Martha’s Pick

Akarui
1190 Capitol Ave Ste 120 (Capitol District)
Fare: Japanese
Cost: $60 for one appetizer, two sushi rolls and two meals
Reservations: Plenty of seating, not needed

Greetings, Eaters and Readers!

On our first trip to Akarui, Jaclyn was talking about how, no matter how many times she ate there, she couldn’t NOT order a delicious bowl of poke. Considering how massive the menu is (truly, it rivals The Cheesecake Factory!) – I could see why she wanted to try so many other things.

Now that I live in Council Bluffs, I have discovered that it’s a quick drive over the river for me to get to downtown Omaha. So it made sense to suggest to Jaclyn that on some random weekday evening, I could meet her back here to explore other menu items. Not intentionally for the blog – but it wouldn’t hurt.

But with two weeks between our visits, as I approached the time and date for our return, I found myself already debating if I wanted to enjoy another poke bowl or do I stick to the plan and expand my Akarui experience?

Karaage Chicken ($8.99) – Deep fried battered chicken with mustard mayo sauce

Making good on her intent to explore the rest of the menu, Jaclyn ordered the Karaage chicken. While it was hot and well flavored – and paired with a delightful, zingy dipping sauce – it felt like we were just eating a fancier chicken nugget. But because it was hot and juicy and plentiful, we enjoyed the pieces we ate.

Spicy Crunchy Crab Roll ($7) – Spicy crab, cream cheese, tempura

I ordered a spicy crunchy crab roll as an appetizer. I generally tell people that I like sushi, but – like our feelings about poke – I’m not into sushi for the raw fish a sushi purist would insist upon. So when I saw crab and cream cheese – then deep fried – I wanted to try it.

If I have feelings of underwhelm towards this roll at all it’s because I was equal parts missing the chashu buns from our first visit and looking forward to my entrée. I ate it to not be wasteful and I enjoyed Jac’s roll more than this one. On future visits, I know I’ll stick to the delicious staples of the chashu and crab rangoon.

Bagel Roll ($13.99) – Eel, smoked salmon & cream cheese deep fried, with eel sauce and spicy mayo

There are so many tasty-sounding rolls to choose from the menu – and we can’t wait to try more of them. But with a table full of other delicious eats, we can only try so many at a time.

Jaclyn chose the Bagel Roll. And really, how can you go wrong with cream cheese, fried tempura, eel sauce AND spicy mayo? You can’t. The eel and smoked salmon didn’t overpower the flavors we love and each bite was perfectly balanced. We will be getting this roll again.

Chashu Don ($14.99) – White rice topped with pork chashu, oshinko, steamed mix vegetable, one half-boiled egg, scallions, sesame seed and house special chashu sauce

When I decided to stick with my intent and explore the rest of Akarui’s menu, the thing I was most sad about not having during this visit was the chashu buns. But my sadness was swiftly assuaged when I saw they offered an entrée that featured the pork chashu.

What was presented before me conjured up thoughts of bibimbap, which I really enjoy. Paired with a gooey, soft boiled egg on top – I dug in with my fork and really enjoyed it. With warm rice buried beneath a pile of that delicious pork, house chashu sauce and the veggies and green onions – this bowl is chock-full of food and flavor.

Chicken Teriyaki ($14.99) – White rice topped with chicken teriyaki, broccoli, carrot and teriyaki sauce

By the time Jac’s bowl of teriyaki chicken showed up, she was too full to eat it. And knowing it’d make for good leftovers, she focused on the things that wouldn’t keep as well.

She commented that the chicken was very tender and the teriyaki sauce was what you’d expect – sweet and soy-full flavor. Jac says it heated well for lunch the next day and would recommend this dish for those wanting a more basic Japanese meal.

Final Bites

Long-time Good Bite Eaters and Readers will know – we have NEVER visited a blog target twice. We know maybe we should? But we’re comfortable sticking with our honest thoughts and first impressions. That being said – man, am I glad that our first time switching it up was for a place as consistently delicious as Akarui.

Despite its poke bowl focus and expertise, we promise: Akarui offers something for everyone. Located in an easily accessible part of downtown Omaha (on the corner of 12th & Capitol), it also offers a large, clean, modern space.

On our second visit, the place was hopping with Creighton-faithful on their way to the game. It’s also situated close to multiple concert venues, so we’re certain you can find a reason to hit them up – IF you need one BEYOND just our recommendation. And if you need any additional nudging – how about this: Akarui earns our first Certified Good Bite of 2025. So go on – GIT. You’ll probably see us there!

Cheers!
The Good Bite Gals

Want to stay up to date? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.