All Reviews
walter Hill
2 months agoChef has more talent and procures even higher quality ingredients than multiple Michelin star sushi restaurants in Japan. This place truly may be one of the best sushi restaurants in the country. It is an honor to be able to dine here. My friend and I have traveled japan multiple times and still we find unique local fish that chefs are happy to serve us as tourists that Chef Yamada has already served us in Carmel. If you see bad reviews it is because people either do not like actual sushi or are upset they could not eat here and are not real reviews.
Rhiana Simon
4 months agoAkaoni is one of my favorite restaurants and serves the best sushi that I've had in California. We personally make trips to Carmel-by-the-sea just to eat here, so if you are a sushi aficionado, I genuinely think you should try squeezing in a visit. One time, I ate here prior to a big interview, and my stress just melted away. Yes, you need a reservation to eat here because they have a limited amount of space and work to make the atmosphere peaceful and calming. I think that some folks misinterpret their directness as rudeness, but I personally feel that they are polite and provide excellent service. Our experiences here have been positive and memorable.
Jared
6 months agoI spent around $300 here for one of the most romantic and memorable meals I’ve had in years. The value was absolutely fair — in fact, their prices are very reasonable for the quality they deliver. Every detail felt intentional: The fish was incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The wasabi is real — not the dyed paste most places serve. The hot tea was savory and calming, and the hot sake arrived perfectly heated and smooth. The service was attentive, kind, and professional without being overbearing. This restaurant easily deserves to be in the 4.8–5.0 range, not the 4.1 it’s sitting at. Anything lower feels undeserved and misleading to future guests. If you appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality, this is the place.
Katherine Pham
7 months agoIf you love sushi, this is a must visit. The sushi was fresh and delicious. You can tell the Sushi Chef took great care in preparing the fish. Price was reasonable, considering the portion of the fish. We ordered the tempura and fish — wasn’t too crazy for the tempura. The breading was thick. Make sure you make reservations. They don’t take walk in.
Sarah C
9 months agoThis tiny hole-in-the-wall sushi place closely reminded me of an in-Japan food experience. The elderly couple owners (the man at the sushi bar and woman as the front of house) showed great teamwork in running the sushiya. The miso eggplant was so delicious. And the sushi we tried were all great quality. The fish was well-maintained for the meal.
Feng Guo
10 months agoReservation is required. The eggplant is a must. We like homemade tofu also. All sushi is good. Just $360 for 4 ppl
IA
10 months agoAmazing food, fresh, delicious, good presentation - everything was great. The place itself looks very basic and unassuming, but the food surely exceeded our expectations. Service was good, but I can see how some reviewers could describe it as “stoic” or “authentic Japanese”, anyway to me it was a part of the charm of this place. Highly recommended overall.
Uziel Ladaw
a year agoWe love this place! If you want a traditional style Japanese sushi meal, this place is it. My wife and I dined in and ordered a chirashi bowl, chef’s sushi choice platter, and extra sushi pieces. The fish is fresh, the rice is seasoned, and the plating is thoughtful and just like I remember it in Japan. I was not expecting it at all, but the chef’s choice had TWO pieces of toro and a piece of uni. My wife and I love traditional sushi and have had a few omakase experiences. Even though this wasn’t it, it’s not far off, minus the catered service and multiple course experience an omakase experience brings. If you’re not into traditional sushi experiences, don’t come expecting fancy rolls covered in sauces. That’s not the vibe at this place. It’s intimate and meant for “old school” sushi vibes. The couple are definitely from Japan and have a very stoic vibe to them, but I’m used to it. You may even have to get their attention (Just like in Japan! I freakin love it lol). They turn people down at the door if you don’t have a reservation to keep the restaurant’s intimate atmosphere, but if you’re lucky someone might have cancelled and they may have an opening. Take it for what you will, but we love this place and will definitely be back! Just bummed we didn’t start coming earlier!