Reservation is required. The eggplant is a must. We like homemade tofu also. All sushi is good. Just $360 for 4 ppl
Shaun Shen
Best sashimi
I A
Amazing 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.
Anna A
Super authentic Japanese restaurant! The best Japanese food I had in awhile. Call in advance for a reservation. This place is popular and it doesn’t even have a name on the door.
Taurean Epicurean
Overpriced and subpar. You could get much better sushi—all-you-can-eat, no less—out in Reno, NV. Honestly, the cost of a trip to Reno —for better sushi and AYCE—would cost half as much as the bill for four rolls at this scam joint. You’re seriously better off grabbing a few rolls from the sushi counter at Safeway.
At least there, you’ll know what to expect, and it won’t feel like you’re being ripped off for substandard quality.
Syed Islam
The idea that this place has less than 4.9 stars irritates me to no end. For the price asked, this is arguably the best sushi within 500 miles. Everyone who says the service was bad must’ve been the entitled, annoying, uppity individuals that have given Carmel its off putting reputation. The food here could be justified at 2x the price, the service is extremely respectful when you give them respect in the first place, and the ambiance is perfect for a quaint, tasteful sushi dinner. If you have a bad time here, you are the problem.
Elijah Borden
My partner and I shared the assorted sashimi and tuna roll. Best sashimi I have ever had. We loved our entire experience.
丁洪强
Worst service ever that I had in Carmel and Monterey. The lady was so indifferent and mean. When we entered the store she just commanded us, “Close the door!” And she stared us in a very unfriendly way. The service is totally not as I had in Japan.
Uziel Ladaw
We 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!
I’ve experienced this same racism in Japan, they refused to seat me at a empty restaurant, looked at me like why are you here when i walked in and wouldn’t greet me, restaurant only had white people inside and they sat a white couple after i walked out. The place looked run down and smelled so i’m sure it isn’t anything special other than being one of the few restaurants in the area.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Cody Coleman
Happened to find this spot walking around and it’s the closest I’ve had to the traditional sushi I had in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi
Eugene Williams
There is no better sushi restaurant within 100+ miles of Akaoni. The fish is some of the freshest I've experienced. The rice portion for the nigiri is perfect. The size of the cuts are excellently portioned. The restaurant is clean, just the right size, and walking in feels like stepping into a humble sushi-ya in Osaka. Don't expect an overly friendly staff--they're disciplined, to the point, and direct. If you can put aside a need for a more jovial experience, you'll appreciate that you dined here. I recommend reviewing their current business hours as these can fluctuate based upon the time of year. If at all possible, drive by the restaurant to read the hours posted on the window. It's also good to make a reservation.
November 7, 2024..revisited this restaurant for husband's birthday and it still was amazing after the last time we visited. Thank you.
Iread a review prior to coming here, and was expecting the best sushi but worst service. I got the best sushi and best service! I've had a lot of sushi in my time. I eat sashimi, uni and Hamachi kama and order this at every sushi restaurant..hands down one of the best places I've eaten.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juliana Thoeni
Delicious sushi and always delicious fish. Call and make a reservation. Such a great restaurant
Reservation is required. The eggplant is a must. We like homemade tofu also. All sushi is good. Just $360 for 4 ppl
Best sashimi
Amazing 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.
Super authentic Japanese restaurant! The best Japanese food I had in awhile. Call in advance for a reservation. This place is popular and it doesn’t even have a name on the door.
Overpriced and subpar.
You could get much better sushi—all-you-can-eat, no less—out in Reno, NV.
Honestly, the cost of a trip to Reno —for better sushi and AYCE—would cost half as much as the bill for four rolls at this scam joint.
You’re seriously better off grabbing a few rolls from the sushi counter at Safeway.
At least there, you’ll know what to expect, and it won’t feel like you’re being ripped off for substandard quality.
The idea that this place has less than 4.9 stars irritates me to no end. For the price asked, this is arguably the best sushi within 500 miles. Everyone who says the service was bad must’ve been the entitled, annoying, uppity individuals that have given Carmel its off putting reputation. The food here could be justified at 2x the price, the service is extremely respectful when you give them respect in the first place, and the ambiance is perfect for a quaint, tasteful sushi dinner. If you have a bad time here, you are the problem.
My partner and I shared the assorted sashimi and tuna roll. Best sashimi I have ever had. We loved our entire experience.
Worst service ever that I had in Carmel and Monterey. The lady was so indifferent and mean. When we entered the store she just commanded us, “Close the door!” And she stared us in a very unfriendly way. The service is totally not as I had in Japan.
We 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!
Authentic! Impressive food!
Restaurantji Recommends
I’ve experienced this same racism in Japan, they refused to seat me at a empty restaurant, looked at me like why are you here when i walked in and wouldn’t greet me, restaurant only had white people inside and they sat a white couple after i walked out. The place looked run down and smelled so i’m sure it isn’t anything special other than being one of the few restaurants in the area.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Happened to find this spot walking around and it’s the closest I’ve had to the traditional sushi I had in
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi
There is no better sushi restaurant within 100+ miles of Akaoni. The fish is some of the freshest I've experienced. The rice portion for the nigiri is perfect. The size of the cuts are excellently portioned. The restaurant is clean, just the right size, and walking in feels like stepping into a humble sushi-ya in Osaka. Don't expect an overly friendly staff--they're disciplined, to the point, and direct. If you can put aside a need for a more jovial experience, you'll appreciate that you dined here. I recommend reviewing their current business hours as these can fluctuate based upon the time of year. If at all possible, drive by the restaurant to read the hours posted on the window. It's also good to make a reservation.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Selected Sushi, Assorted Sushi, Nigri
November 7, 2024..revisited this restaurant for husband's birthday and it still was amazing after the last time we visited. Thank you.
Iread a review prior to coming here, and was expecting the best sushi but worst service. I got the best sushi and best service! I've had a lot of sushi in my time. I eat sashimi, uni and Hamachi kama and order this at every sushi restaurant..hands down one of the best places I've eaten.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Delicious sushi and always delicious fish. Call and make a reservation. Such a great restaurant
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toro, Hot Sake
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