Day 20 of eating at 100 Asian restaurants in the DMV, and this stop had a lot to live up to. A couple of fellow foodies I trust kept telling me I HAD to get to Ariake in Fairfax, so I finally pulled up with Minje, and yeah, the hype’s real! This is some of the freshest sushi I’ve had in NoVA in a while, and the part that got me is the price.
The lunch specials are a straight-up steal for the quality you’re getting. Oh, and it all goes down inside a former Pizza Hut, trapezoid roof and all, which somehow makes it even better. If you’re hunting standout sushi in Northern Virginia and you don’t mind a walk-in wait, Ariake’s a must, and the Toro Power Roll alone’s worth the drive.
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What Makes Ariake a Standout Sushi Spot?!
So what sets Ariake apart? For me it comes down to quality that punches way above what you pay. The fish is on point, and the lunch specials are some of the best bang for your buck sushi deals in the area. The menu’s deep too, we’re talking over 40 specialty rolls, a long list of a la carte nigiri (they’ll do everything from A5 wagyu to two kinds of uni and chutoro), plus donburi bowls, udon, and more.
If you love Japanese food in this pocket of NoVA, Marufuji Japanese Market over in Vienna is another fun stop for noodles and specialty goods. But Ariake’s the one I’d send you to for a proper sushi sit-down.
What to Order at Ariake
Here’s everything Minje and I got this time around, plus what I’d prioritize if you’re new.
Sushi Lunch ($19.95)
This might be the best value on the whole menu. You get six pieces of super fresh nigiri plus a California roll, and for what you pay, it’s a fantastic deal. There’s a bunch of other lunch specials too, so if you’re coming midday, take full advantage. Just know it’s dine-in or takeout and there’s no substitutions on the lunch sets.
Toro Power Roll ($19)
THIS was the showstopper. I’d come back just for this one! It’s chopped spicy chutoro and crispy bits rolled up inside, then topped with even more chopped chutoro, scallions, and garlic flakes. Every bite’s got so many textures going at once, and those garlic flakes on top add a savory little kick. One of the most memorable maki I’ve had in a minute, and I don’t say that lightly.
Ariake Roll ($11.25)
Another fantastic roll if you want something a little more classic. It’s got tuna, salmon, avocado, and caviar, and it all comes together really nicely. I’d order it again without thinking twice!
If you’re building a bigger meal, the a la carte nigiri’s where the splurge lives (A5 wagyu, uni, chutoro, scallop), and they’ve got solid vegetarian picks too like the Secret Garden roll, agedashi tofu, and veggie tempura if you’re dining with a mixed group. One heads up, parties of six or more get an automatic 18% gratuity added, so plan for that if you’re rolling deep.
Does Ariake Have An Omakase?
Yes! Ariake runs an omakase that starts around $80 a person, where the chef walks you through a lineup of nigiri, sashimi, or a combo depending on what you’re feeling. I didn’t do it on this visit, but it’s the first thing on my list for next time, especially after how good the regular rolls were. If you’re marking a birthday or a special night out, that’s the move.
Fairfax vs the Reston Location
Heads up, there’s actually two Ariake locations, one in Fairfax on Little River Turnpike and one out in Reston. This review’s all about the Fairfax spot. One key difference to know, the Reston location takes phone reservations during the week, but Fairfax is walk-in only, first come first served. So if you’ve got your heart set on Fairfax, show up ready to wait a bit during peak times.
The Vibe and Experience
Okay, the building. Ariake lives inside a former Pizza Hut, and if you grew up in the DMV you’ll clock it the second you pull in (Washingtonian even did a whole piece on these old Pizza Huts getting new lives). Inside it’s low-key and casual, walk-in only with no reservations, so it’s got that unfussy neighborhood feel.
It fills up fast, especially Friday nights, and the parking lot goes quick. Another Asian spot I love nearby is Dal Shabu in Annandale for all-you-can-eat Korean hot pot when you want something cozy and interactive.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍 8708 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, VA. There’s a second Ariake out in Reston.
- Hours: Mon to Thu 11:30am to 2:30pm and 4:30pm to 9:30pm, Fri to Sat 11:30am to 2:30pm and 5pm to 10pm. Sunday dinner closes a touch earlier at 9pm.
- Reservations: The Fairfax location is walk-in only with no phone reservations, so get there early on weekends.
- Prices: Lunch specials start around $19.95, and omakase starts at $80 per person.
- Good to know: Dine-in and takeout, cards and cash both accepted, free lot parking that fills quickly, and an automatic 18% gratuity for parties of six or more.
- Dietary: Vegetarian options available, including the Secret Garden roll, agedashi tofu, and veggie tempura.
- More info: Peep the full menu on their website.
Would I Go Back to Ariake?
A thousand percent! Ariake earned a real spot on my NoVA sushi list, and it’s rare to find fish this good at prices this reasonable. I’d send you here for a laid-back lunch or an easy dinner, and I’ll be back for that omakase and, let’s be real, another Toro Power Roll. If you’re making the rounds for Asian eats in this part of Northern Virginia, Banh Mi Oi in Falls Church is another local favorite for some of the best banh mi around.
Have you guys made it to Ariake yet? Tell me your go-to roll in the comments, Nomsters, and if you try the Toro Power Roll before I get back there, you already know I need a full report. Save this one for your next NoVA sushi craving.