Akaoni, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Rating:

 4.1

Cost:

$50 – $100

Discover Akaoni in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA

Akaoni in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, offers a peaceful retreat for savoring fresh sushi and authentic Japanese dishes in a reserved, intimate setting. This spot focuses on high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation, creating a simple yet refined dining experience that highlights the best of Japanese cuisine. With its quiet atmosphere and reservation-only policy, it's perfect for those seeking top sushi options near the coast, where every plate emphasizes fresh flavors and careful craftsmanship. The venue also includes accessible features like wheelchair-friendly restrooms, adding to its appeal for a comfortable visit. Whether you're exploring sushi places near me or looking for a serene meal, Akaoni delivers an authentic taste of Japan in a welcoming coastal environment.

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What Guests Are Saying About Akaoni

Visitors often praise the fresh and flavorful sushi at Akaoni, noting how the fish delivers a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes every bite memorable. Many appreciate the cozy, unpretentious vibe, which provides a nice contrast to busier spots and feels like a hidden gem in the area. Folks highlight the great value of dishes like sashimi and toro, mentioning that any brief wait is totally worth it for the authentic taste and careful preparation. The service comes across as attentive and efficient, contributing to a relaxed overall experience that keeps people coming back. If you're on the hunt for the best sushi near me, this place consistently earns high marks for its delicious offerings and genuine charm.

Summarized by AI using the Grok-3-Mini model.

Address & Phone

Northwest Carmel
6th Ave
Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921
(831) 620-1516

Wheelchair Accessiblility

Restroom:

Payment Options

Accepts credit cards:Accepts debit cards:Accepts nfc:

Reviews

  • Ben Oldach  5

    I never write reviews and I had to write something about Akaoni. This isn’t your over the top sushi place. This is simple sushi done incredibly well, and for me, that is the best kind of sushi. The quality of the fish was wonderful and the prices were fair. The atmosphere is humble, but authentic. Like a place you could see being lifted up from Tokyo and dropped in Carmel, and in a town full of opulence, it’s refreshing. Please understand before you go here this is a 2-3 person operation and be prepared to wait a bit while the lone chef takes care of the orders ahead of you, the wait will be rewarded. I felt the service was very respectful, but deliberate, which, if you’re the only server sometimes you need to be. Say your pleases and thank yous and your warmth will be returned. Try the Toro, it’s bananas.

  • Gladys Donovan  5

    Best sushi experience I’ve had. Fresh fish, melts in your mouth, delish! Cozy, quiet, and just overall excellent! Thank you! Update 2/1/25: Visited again. The fish was as fresh and delicious as last time. The sushi chef and host were very friendly.

  • Katie Graham  5

    Phenomenal sushi spot in Carmel. Simple food done incredibly well, you can tell everything is fresh and carefully prepared. We had the jyo sashimi plate witching was great value for the quality of fish. The best tuna I’ve had in a very long time by far. And the toro was to die for I can’t recommend it enough. The restaurant itself is simple and not flashy but to me it was perfect. A breath of fresh air for the area in my opinion. I felt that the service was great, to the point and efficient but kind and attentive. As long as you are polite you will receive gracious service back. Overall I would go back again and again if ai lived closer to try all of the fresh picks of the day and new dishes the chef comes up with. Don’t listen to the 1 star reviews and plead try Akaoni

  • Liz Grajeda  5

    Excellent! Called for reservations about 30 minutes before close on a Friday and got them on my first try. The wife/server hung up on me, haha. But in person I did not find them to be rude at all, just a language barrier I think. They were overly pleasant/gracious. My water glass was never more than half empty. Service overall was very good. We had sashimi, chef's choice sushi, a few odds and ends off the special board, and clam miso soup. All of it was excellent. The yellow tail is the best I've ever had, I would return just for that.

  • Jared Mastroianni  5

    A Culinary Journey to Remember at Akaoni From the moment I stepped into Akaoni in the enchanting town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, I knew I was about to embark on an unforgettable dining adventure. This isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a portal to a world where every bite tells a story, and every dish is a masterpiece. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort, with subtle lighting that made the exquisite Japanese artistry around the room come alive. The staff welcomed us with genuine warmth, making us feel like honored guests in a grand culinary celebration. Then came the sushi - oh, the sushi! Each piece was a work of art, crafted with precision and passion. The fish, fresh from the dreams of Neptune himself, melted on the tongue, leaving behind a symphony of flavors that danced across the palate in perfect harmony. The sushi chef, a true maestro, wielded his knife with the grace of a samurai, presenting us with creations that were too beautiful to eat, yet too delicious to resist. But the magic didn’t stop at sushi. Every dish we ordered was a revelation, from the succulent sashimi that whispered secrets of the deep to the innovative rolls that brought together flavors and textures in ways I never imagined possible. It was clear that Akaoni isn’t just serving food; they’re crafting experiences. The highlight of the evening was an exclusive dish, whispered about among culinary circles but rarely seen. It was a fusion of flavors so unique, so extraordinary, that words fail to capture its essence. Let's just say it was an epicurean dream that lingered long after the last bite. As we bid farewell to Akaoni, walking out into the starlit night of Carmel-by-the-Sea, it was with the knowledge that we had just experienced something truly special. This wasn’t just a meal; it was a voyage to the heights of culinary excellence. Akaoni is not a restaurant you simply visit; it’s a destination you experience with all your senses. If you find yourself in Carmel-by-the-Sea, do yourself a favor: visit Akaoni. But be warned, your culinary standards might never be the same again.