Akiba

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1,750 reviews

#10 of 1,390 Restaurants in Canberra₹₹ - ₹₹₹, Japanese, Asian, Vegetarian friendly

+61 2 6162 0602+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Mon

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Tue

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Wed

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Thu

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Fri

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

Sat

11:30 am - 11:59 pm

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

1,750 reviews

#10 of 1,390 Restaurants in Canberra

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

₹212.00 – ₹1,753.00

CUISINES

Japanese, Asian, Street Food, Japanese Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

40 Bunda Street, Canberra 2601 Australia

+61 2 6162 0602

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Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?

Yes

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Details

Manage this business?

PRICE RANGE

₹212.00 – ₹1,753.00

CUISINES

Japanese, Asian, Street Food, Japanese Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, After-hours, Drinks

FEATURES

Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Gift Cards Available

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4.5

1,750 reviews

Excellent

1,185

Very good

365

Average

118

Poor

Terrible

Fabiola

6 contributions

Great welcome into CBR!

Jul 2020 • none

I booked my partner and I dinner as a welcome to start his Military career and we were so impressed with the food and service offered! The Feed Me Luxe menu for $65pp was a delight to try Akiba's popular (and certainly mouthwatering) dishes. Great portions for each of our 9 items, and we were constantly asked for drink refills so we were never left searching for service throughout the 1.5 hour sitting. This was also a first for both of us trying whipped egg whites and pop rocks in a cocktail (Lychee Rose Martini) - a must try here! We left thinking about the dengaku eggplant (never thought we could enjoy this vegetable so much), kingfish sashimi (fresh, light and leaves you wanting for more) and kobe skirt (absolutely delicious, chewy not stringy, just divine to eat) dishes, in particular. Also a big thanks to dedicating 3 days to curating your valrhona chocolate dessert, it was an absolute pleasure to finish our meal with something so decadent but not too heavy. In addition to great food, thank you for providing a contactless menu option through your QR code on our table, and the clever foot door opener in your bathrooms! It is a joy to be able to enjoy our time out safely during this time. A special mention to our chef/entertainer/culinary extraordinaire Liam who showed us a few tricks of the trade during our meal - you've made our night! Thank you for taking such good care of us, we are definitely coming back (and might start with the weekend Yum Cha).

Written 14 July 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Neeky

Sydney203 contributions

The miso eggplant! 😍

Jul 2020 • family

The miso eggplant! 😍 Umami goodness and a textural delight. We went with our teen and took up the Feed Me option which was $49 each and got us 8 of their most popular dishes. Strong Japanese flavours with modern twists. We don’t usually go for Japanese (Thai or Malay is more our style) but decided to try something outside our lane seeing as we were on a holiday and this place had lots of recommendations from Facebook groups I asked. Kingfish sashimi and beef short rib were standouts. Our teen loved the pork belly bao bun. Funky feel but not pretentious. Next time I’d ask to sit at the kitchen bar so we could watch the action better, especially the fresh fish station. The booth we sat in was a little tight, so anyone who is on the large side would do better at a table or the bar area. Staff were engaged and seemed genuinely interested when they asked how we enjoyed each dish. I was particularly impressed with how friendly but firm they were with the social distancing rules. We had a late booking (9pm) and even though there were many empty tables and whole areas empty when we arrived at 8.45pm they asked (professionally and politely) if we could please return as they were at capacity for the current restrictions. As we walked around (interesting area full of food places) we witnessed a lot of other places with queues of people outside shoulder to shoulder with no social distancing. Special mention goes to Mugi and Sophie who served us and made the night a great one. It’s a popular spot, so definitely book, especially while Covid restrictions are still in place.

Written 11 July 2020

Dan N

Canberra2 contributions

Great late night walk-in!

Mar 2020 • none

We've been to Akiba a number of times, usually with a booking for an occasion, but on this particular Sunday night saw a film, came out of the cinema later than we expected and arrived without a booking. The four of us were readily seated. The food arrived fast and at a good pace (not all at once) and was tasty and good value for the quality. In particular, our server Sophie was enthusiastic, attentive, and fun and we shared a few jokes together as well as enjoying efficient and friendly service. We'll be back soon, of course.

Written 1 March 2020

POrlena

Hi Dan N, Thank you for taking the time to give us this wonderful feedback! We hope to see you again really soon!

Written 4 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jane

2 contributions

Rubbish ! Perfect if you want to get sick!

Aug 2021 • friends

The vibe is cool, nice music and atmosphere so with some friends we decided to book in for dinner. Worst choice ever made! We had 4 Feed me Menu and 2 Feed me Laxa or whatever it’s the name of the sharing menu. All dishes seems to be rolled in over melted garlic . The smell of each single dish was so nauseating that we couldn’t even touch some of them . We are used to Asian restaurants and one of the guys sitting with us it’s a chef so we know how it feels like having an Asian dish. Calling food this kind of sugar glazed/garlic dipped ingredients it’s an insult to not only the real food but to people who really love catching up with friends and enjoy a good glass of wine with something nice to eat during their time off . The fact that the food was such a rubbish ruined all our night out and our moods. 4 people out of 6 at the end of the night had stomachache and when we told the lady at the counter that we weren’t feeling weel all she said was “oh I am sorry it’s ok maybe next time will be better” . I would avoid leaving comments about the customer service cause its pretty much so insulting and ridiculous that doesn’t even deserve the time to get left a review. $500 after we got sick, disgusted, disappointed and so frustrated. Canberrans stop supporting this little low quality kinda - take away shops cause the have a nice location and good vibe only , give yourself the right to deserve quality! Avoid !

Written 7 August 2021

Oziron

Canberra23 contributions

Poor customer service, mostly good food

Jan 2021 • none

Similar experience to another review below. Arrived at 7pm for 7pm booking. At 740pm, whilst still eating meal, a waitress (not the waitress who we were told would be looking after us tonight) came and asked if we would like to order any more food or drinks as we only had 25 minutes left on the table. At 755pm the same waitress put the bill on our table. At 803pm the same waitress came back to our table with the EFTPOS machine and told us it was time to pay as we had to leave. Upon questioning why this was the case, we were told there must have been a mistake. She then wandered off, looked at the reservation system, and never returned to apologise. Four of the five dishes we ordered were very good. Won’t be rushing back. Better service at Amici Wine Bar, or Rebel Rebel, or Kinn Thai or…

Written 20 January 2021

Aaron P

Brisbane110 contributions

Must do in Canberra

Dec 2019 • couples

Being from Canberra I may be a little bias but Akiba is amazing. Service is super attentive, drinks menu is spot on and the food is another level. A mix of Japanese and Mexican (Mexinese?) the menu has good for everyone. Options of banquet style or select your own makes this super accommodating to your preferences and the staff are always keen to lend their advice. Not a cheap meal but not super expensive. Highly recommend the King Fish Sashimi and Kobe Beef - amazing quality of beautiful food. The quality of food vs price tag makes this a must do. Will be back again and again.

Written 3 January 2020

POrlena

Hi Aaron P! Thanks for your fantastic feedback!! We can't wait to see you again soon!

Written 28 February 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

The Wonderess

Lund29 contributions

Great Food, Mediocre Evening?

Jul 2020 • none

Were really excited to try the food here because of the high praise online. For the prices, were pretty surprised by the ambience of the bar: lots of loud music, and those high chairs that make you feel a little like you're part of the window display. The menu was online, available through a QR code (which in Corona times seems like a great idea) but my partner and my phones were already dead so we had to have paper menus. The staff were reasonably friendly and accommodated this, but they did feel a little condescending from then on. To give the benefit of the doubt, maybe we came on an unusually busy night: but it felt like our questions about menu choices and portion sizes were a huge inconvenience to our waiter. The bao starters were really tasty, but the share plate with octopus which we ordered was a bit too rich to really be enjoyable after the first few bites. To top it off, the last item on our menu was forgotten, and we ended up going home without it. All in all, the experience was a bit deflating. It's very much a bar appealing to those who want to feel young, hip and trendy, but ends up feeling a little insecure and pose-y.

Written 23 July 2020

Tarni

Wagga Wagga20 contributions

I was starving & they came through for me

Jan 2020 • couples

I came here as a walk in following having ridden downhill mountain bike for approx 8hours prior. I had not eaten was borderline going into a dehydration low sugar coma. The lady at the front squeezed me into a table with 40min window (thankyou) ordered 2 share plates which was a huge serving of food. It came super quickly. I demolished 80% of this just soooo yummy food I can't even describe how yum it was Anyways I got the rest 2 go and smashed It when i sat down later. Overall even though i was onky there 30min, the food was amazing the portion size was bloody the most exciting part of my day and the fact that when i left I stopped buzzing and shaking from lack of food just really made my day!! Akiba is well worth the visit. I can't rate it highly enough. Also staff were all friendly and helpful. 5 stars 4 sure

Written 19 January 2020

Jeff K

Pittsburgh2436 contributions

Very Good Dinner

Mar 2020 • none

My wife and I had dinner here recently. The menu was varied and a lot of the offerings were very innovative. We shared a number of different items and everything was very good. The large shareable items that we ordered (octopus; fried chicken) were good but very heavy. I wouldn’t recommend ordering too many items from that category if you’re ordering a la cartel They have a large sake menu. The one I ordered (with gold flakes) wasn’t very good however. Our waitress was from Ireland and was very good - friendly and efficient. Recommended.

Written 16 March 2020

Amanda M

Canberra134 contributions

Fantastic Food & Service

Mar 2020 • business

A dinner for 4 work colleagues was made a lot of fun through the level of service provided by Lucas, and the seriously outstanding range of options on the Akiba menu. We tended heavily towards small plates, and were happily stuffed full by the end of the meal. Entirely satisfied with the service, quality and atmosphere!!

Written 16 March 2020

POrlena

Hi Amanda M, Great hearing from you we really appreciate you taking the time! See you again soon!

Written 21 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tyson M

16 contributions

Celebration dinner

Mar 2020 • friends

Tonight we celebrated a dinner at Akiba and it was perfect the food selection and the waiter was so knowledgeable about matching the wine to my type. Food was served on a great time. We told the manager “chase” about special dietary requirements for one of the guys on our table and he made everything work perfect , he made the night for us That eggplant wow ! Will happily go back a million more times.

Written 15 March 2020

John K

Central Croatia13 contributions

GREAT FOOD AND VIBE

Feb 2020 • none

From the moment we walked in the whole experience was seamless , my wife and I where an hour early and the place was buzzing with limited seats however the young lady was very polite and found a solution , all the staff had positive energy which certainly contributes to a good evening . The recommendations for perfect we chose the feed me menu which consisted of 8 plates some of the highlights actually the whole lot was excellent , I also tool on the Sake sample taster which was 4 drinks nice choice big selection of alcoholic choices and non lots of choice from over all over the world but a variety from Japan great choices of Japanese scotch . Getting back to the food King fish / spare ribs / asian bun to dumplings full of flavours and all different in style taste and texture . A real Gem of a place somewhere to go if you want a casual vibe ]with funky interior and food to match cant wait to get back to Canberra to do it all again .

Written 20 February 2020

POrlena

Hi John K, Thank you for taking the time to give us such amazing feedback!! It really makes our day when we get online and read about the wonderful times our guests have at AKIBA! Thank you for trying us out and letting us show you what we can do! We can't wait to see you and your wife again the next tie you visit Canberra!

Written 4 March 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Woo53

Melbourne42 contributions

Was good and bad

Dec 2020 • couples

Booked for New Years Eve while visiting Canberra. Drinks (cocktails) whilst pricey were delicious. Food was good too. Soft shell crab bao was excellent. But there’s just something amiss with this place. We sat down at 8 (I’d deliberately booked later thinking we would not be rushed out but I was wrong) and at 8.20 whilst we were literally eating the first few mouthfuls of our food, the waitress reminded us that our sitting time was almost up. Ummm....she quickly apologised when she realised we had only just sat down. She did however, come back and tell us we only had the table until 9.20pm. At 9pm we asked if we could order dessert, the waitress told us she would need to check as time was almost up. She allowed it and took our order but it took 15 mins to come to the table. She delivered it along with our bill and told us to “eat quick”. The thing is, there were at least half the tables inside the restaurant vacant. I just couldn’t figure out the rush. For what was supposed to be a really nice dinner out, was a hurried miss for me.

Written 31 December 2020

tahliastravels

Brisbane118 contributions

Definitely worth a stop! We

Jan 2020 • couples

Definitely worth a stop! We popped into Akiba for dinner on our first night in Canberra, and woah, it really didn’t disappoint! We ordered various different dishes, all lived up to the great reviews we had read. We loved the atmosphere, the surrounds and music, and of course, the wonderful food and service. Overall, an excellent choice!

Written 20 January 2020

Louise A

4 contributions

Poor communication

Feb 2022 • none

If you want a quick bite of reasonable standard food then Akiba is fine. I was so disappointed though having contacted the restaurant many weeks ago to make a booking to celebrate a very special occasion with 10 of my family and friends. We were coming from Melbourne and I spoke personally to the owner who assured me everything would be looked after on the night. I emailed and requested a written confirmation which I received and then a text message confirming my booking. Booking was for 7pm and at no point was I ever advised I would only have the table for a limited time. It wasn't until the waiter advised me at 8,30 that we would need to be out by 8.45 after an extremely rushed meal. We had all waited a long time to come together for dinner and I couldn't have tried harder to communicate with the restaurant. it really put a dampener on the night. I would never have booked had I known. Spoke to manager on the night who meekly apologised So if you want fast furious reasonable food Akiba is fine but strongly recommend you avoid it for a special occasion .

Written 20 February 2022