Nestled in the heart of downtown Albany, it can be easy to miss K Teriyaki between the storefronts that line the Two Rivers Market and the other shops along 2nd Avenue. Still, this hidden gem is one that you shouldn’t overlook.
Rebranding with new ownership in 2024 from Toki Teriyaki, K Teriyaki has a clean and simple interior with large windows surrounding the seating area. The menu consists of primarily Japanese food with a focus on grilled dishes and the eponymous teriyaki.
There are a few Korean options both for meals and in the small deli case where you can purchase drinks and packaged food. The multicultural menu is thanks in part to the owners, a Japanese-Korean couple, Andy and Aya, who previously owned Ginza Sushi up until its closure two years ago and took over from the owners of Toki Teriyaki.
For those familiar with Toki Teriyaki’s menu, many of the dishes are similar at K, but there are several additions. I ordered the takoyaki (octopus balls), which came with bonito flakes and a savory sauce with mayo on the side. Takoyaki is a difficult dish to perfect, but it was deliciously crispy on the outside and gooey in the center with large chunks of octopus. I also got the side of gyoza, golden fried dumplings with a savory meat and vegetable filling. While I chose to get two of the side orders, there are also entrees with more generous portions, most of which come with rice and coleslaw.
More than the food, K Teriyaki’s shining trait is its service. I have gone several times, and the staff are often seen giving out extra food to regulars and even spending time talking to the customers when they are less busy. Especially early on, past customers from Ginza returned to check out the new business and were welcomed with kindness and delicious meals. If you are looking for a personal experience that goes beyond dining and into community, K Teriyaki may be a good choice for dinner this week.
This article originally appeared in the March 2025 edition of The Commuter.
