For an authentic Japanese meal without the 14-hour plane ride to Tokyo, stop by the Akai Tori Ramen & Yakitori in Vienna. The Japanese tavern that opened in late January focuses on traditional fare including ramen, yakitori (grilled skewers), donburi, and tempura sushi.
We started with fried pork gyoza (lightly pan fried and flavorful) and cheese bomb takoyaki (somewhat rubbery octopus balls topped with cheese and bonito flakes). Next, we ordered several interesting varieties of yakitori and tempura sushi rolls, which were unavailable, as staffing was short.
The waiter wisely recommended the black garlic tonkotsu ramen, a massive bowl of silky broth, plentiful ramen amid corn, green onions, bamboo shoots, and black fungus. We enjoyed the ramen — a satisfying mix of umami flavors — which included our choice of protein. The chicken katsu plate wasn’t as memorable — a generous portion of crispy chicken slices arrived with house-made egg sauce and katsu sauce. The menu-advertised miso soup accompanying it was not delivered.
Dessert offerings of tempura ice cream were not available either, but we did enjoy the matcha parfait, brimming with jelly-like warabi mochi, chewy red adzuki beans, and a sweet pocky stick. Once they are up and running with a full menu, Akai Tori Ramen & Yakitori shows promise for intriguing Japanese dining options. 234 Maple Ave. E, Vienna
See This: massive lantern-filled Tokyo scene across an entire wall
Eat This: fried pork gyoza, black garlic tonkotsu ramen, matcha parfait
Hours: Open Tuesdays-Thursdays 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Fridays 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-11 p.m.; Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sundays 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; closed Mondays
Entrees: $7.95 – $28
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