Aker Restaurant & Lounge in Salt Lake City emerges as a standout destination for culinary enthusiasts, especially those with a penchant for Japanese cuisine. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of elegance and warmth, making it ideal for any occasion—from intimate date nights to lively gatherings. Patrons consistently praise the exceptional service, with staff noted for their kindness and attentiveness.
Guests rave about the meticulously crafted dishes. Highlights include the sunomono kimchee, celebrated for its refreshing and tangy profile, elevating the dining experience from start to finish. The hand-rolled spicy tuna and grilled chicken skewers also receive accolades for their generous portions and delightful flavors. Each dish exemplifies Aker’s commitment to quality and detail, evident in both presentation and taste.
Moreover, the innovative drink menu, featuring expertly mixed cocktails and mocktails, complements the food beautifully. Reviewers have enjoyed unique offerings like the dirty martini and a distinctive sage-infused cocktail that showcases the bartenders' skill.
Whether you are returning for another visit or discovering Aker for the first time, the restaurant promises an unforgettable experience that satisfies both the palate and the spirit.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid street parking
Valet parking
Photos
Reviews For Aker Restaurant & Lounge
Alayna Twelmeyer
Jun 15,2025
Aker is the perfect place to enjoy a meal with the people in your life. The service is wonderful, the servers are kind and attentive. The chefs are incredibly knowledgeable and talented in what they do. The ambience is soft and sultry, but upbeat in the way it keeps the energy and mood high. I went to celebrate my sister’s college graduation and it was the best food I’ve ever consumed. Thank you Aker!!
Kimo Kahookele
Jun 11,2025
Finally made it—and it didn’t disappoint. I’ve been wanting to try this spot for a while, especially since it used to be Maxwell’s. The transformation is real—the minute you walk in, it feels sleek, modern, and elevated. Whether it’s date night, a work dinner, or entertaining out-of-town guests, this place just works. I came for an event and it was great to reconnect with folks. Honestly, it was also nice to dress up a bit—jacket, nice shoes, and a great atmosphere to match. They offered mocktails, which looked fun, but I went straight for a classic: a dirty martini with Bombay Sapphire. It’s tough to find one done right around here, but this one hit the mark—balanced, not overly dirty, and made with care. It was on the smaller side (Utah rules, we get it), but absolutely worth it. A friend of mine asked the bartender for a drink recommendation and ended up with a spicy margarita that totally hit the spot—great flavor and just the right kick. The bartenders really knew their stuff and made it feel personal. The small plates were right up my alley: hand-rolled tuna rolls, chicken skewers, and asparagus skewers grilled fresh outside. The char and flavor on the chicken—garlic and lemon—were on point. The tuna roll surprised me with its size and was generously filled, light, and fresh. Later, I grabbed one more cocktail—a martini-style drink with sage. Super unique! The sage came through right at the end, and while I’m not sure I’d order it every time, I’m glad I tried it. The space is big, classy, and definitely not just for special events—there was a full dinner crowd while we were there. Music had a vibe (there was even a DJ), but it wasn’t overpowering—you could still enjoy conversation. Overall, I’ll be back. Already picturing a return with friends, grabbing a big table, trying more off the menu, and just enjoying the energy of the place.
Sara Albaderi
May 28,2025
Aker blew me away! The food was absolutely delicious from start to finish. Their sunomono kimchee was a total standout refreshing, flavorful, and perfectly tangy. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. You can really tell they care about quality and detail. The vibe was warm and inviting, and the service was great too. Definitely one of my new favorite spots I’ll be back for sure!
Brittney Ma
May 14,2025
First time at Aker Lounge and it was a great first time experience! We tried out the spicy tuna hand rolls, which had a generous portion of fish and not too spicy. The mocktail drinks were yummy - I had the opportunity to try both options! The chicken and asparagus skewers were delicious and hot off the grill! The staff were welcoming and the restaurant was clean, all green check marks in my book! Can't wait to come back and try more items!
Jamie Preston
Apr 24,2025
*Any review less than 5 stars probably came right after they opened and were working out kinks in the system. Let me start by saying, I am not easily impressed when it comes to food. We are not from Utah and it’s been such a struggle finding delicious food here. Well, Aker has solved that problem! It was an absolute 5 star experience. From the ambience to the wonderful staff to the incredible food, it was amazing! We came for valentines dinner, which can sometimes be a gamble as they usually don’t have their regular menus. Well Aker did it right, they must have picked the absolute best items off of their menu because each course was stunning. I even told our waitress that it was the BEST fish I have ever eaten! I kept commenting to my husband that the food seemed so simple yet each bite was jam packed with so much flavor! You will not regret coming here.
Sara Govero
Apr 19,2025
Business trip stress. Stress sushi. This is logic. So I wandered into Aker and emerged a changed and very full human being. The rolls are works of art. Like, stop and stare before devouring them like a wild animal kind of art. I told myself I’d just get a couple things. I then proceeded to eat like I was prepping for hibernation. No regrets. Vibes? Cool without trying too hard. Staff? Chill, knowledgeable, didn’t judge me for the speed and quantity with which I consumed their menu. Sushi is always the answer.
Ryan Frost
Mar 25,2025
Top notch service in a pleasant upscale atmosphere. Our meal was incredible. The Sea Bass, aged Toro, and Tempura were amazing. I can't wait to go back and try more of the perfectly laid out menu, which has enough variety without being overwhelming.
Imran Mohammed
Mar 15,2025
Aker is hands-down the best steak and sushi restaurant in Salt Lake City. Their steaks are perfectly cooked, and the sushi is fresh and expertly crafted. The standout, though, is their Mac and cheese—its awesome smoky flavor elevates it to a must-try dish. Highly recommend Aker for an unforgettable dining experience!
Reviews For Aker Restaurant & Lounge