Akaoni
$$$ • Japanese, Sushi Bars, Gluten-FreeAbout Akaoni
Customers' Favorites
Akaoni Reviews
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Great BBQ with tasty food and generous portions. The meat was flavorful and cooked well, and the staff was friendly. Nice atmosphere and good value. I would definitely come back!
Service was poor with a sour faced lady serving. Almost bordering on rude.
Food was delicious though, especially the salmon toro. Likely won’t come again.
This is the best sushi in Carmel.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 5 - 8PM |
| Wednesday | 5 - 8PM |
| Thursday | 5 - 8PM |
| Friday | 5 - 8PM |
| Saturday | 5 - 8PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Akaoni is a charming Japanese restaurant in Carmel-by-the-Sea, offering an intimate and traditional dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance is elegant yet cozy, with subtle lighting that highlights the exquisite Japanese artistry around the room. Akaoni is renowned for its high-quality sushi, with fresh fish flown in from Japan and locally sourced ingredients. The menu features traditional dishes like sashimi, nigiri, and special negiri pieces, as well as innovative rolls. The food is so good it could justify double the price.
The place looks very basic and unassuming, but the food exceeds expectations—fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. The staff provides exceptional service, which adds to the charm. Customers describe the service as "stoic" or "authentic Japanese." The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team, both Japanese, who manage the place well.
Reservations are a must, as they don't take walk-ins, and it can be challenging to get a seat. The value is absolutely fair, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality they deliver. Anything less than a 4.8-5.0 rating would be undeserved and misleading for future guests. For those who appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality, Akaoni is a culinary journey to remember.