Akai Hana Restaurant

“Went for Mother’s Day lunch.”

Went for Mother’s Day lunch. I haven’t been to Akai Hana for 17 years so was nervous if the quality and service was still the same. Since it was lunch, we all got the set menu items (bento and sushi set) along with some rolls. We were all very happy with our meals. Tasted really good, price was reasonable and the service was quick. Will definitely come back to try other items. It says a lot about a restaurant that can stay open for so many years, even thru a pandemic 👍

wook kim

May 2023

“Good restaurant! Went for lunch and liked both food and service!”

Astghik Mkhitaryan

Oct 2022

“Indoor dining was comfortable and service was excellent.”

Indoor dining was comfortable and service was excellent. Takeout is simple. To go orders have their own table for pickups.

Ron Clonts

Nov 2021

“Great place for some japanese food.”

Great place for some japanese food. Plenty of choices from sushi to udon.You can find what you are craving for. Plum wine and little desert will finish of your meal. Service is pleasent and attentive.

I D

Mar 2021

“Great atmosphere and ambience in this popular Wilmette spot.”

Great atmosphere and ambience in this popular Wilmette spot. As a vegetarian, my favorite is the Tofu Steak, which has a rich, buttery sauce. It can be ordered as an appetizer or as part of the "Healthy Combo" (if you're a vegetarian, they'll substitute a fishless alternative to the California roll). Bargain veggie meal: Cold Noodle Salad with Tofu (you'll bring home leftovers). Favorite veg maki: Tempura green beans. It's a big, busy restaurant, but the dividers, booths and whimsical wall murals make it feel intimate. Get on the loyalty program for money back.

Lori Lippitz

Apr 2019

“Akai Hana has been in business for over 30 years, and the steady traffic means the sushi is fresh...”

Akai Hana has been in business for over 30 years, and the steady traffic means the sushi is fresh and safe, offered at a good price. However, the ambiance is lacking, with an outdated, cafeteria-like vibe and cheap-looking menus. It’s a solid spot for a quick, no-frills sushi meal, but not the place for a special dining experience.

Carolina Polo

Sep 2024

“Still pretty good food but quite salty this time around.”

Still pretty good food but quite salty this time around. The kitchen has had a lot of turnovers in the last 25 years but post pandemic the flavorings and freshness of the sushi is a bit less than ideal.

Shiungor

Sep 2021

“The restaurant is on a good location with a large parking lot.”

The restaurant is on a good location with a large parking lot. I ordered a sushi deluxe special, which was really good. The other items in the menu looked great as well. For me personally, the customer service was not good and my server was not so helpful. The prices look reasonable.

Tohid Njf

Mar 2019

“Akai Hana Restaurant in Wilmette is an average suburban sushi restaurant.”

Akai Hana Restaurant in Wilmette is an average suburban sushi restaurant. The interior is a little dated. Standard menu. They have a decent lunch menu and offered reasonably priced lunch combos. and we ordered lunches off of the menu. Food was served quickly Parking was easy. This restaurant seems to be a local favorite to grab lunch and to satisfy their craving for sushi and Japanese food.

Olive T

Nov 2024

“Decent Japanese Place to Dine.”

Decent Japanese Place to Dine. I actually have been dining here for Japanese Cuisine but some of the quality had gone down a star. I had gone here today on my B-day for Lunch with family and I still give it 3 stars. The sushi is good but decided to go for the Bento Box special for Orange Roughy fish and maki rolls lunch time. I had their tempura ice cream which is similar to fried ice cream which was delicious. All and all I had a decent meal for my birthday but I notice the staff and some of the cuisines are not as good as it used to be back in 2002-2003. Wish they did not close their grocery store next door because they sold authentic Japanese merchandise. Now I got to travel to Mitsuwa Marketplace (AKA Yohuan) in Arlington Heights,IL for real Japanese made products both food and other specials.

Arturo Jimenez

Jul 2017

“Just had to put in a good word for a great sushi spot that I’ve been coming to for at least 20 years.”

Just had to put in a good word for a great sushi spot that I’ve been coming to for at least 20 years. Always fresh and a good value. The staff is friendly and I always leave feeling full and happy :)

Renee Surgi

Jan 2026

“CJ did a great job.”

CJ did a great job. He was very personable, nice and attentive.

Alex Calarco

Nov 2025