Itameshi - Albany (NY)

5 /5 Christopher Kelly: myself and four of my friends eat there last night and it was amazing. One thing was better than next. The staff couldn’t have been any nicer. The chef and the sous chef came out to make sure we enjoyed everything. The big clams were ridiculous. The meatballs were the best I’ve ever had. There wasn’t a bad thing we we all shared it. We had the pork chop special. We had the steak with the Bolognese, the shrimp, rice cakes a few other things everything was phenomenal. The place is beautiful and a perfect location for downtown Albany.

5 /5 Carmeisha Huckleby: This place has great food and customer service! I dined with a couple friends, and we shared some apps, entrees and desserts. The kabocha squash soup, squid ink pasta, and the pistachio tort were my faves!

5 /5 Jesse Cimino: Celebrated my birthday here and tried it out for the first time. We had a party of 8 and tried about half of the appetizers they offer and everyone tried a different entree. We all were very impressed with the freshness, flavors, and presentation of the main dishes. However, the appetizers still stole the show somehow (only got pictures of the appetizers because we were all too excited to eat the entrees). The octopus and calimari in particular were some of the best we have ever had. All the flavors are thoughtful and well executed, and some are quite innovative. Excellent drink selection, and the service was top notch. My entree was the NY strip, and as outstanding as the steak itself was, the side of wasabi mashed potatoes managed to steal the show. One of the better sides Ive ever had the pleasure of eating. Its a smaller menu, but there is still good variety, and we cant wait to go back to try what we didnt get to the first time (but certainly getting seconds of the octopus).

5 /5 Kyle Gibson: A Perfect Italian-Japanese Fusion You Didn’t Know You Needed If you hesitated when you heard “Japanese-Italian fusion,” don’t. Itameshi nails it — creative, balanced, and absolutely delicious from start to finish. Every dish had both comfort and surprise, with attention to texture and flavor it honestly ranks this as one of the best meals Ive ever had. Our server Drew deserves special mention — friendly, attentive, and completely unfazed by our multiple rounds of appetizers and a late entrée addition. His recommendations (including how to enjoy the cocktail with the Kumbachi plum) were spot on. The pacing was perfect, the vibe warm but modern, and the food… unforgettable. If you’re skeptical about Italian-Japanese fusion, Itameshi will change your mind. Each dish celebrates both cuisines instead of compromising either. It’s creative, comforting, and genuinely exciting dining. Easily one of the most interesting and best meals I’ve had in years. Top 3 all time in Albany. Don’t hesitate. Go. Now. The Food we had: Italian Sushi Roll (Prosciutto, Tomato Aioli, Basil, Mozzarella, Balsamic Glaze) A “Caprese roll” in spirit — paper-thin prosciutto melts as it meets creamy mozzarella and fragrant basil, while the tomato aioli adds richness. The balsamic glaze is both sweet and pungent, tying the flavors together beautifully. Calamari (Crispy, Spicy Miso Crema, Agrodolce) Light, crisp breading around perfectly tender calamari. The spicy miso crema brings depth and heat, while the agrodolce drizzle adds that balanced tang and sweetness. I used my spoon to scrape the plate — not exaggerating. One of the best calamari dishes I’ve ever had. Gyoza (Cacio e Pepe, Cherry Pepper Sugo) This is where fusion magic happens. Italian cacio e pepe flavors tucked into Japanese gyoza, served over a bold, tangy cherry-pepper tomato sugo. It’s spicy enough to clear your sinuses, yet addictively flavorful. Shrimp Crispy Rice (Roast Tomato, Calabrian Chili Cream Sauce) Arguably the dish of the night. Perfectly cooked shrimp over a golden fried sticky rice cake — crispy on the outside, chewy inside — sitting in a luscious tomato-Calabrian chili cream sauce. It has just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming the shrimp’s sweetness. Udon Noodle Bolognese (Whipped Miso Ricotta) A brilliant fusion of East and West. The chewy udon noodles are the perfect canvas for a rich, slow-cooked Bolognese — hearty, savory, and layered with flavor. The whipped miso ricotta on top adds a creamy, slightly sweet umami finish that ties everything together. Then there’s the crispy, fatty beef — little golden bits of texture that pop through every bite, giving the dish contrast and depth. The combination of silky noodles, creamy ricotta, and crisp beef creates a mouthfeel that’s honestly out of this world. Comfort food reborn through creativity. PS if youre still reading - $50-100 per person is accurate if you are going out, ordering multiple courses, and drinking. However, their menu is very reasonably priced for the amount and quality. Apps $14-20. Pasta $25 ish. Protein entrees $20-30. If youre just getting an entree or splitting an app and getting an entree you could easily be under $50 a person. Its well worth it!