21 Best Japanese Restaurants near Aptos

“Service was wonderful, food was excellent. Special deal if it’s your birthday! Don’t worry, they don’t sing to you😂“

“We’ve always loved Akira, but recently their chefs have been taking their sushi game to a whole new level. Very delicious with big portions of food & we have yet to have a roll that we didn’t like. Highly recommend!“

“Junko is wonderful - the best! 🍣🍱😋“

“Stop by for the convenient storefront, come back again and again for the top tier sashimi and understated but excellent hospitality. All our rolls and nigiri were mmmmmmm good. I have not been to Japan, but my companion has. Our meal was competitive on flavor and quality, and right here in Capitola. You know how miso soup can be a forgettable way to wait for your meal? Not here. Subtle and flavorful, make sure you enjoy some along with a memorable taste of Japan.“

“HIDDEN GEM Best ever! So you HAVE to give this place a try! Alex was our server tonight. She was excellent. Food was amazing. Prices fantastic. Choose over Akira all day long, no wait ... reservations for party larger than 4 but sushi bar is stellar!“

“It is a pleasure to go there. I start out at Kohl’s than visit Macys also new shops have opened. The Easter Bunny is there for the kids. I appreciate the Mall keep it open.“

“I LOVE this place. The BEST ever!!!!“

“This is a great place with excellent sushi and great attention to detail. We normally do take out. However there is a large patio with tables behind the Octagon and I had lunch sitting in the sunshine.
The menu is very good and good selection including cooked and vegetarian rolls.“

“It turns out this restaurant is at the site of the sushi restaurant formerly located here called “Buzz”, and since Buzz is listed as a restaurant that’s participating in the 30 day “Vegan Chef Challenge Of Santa Cruz County”. I came here to try the two rolls listed they have listed on line. Instead found that a Japanese Peruvian couple began their own restaurant, Oyuki here, and they have created a number of plant-based roles showcasing deliciousness from both culinary cultures! I had “Vegan Pot Stickers” (you can get them boiled or fried and I tried fried) , “The Warrior Special” roll , and the Peruvian drink made of sweet purple corn, apple, pear and pineapple called “Chicha Morada”. All delicious! I would very happily take a date here—Not necessarily a ‘fancy dress-up’ date, but still a very nice date!  Updated from previous review on 2026-04-25“

“Best sushi in Santa Cruz. Most innovative rolls we have had in a long long time. We opted for the real seafood rolls as opposed to the vegan fish this time but I can't wait to go back and try those next. Great service, food and price. We will definitely go back for more...“

“We love Geisha Sushi. Such friendly staff, high quality fresh fish and ingredients. Truly the best in SC!“

“was delicious and lots of choices on the menu. service was great.“

“The hamachi I had to night was incredible!!!!! Thank you!!!“

“Visiting from out of town and my husband picked this place. As a studio Ghibli fan I loved the art on the walls. It was very creative and welcoming. We ordered rolls that were super good. The prices vary but I felt like they were affordable for a nice night out.“

“Very fresh sushi and for the price it's very good! Definitely recommend coming in“

“We stopped in on October 11 during happy hour. Being from Michigan, we did not know what to expect. Our daughter, now an Aptos resident, said this was her favorite place for sushi. We could see why! The flavors and variety of items were excellent. Best of all was our server Isabell. She was great; friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the menu. Great food, great service. Thank you.“

“Great sushi cooked by the real Japanese sushi chef. Miso soup was really good and great sake selection. Highly recommended. サンタクルーズで日本人の握った美味しい寿司が食べれます。お客さんたくさんでした。“

“Wow, super surprised at how incredibly good this place is. Quality of the sushi flavors was similar to what you get at higher-end places. Way affordable for darn good sushi! Highly recommend this place! We got the Titanic, Santa Cruz, Salmon Skin and Lion (this order in the picture).“

“I hadn't been here in awhile, it's still good, service good, nice atmosphere. Enjoyed the 3 entree lunch. Alot of food.“

“Absolutely the best noodles and soup I've had and probably best restaurant period. Everyone in my friend group adored it. Everything from the soup, to the chow mein to the curry and the wings was delicious. My bubble tea was great also. If you're in town you gotta stop by at Betty “

“Amazing food! Friendly service! You’ve got to see the Waterfall at the bar on Friday and Saturday evenings. Sake bombs for everyone!“