It certainly wouldn't have been my choice of restaurant because I was already put off the moment I knew it was a buffet at this Japanese restaurant nestled at Emerald Hill Road.
While I really like Akira for its location (just 'cos the school that I went to for 10 years used to be along that road) and having a cosy feel to it, I wouldn't choose to eat there because I've learnt my lesson about Japanese buffets. Often, the sashimi and the rest of the food is very mediocre. In my opinion, the freshness and taste of the sashimi is really the litmus test of how good a Japanese restaurant is. The sashimi at Japanese restaurants that have buffets often don't measure up. Frankly, I'd rather pay more, eat less BUT better quality food rather than stuff myself with lousy food.
But I had no choice as my choice of restaurant was outvoted by my colleagues. And the stupid thing is that all of them are such small eaters...so I don't even know why they chose this! It was an "appreciation lunch" for the six of us who helped to organise the staff party. I had suggested another better Jap restaurant and Mag's Wine Kitchen. But another colleague suggested Akira and the rest on hearing it's buffet wanted to go even though they eat like birds--just picking at their food--something which I find highly annoying.
Anyway, I was right in that the food was mediocre...decent but nothing to rave about. They've got good homemade black sesame ice cream though!
Akira Japanese Restaurant
115/117 Emerald Hill Road
Emerald Mansion
Singapore 229396
Tel: 6738 6221