I can't even express how disappointed I am. We flew from NJ and came to Carmel by the seas. I heard good reviews of this restaurant. We walked in, and both husband and wife said we can't service you. There were more than 5 seats at the bar and a few tables of 4 available. They said they can only take 3 so we can't not be seated. Thank you, we take our business elsewhere. - If I could put no star I would.
Jared Mastroianni
A Culinary Journey to Remember at AkaoniFrom 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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi
Melissa N.
Very cute cozy place with lots of windows and natural lighting. It's very easy to miss as there is no obvious sign. My husband was craving sushi so we decided to try this place out as it was very well reviewed and the photos looked good. The reviews and photos didn't capture how amazing the food was here. Note this is mainly a sashimi, nigiri place without the typical bento boxes and rice sushi rolls. If you are into bento boxes or traditional California/dragon rolls, this is not the place for you. This place has high quality cuts of fish that are perfectly seasoned and plated for you. We ordered the homemade tofu along with a variety of negiri pieces. The homemade tofu was a creamy, melt in your mouth delight. The sauce it comes with is magical. Initially I thought it would be too salty, but it's a perfect balance of flavor that elevates this dish. I would come back just to eat this tofu. We ordered a few of the special negiri from Japan, my favorite is the salmon, toro, and shipjack. Each bite was so good, I wanted more. Def would come back here when in the areA. It's a cute mom and pop shop, so if you want to be in and out, this may not be the place for you. They also have omakaze, but you need a 3 day reservation so they can prep all the right ingredients Pro fact: they have a minimum of $30/person and all guests have a 0.25% assessment for the Carmel restaurant improvement district.
Ninadinh
Amazing food! The best sushi I've had all year. Fish is so fresh and rice is cooked perfectly. New favorite sushi place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi, Hot Sake
Li L.
Likely the best sushi in town, service could be better though Tofu and sashimi are must order
Suzanne Frey
I love this place. It offers a calm, comfortable, intimate transport to Japan with food that is very traditional: simple, elegant, clean, subtle. The fish is incredible and equivalent to some of the finest no-frills high-end sushi spots in the world. Truly, this place is a gem - and to think you'd find it in Carmel, CA is pretty shocking. There's no sign on the restaurant and Google maps is just a bit off, but it's pretty obvious which restaurant it is if you just walk the street a bit. Service is quiet, methodical, and follows a structure. The environment, too is pretty quiet - so if you're looking for a boisterous sushi-roll spot with fast-paced service, rolls loaded with ingredients, etc. - this is NOT your place. I think the other reviews highlight disappointment w/the service and/or requirements for reservations. I think those patrons failed to understand why they require reservations - with fish flown in from Japan and hyper-fresh local fish, too the owners must plan in advance. I went with a friend and we both found the service kind, formal, planned, purposefully-paced, and reserved - which is spot-on culturally as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dani Cooke
Really lovely owners who were incredibly sweet and hospitable. I did not have a reservation but it wasn't a busy night so no one seemed concerned. I got the 10 piece chefs choice, which was absolutely extraordinary, with the fish being a wonderful mix of local and flown in from Japan. The handpicked selection of sake was excellent as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
douglas dalitz
Tried for two days to call and get a reservation. Finally showed up at 5pm and told we would not be served because no reservation. A couple in the restaurant offered to let us sit with them and the owners became very snooty arrogant and rather than stay we chose to just leave. This dump may have the best sushi ever I don’t care I will never visit it again. Thomas Keller of the French Laundry was a thousand times more accommodating and polite, rather than rude and insulting .
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
Shinji Nakamoto
We had an excellent experience at Akaoni.Thanks to Yelp reviews, we appeared in-person on Thursday night to make a Saturday reservation. We were not sure what exactly to expect but the pictures I saw of the fish looked good.When we sat down for dinner and looked over our menus we were happy to see that one of their specials was doubin mushi. Matsutake mushrooms are a seasonal item and it's not common to see it offered. Akaoni's doubin-mushi had generous servings of whole matsutake slices and chunks. From there our night got even better.I ordered the 10 piece assorted sushi and thank myself that I did. The Japanese scallops are the best we've had, so tender, delicate, and flavorful. There was a piece of uni which I find to taste like seawater at most places. Akaoni's uni was wonderfully rich with zero taste of salty seawater. It is in the top three for uni I've tried in the USA. (one of the other three being Urasawa) The yellowtail was rich in flavor, tender, and not chewy at all. The toro was also amazing. I could not chew it at all because it simply melted away in my mouth. I've never experience a piece of toro that completely melted in your mouth without leaving at least a tiny bit of sinew.Most of all, the slices of fish for each piece of sushi was very generous, especially for the quality of fish being served.We would not hesitate to visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aidan Anderson
An authentic experience outside of Japan. Fantastic sashimi. Lots of folks saying the service takes away from an “authentic experience”. No… that’s just Japanese culture, quiet, polite and to the point. Overall excellent. Arigatou gozaimashita!
My husband and I had dinner at Akaoni, we both ordered the chef special of sushi and the salmon roll, the food was out of this world. Best sushi ever! The server was very nice and accommodating! The chef was very pleasant! Hope that we get the chance to dine in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Luis Espinoza
Good food, not amazing but probably best Japanese in town. Service, atmosphere is really terrible, at first I thought it was a language barrier but after a few visits I really think they are very impolite and don’t really care about service, which is a shame because food is an authentic experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Balint Bognar
Better than good food but confusingly poor hospitality.Upon arrival my partner and I were told a spot at the counter was not possible although 4 -6 counter seats remained unoccupied for the duration of our visit. While receiving the bill I asked why we were not permitted to sit at the counter, the host informed us that the party of “local guests” (her words) that were seated as we were paying preferred not to have anyone else at the counter (they were 5 of 9 or 10 counter seats). Bizarre. Seating disappointment aside, overall service was disinterested at best.As someone who travels twice a year to Japan and spends freely to experience great sushi, I was baffled to receive such unwelcoming service for a $300+ meal on a quiet Wednesday night in Carmel. Will not return.This seems to be a small family operation that I would otherwise wish unmitigated success but this disappointing and illogically tiered treatment of clientele makes it impossible to recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Kira Mojgani
Simply excellent. Sushi snobs rejoice!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cameron White
Best sushi I've ever had. However, the reviews criticizing the service are accurate, and I wouldn't plan on taking a family here. The first time I called to ask for a table, I got hung up on. But, if you're looking for high quality sushi and willing to forgo traditional American wait service, I wouldn't miss this restaurant.
I can't even express how disappointed I am. We flew from NJ and came to Carmel by the seas. I heard good reviews of this restaurant. We walked in, and both husband and wife said we can't service you. There were more than 5 seats at the bar and a few tables of 4 available. They said they can only take 3 so we can't not be seated. Thank you, we take our business elsewhere. - If I could put no star I would.
A Culinary Journey to Remember at AkaoniFrom 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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi
Very cute cozy place with lots of windows and natural lighting. It's very easy to miss as there is no obvious sign. My husband was craving sushi so we decided to try this place out as it was very well reviewed and the photos looked good. The reviews and photos didn't capture how amazing the food was here. Note this is mainly a sashimi, nigiri place without the typical bento boxes and rice sushi rolls. If you are into bento boxes or traditional California/dragon rolls, this is not the place for you. This place has high quality cuts of fish that are perfectly seasoned and plated for you. We ordered the homemade tofu along with a variety of negiri pieces. The homemade tofu was a creamy, melt in your mouth delight. The sauce it comes with is magical. Initially I thought it would be too salty, but it's a perfect balance of flavor that elevates this dish. I would come back just to eat this tofu. We ordered a few of the special negiri from Japan, my favorite is the salmon, toro, and shipjack. Each bite was so good, I wanted more. Def would come back here when in the areA. It's a cute mom and pop shop, so if you want to be in and out, this may not be the place for you. They also have omakaze, but you need a 3 day reservation so they can prep all the right ingredients Pro fact: they have a minimum of $30/person and all guests have a 0.25% assessment for the Carmel restaurant improvement district.
Amazing food! The best sushi I've had all year. Fish is so fresh and rice is cooked perfectly. New favorite sushi place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sushi, Hot Sake
Likely the best sushi in town, service could be better though Tofu and sashimi are must order
I love this place. It offers a calm, comfortable, intimate transport to Japan with food that is very traditional: simple, elegant, clean, subtle. The fish is incredible and equivalent to some of the finest no-frills high-end sushi spots in the world. Truly, this place is a gem - and to think you'd find it in Carmel, CA is pretty shocking. There's no sign on the restaurant and Google maps is just a bit off, but it's pretty obvious which restaurant it is if you just walk the street a bit. Service is quiet, methodical, and follows a structure. The environment, too is pretty quiet - so if you're looking for a boisterous sushi-roll spot with fast-paced service, rolls loaded with ingredients, etc. - this is NOT your place. I think the other reviews highlight disappointment w/the service and/or requirements for reservations. I think those patrons failed to understand why they require reservations - with fish flown in from Japan and hyper-fresh local fish, too the owners must plan in advance. I went with a friend and we both found the service kind, formal, planned, purposefully-paced, and reserved - which is spot-on culturally as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really lovely owners who were incredibly sweet and hospitable. I did not have a reservation but it wasn't a busy night so no one seemed concerned. I got the 10 piece chefs choice, which was absolutely extraordinary, with the fish being a wonderful mix of local and flown in from Japan. The handpicked selection of sake was excellent as well.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tried for two days to call and get a reservation. Finally showed up at 5pm and told we would not be served because no reservation. A couple in the restaurant offered to let us sit with them and the owners became very snooty arrogant and rather than stay we chose to just leave. This dump may have the best sushi ever I don’t care I will never visit it again. Thomas Keller of the French Laundry was a thousand times more accommodating and polite, rather than rude and insulting .
Atmosphere: 1
Service: 1
We had an excellent experience at Akaoni.Thanks to Yelp reviews, we appeared in-person on Thursday night to make a Saturday reservation. We were not sure what exactly to expect but the pictures I saw of the fish looked good.When we sat down for dinner and looked over our menus we were happy to see that one of their specials was doubin mushi. Matsutake mushrooms are a seasonal item and it's not common to see it offered. Akaoni's doubin-mushi had generous servings of whole matsutake slices and chunks. From there our night got even better.I ordered the 10 piece assorted sushi and thank myself that I did. The Japanese scallops are the best we've had, so tender, delicate, and flavorful. There was a piece of uni which I find to taste like seawater at most places. Akaoni's uni was wonderfully rich with zero taste of salty seawater. It is in the top three for uni I've tried in the USA. (one of the other three being Urasawa) The yellowtail was rich in flavor, tender, and not chewy at all. The toro was also amazing. I could not chew it at all because it simply melted away in my mouth. I've never experience a piece of toro that completely melted in your mouth without leaving at least a tiny bit of sinew.Most of all, the slices of fish for each piece of sushi was very generous, especially for the quality of fish being served.We would not hesitate to visit again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
An authentic experience outside of Japan. Fantastic sashimi. Lots of folks saying the service takes away from an “authentic experience”. No… that’s just Japanese culture, quiet, polite and to the point. Overall excellent. Arigatou gozaimashita!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
My husband and I had dinner at Akaoni, we both ordered the chef special of sushi and the salmon roll, the food was out of this world. Best sushi ever! The server was very nice and accommodating! The chef was very pleasant! Hope that we get the chance to dine in again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, not amazing but probably best Japanese in town. Service, atmosphere is really terrible, at first I thought it was a language barrier but after a few visits I really think they are very impolite and don’t really care about service, which is a shame because food is an authentic experience.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Better than good food but confusingly poor hospitality.Upon arrival my partner and I were told a spot at the counter was not possible although 4 -6 counter seats remained unoccupied for the duration of our visit. While receiving the bill I asked why we were not permitted to sit at the counter, the host informed us that the party of “local guests” (her words) that were seated as we were paying preferred not to have anyone else at the counter (they were 5 of 9 or 10 counter seats). Bizarre. Seating disappointment aside, overall service was disinterested at best.As someone who travels twice a year to Japan and spends freely to experience great sushi, I was baffled to receive such unwelcoming service for a $300+ meal on a quiet Wednesday night in Carmel. Will not return.This seems to be a small family operation that I would otherwise wish unmitigated success but this disappointing and illogically tiered treatment of clientele makes it impossible to recommend.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 1
Simply excellent. Sushi snobs rejoice!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Best sushi I've ever had. However, the reviews criticizing the service are accurate, and I wouldn't plan on taking a family here. The first time I called to ask for a table, I got hung up on. But, if you're looking for high quality sushi and willing to forgo traditional American wait service, I wouldn't miss this restaurant.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Assorted Sashimi