was worth waiting for in a line that stretched out the door.
The unsuspecting exterior and tucked away location of Akebono means that many people in the area probably drive right past it. However, it is the type of restaurant that one would expect to be a community staple. Anyone in the Huntington area (and with a car) should stop by Akebono for a tasty, relatively affordable meal in a cozy, quiet establishment.
Akebono Fusion Sushi is located at 252 Broadway, Huntington, NY, 11743.
