From Finicky Eater to Gourmand

Akira: Bringing Something New to the Table

Akira's hibachi tables and lavish sushi menu are upping the stakes for Asian fare in Collingswood.

If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll probably have noticed that the typically Italian-dominated Collingswood restaurant scene has been getting a little Eastern flair.  In the past year, Asian fusion concept Fusion Bay and Indian comfort spot Indiya have taken up residence on Haddon Ave. Both restaurants have been received well, offering their own unique spins on classic Eastern flavors. Akira, the third incarnation of Ming Zheng’s popular South Jersey sushi-hibachi restaurant, recently joined their ranks, rounding out a thriving year for Collingswood restaurants that saw only two closings (Raymond's Pizzeria and Green House) against numerous, high-profile openings. It’s somewhat surprising that it took this long for hibachi to find its …

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First Look: Collingswood Welcomes Akira

Inside the newest addition to Restaurant Row, diners will find an oasis of flavors, a striking decor, and a free sample at lunchtime on Wednesday. Check out our exclusive pictures.

The dominant feature of Akira is a striking, white stone Buddha statue that is visible from across the street. It is set against a dark, floor-to-ceiling fountain, upon a small koi pond, and at the threshold of a long hallway that connects the front dining room and the rear hibachi kitchen. This is the true gatekeeper of the restaurant, even set against the back wall of the main dining room; but it’s more than that. It’s the first clue into the mind of chef-owner Ming “Frank” Zheng, the man who is bringing the third of his South Jersey hibachi-sushi locations to Haddon Avenue. “It’s all about the Buddha,” Zheng said. “It’s Zen, it is comfortable, peaceful, relaxing. This is my style. I choose the color and I play around with the lighting…

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