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Akaoni
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
Mission & 6th AveCarmel by the Sea, CA 93921
(831) 620-1516
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Robata Grill & Sake Bar has been one of the locals' favorite restaurants since its opening in 1980. People from around the world have eagerly returned… read more »
76 reviews for Akaoni
Review Highlights
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"The soft shell crab roll is great too." In 3 reviews -
"I have to devote a whole paragraph for the homemade tofu." In 5 reviews -
"I like fresh fish, fresh ingredients in general." In 6 reviews
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Nicole D.
Monterey, CA
This is the finest, authentic sushi on the Peninsula by far! I'm still reeling from tonight's sensational dinner! You can't get more fresh than Akaoni, where fish is imported straight from Japan. The menu (written in English and Japanese) boasts some of the most succulent designer sushi around town.
We ordered the Chef Sashimi Plate (14 pieces), which was phenomenal! This deluxe plate showcases 14 pieces of some of the freshest and finest fish (sake, ebi, maguro, uni, hamachi, sweet ebi and so much more). I absolutely loved every piece; each imparting a distinct, endorphin rush. Every piece was crafted with precision and care by the master sushi chef. With rapt attention, I watched as he sculpted his edible masterpieces with patience and flawless execution.
The Yellowtail Sashimi Appetizer Plate (6 pieces) and the Soft-shelled Crab Roll were absolutely delicious! Premium-grade yellowtail in it's most elemental form. Perfection! The soft-shelled crab roll was a true delicacy. Lightly fried crispy outside and a soft center rolled with avocado and cucumber. Easy on the eyes too!
What an absolute Japanese gem in the heart of downtown Carmel. Akaoni is where you need to go for the true Japanese experience.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/7/2011
Akaoni really sets itself apart from other Peninsula Japanese Restaurants in it's authenic feel.… Read more »
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Review from Veronica S.
Fremont, CA
5/13/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I was pleasantly surprised to find a good, authentic Japanese sushi restaurant in touristy Carmel area, on the recommendation of my foodie girlfriend.
In addition to the traditional nigiri & sushi options, there are also great specials - their Ankimo (Monkfish Liver) was great ! Some nights, they also prep a complimentary mini appetizer for the house to start with.
The sushi is great and the fish here is top notch. Great for the sushi connoisseur or anyone who respects and enjoys great sushi !
It's small and cozy inside, but luckily they take reservations which are highly advised during weekends! -
Review from eric m.
Dallas, TX
5/1/2012
One sushi chef---working his butt off.
Felt like I was in Tokyo watching a master at work. Everything was fresh, precise, artful and tasty. Call ahead because the place is very small and the food is very good. There is a 14 piece sushi plate that I suggest you order. I features toro/eel/uni/mackerel/sweet shrimp/salmon---and it is a work of art.
I am coming back, next time I am in the area! -
Review from Barbara H.
San Jose, CA
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
I am one lucky mom. My grown children took me to Mother's Day dinner at Akaoni. It is a small place on Mission (just beyond Cayen- my least favorite jewelers in Carmel - but that is another review yet-to-be-written). We were a large party for Akaoni. They had a table right along the front window waiting for us. The decor is simple - the sushi is fabulous. We ordered a lot - and there was not a single item on the menu that disappointed us. If you are looking for the quintessential romantic Carmel dining-by-candlelight experience, this is not your restaurant. BUT if romance to you is great sushi - this is the place!
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Review from Bill H.
San Jose, CA
5/13/2012
Mother's Day - dinner for 5. Restaurant seats 28. Excellent fresh sushi and sashimi, Funny Bay oysters with a delicious soy vinaigrette, great chef special sashimi and sushi plates, soft shelled crab rolls and appetizer. Monk fish liver and spicy tuna roll were delicious. Recommend to sit at the sushi bar seats.
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Review from Charles B.
Monterey, CA
Updated - 4/28/2012
Horrible. Simply horrible.
We loved the food here the past two times, but found the main sushi chef (is he the owner?) to not be personable and a bit rude.
Tonight we showed up at 5:45 to find it mostly empty. They had tables reserved for 6:30 and would not seat us. The reason according to the chef? "I'm really busy. I don't have time."
Guess what, we don't have time for your horrible business any more. Thanks but no thanks.
By the way, last week we were chatting with a Japanese local who said that she also avoids Akaoni due to the chef being rude. Until people quit going, he isn't going to change.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/4/2011
Fun little sushi place near the start of Carmel (when you are coming from Highway 1). This place… Read more »
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Review from Patrick R.
Houston, TX
3/20/2012
This is the most authentic Japanese sushi I've had since I lived in Tokyo. No cream cheese, no jalapenos, just the natural flavors of high-quality fish, wasabi and rice, made the way they do it in Japan. Carmel has a hidden treasure in this little place.
Those giving this restaurant bad reviews wouldn't know good sushi if it slapped them across the face like a wet tuna. Please go to Sushi Heaven and leave this place for people who can enjoy the cuisine. -
Review from Irving L.
Nashville, TN
5/20/2012
If what you want is good sushi in Carmel...go! Very small understated restaurant in Carmel (again, understated). We had flown in earlier that day and wanted a light dinner, nothing fancy. The sushi is incredibly fresh, and well-prepared, and the price was more than fair for what we got . Bottom line, I'll definitely return again when I'm wanting sushi in Carmel. Five stars for food, four stars for ambiance.
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Review from Caroline J.
Santa Monica, CA
3/21/2012
The best sushi I've ever had. My daughter, who's been to many many more sushi restaurants than I thinks it's the best too.
You've never had the most perfectly made sushi ever.
The chef/owner is a joy to watch.
I hope we can go again tomorrow night. -
Review from Adam S.
Carmel, CA
4/14/2012
Best sushi I've had in California, and maybe even the entire US; comes close to what I experience in Tokyo. A great surprise.
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Review from Brittany S.
Monterey, CA
1/7/2012
Amazing quality Japanese cuisine.
This is not a sushi place nor a place for happy hour sake bombs, people yelling at you as you walk through the door and Crazy sauces on made up rolls.
He is truly a skilled chef and I get the feeling he doesn't care too much to have the place packed and make a bunch of money. If a table is reserved he won't seat you which I find admirable.
Make a reservation, be respectful, prepare to drop some money, don't expect anything but authentic Japanese food and don't ruin the quality with a bunch of soy sauce. -
Review from Rod T.
Los Gatos, CA
12/22/2011
Authentic magnificent fresh sushi prepared by a Japanese Chef. Akaoni is a true gem of a restaurant.
I've eaten at countless Sushi Restaurants, Akaoni is at the top of my list.
If you need the "Commercial Sushi Experience" with floating boats and jolly screaming wanna-be Sushi Chefs this is probably not the place for you. -
Review from Neil E.
Monterey, CA
10/16/2011 2 photos
Have only tried one other sushi restaurant on the peninsula - was not overly impressed. So when I had the craving again, I wanted to see what Carmel had to offer. I arbitrarily selected Akaoni from the short list I found on Yelp. My criteria for selection was at least 4 stars and a somewhat sizable number of reviews rather than just a few.
I was glad I found this restaurant. It is small restaurant. If you've been to Japan, it kind of reminds you of an isakaya. When I entered, the hostess asked if I had a reservation - unfortunately I didn't. But, she seated me nonetheless at the end of a table by the front window. Service was good, can't complain. I was able to converse with the hostess in Japanese and I ordered chirashi along with magura (tuna), sake (salmon), and unagi (eel). When I received my order the presentation was simple and neat. Most importantly, it tasted good!
[She had asked how I knew Japanese and I told her that I used to be stationed in Japan.] Will come back here again and this time with reservations! -
Review from Nome S.
Marina, CA
11/14/2011
WARNING this is a Japanese restaurant and NOT a fake Japanese food trough with sauces that overwhelm the taste buds.
I requested the chef for a Omakase as it was my birthday.
Got a bottle of great Junmie Digingo sake made by Kubota in the Niigata prefecture. Really good stuff, clean, dry and short finish. Soon the procession began.
Oyster was the first course and it was sublime. The flavors and presentation was so on point. The chef made a course of fresh Tofu that was creamy and out of this world. Salmon skin. Head on Shrimp. Tuna Sashimi. ......I have to say the knife skills of the chef was so good. Sashimi was cut to show case the fish and the quality was very good.
Surprising that he could do such a good job here in Carmel and not in San Fran or LA. How did he get such quality fish? The Chef is reserved and not your garden verity clown cook who yells or sounds a drum or worse makes all his employees say silly words.
Again please do NOT go to Akaoni if u want a spicy tuna roll or California roll. If u want to throw a sake shot into your beer then Akaoni may not be the place for you. If you like Japanese food and want to try a Superb place without paying through your nose or if you want New York Times 3 star quality food with out going to New York ( as I lived, breathed and dined in the city for 15 years ).
Respect the ingredients. -
Review from Mike F.
Pebble Beach, CA
12/12/2011
Well we tried to like it. John, my son loves sushi. He has had them all in Monterey and between us we have it once or twice a week.
Our least favorite is here. No connection with the chefs, lousy service, and the food was just plain strange. John and I ordered 3-4 different rolls and we did think they were even edible.
We did not order any more rolls, paid the bill then went to Sushi Heaven.......ah......sushi at last!
For us........stay away......even Yama Sushi is far superior to this place. Expensive. It should not be here long. -
Review from Amy N.
6/20/2011
This place was really good. It doesn't surpass some other fantastic sushi restaurants I've been to, but considering how small the restaurant is the selection was fantastic. If I lived nearby it would be my go-to sushi splurge place.
I knew I wanted to try Akaoni but didn't know what my schedule would be like in Carmel. So I wandered by and checked out the menu. Looked good. Inside... some open but reserved spots... and a couple that was looking at the menu with me just scored 2 spots at the sushi bar, so long as they finished by a certain time.
I was ready to order something to go when the couple was told they couldn't have noodles at the sushi bar. They couldn't move to a table either, since it was reserved. So they decided to leave. Internally, I was shaking my head at them. Why leave when you can just order sushi? Maybe they wanted hot food? Oh well, SCORE FOR ME! I got to eat at the sushi bar!
I've read other reviews about the chef being rude or cold. I disagree. He's not sociable or outwardly friendly. He's focused on making sushi and helping run the restaurant, which only has 1-2 servers. The couple next to me and a group that walked in knew each other. The couple complimented the chef a lot, he was grateful. The group was excited about dinner, some telling companions how good the restaurant was. Then one guy went over to the couple and started chatting. He was right behind me and kinda in my space. I figured he wouldn't be there long, but as he lingered, the chef told him firmly to sit down because "a lady is trying to eat here".
I felt very taken care of at that point and thanked the chef.
The food! You get a small prepared veggie dish to start (everyone gets it). I wanted some hot miso soup for the cold weather, but I'd been staring at the fish while waiting to order, so that went out the window in favor of the smallest omakase. I think it was 12 nigiri? They were all excellent. Fish was fresh, and the tamago was stamped with some Japanese. This was the good stuff.
The smallest omakase doesn't have some of the higher end fish, but i didn't think I could eat more and get the super fresh uni I'd been eyeing since I sat down.
The uni. Oh my stars the uni.
So fresh and sweet. None of that bitter aftertaste, or even intense briney aftertaste of lesser uni. Just close-your-eyes-and-lean-back deliciousness.
Check out the specials on the sushi board, as there was a lot I wanted to get off of that, too. Don't go expecting the kind of super-friendly attentive service you get from, say, a place where the help really wants your tip. Just go for really good sushi. Best meal I had in the area. -
Review from M. W.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
8/1/2011
Excellent old school Sushi place! Simple menu, no fusion BS and the service while not totally personable is adequate.
We made reservations for 7:15 and upon arrival at that time are table was ready & waiting. Drink orders were taking promptly, followed by food orders and then the food starting making its way to the table in a fairly proficient time frame.
The sushi/sashimi is why this place is in business and it NEVER falters when it comes to delivering exquisite, fresh, mouth-watering slices of your favorite fish. -
Review from Kari S.
3/21/2011
I haven't traveled the Seven Seas or even stepped foot in Japan and by no means am I a sushi expert. In fact I don't even like sushi all that much. I go with friends because everyone in California seems to have a major hard on for sushi.
I have eaten more bad sushi than I care to remember. So far in my life I can count the total number of times I have had really good sushi on one hand: once at Kitsho in Cupertino, again at Wazuzu in the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas (where I had the sweetest most delicious uni ever in the desert!), and now at Akaoni in Carmel.
After having sushi at Akaoni I have come to the following realization: my friends who love sushi will probably eat anything and I was right to not like it! In fact, I once dated a guy who had a friend who told him that me not liking sushi should be a major deal breaker. To that 'old acquaintance' I say, "Screw off with your bad sushi. You have no taste Sir. I have tasted heaven at Akaoni. I get it now. I love good sushi."
Normally I can stomach a few pieces of fatty tuna sashimi and then I'm on to rolls. At Akaoni I was a sashimi eating maniac. Everything was so fresh that no wasabi or soy was even needed! We had uni nigiri, maguro, toro, and the best sashimi of the night was the red snapper (also the best sashimi of my life so far). We also dined on the fried tofu appetizer, daikon steamed with chicken broth, we finished with some broiled mackerel...and then of course the obligatory tea and green tea ice cream. I'm looking forward to my next visit with much anticipation. Thank you Akaoni for turning me into a bona fide sushi lover and for making me realize I should trust my own taste buds and not the pretentious sushi whores in my social network. I know what's up.Listed in: Want
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Review from Nique F.
4/3/2011
"HIs job is to make the best sushi, not to make friends" noted a fellow diner, who had driven from Santa Cruz to feast at Akaoni. Apparently, the chef/ owner is an absolute rock star on the sushi scene, but isn't big on smiles. Trust me, the food is totally worth the straight-faced service. This is serious sushi.
You don't have to pretend you're in Japan here...you basically are. The restaurant is tiny, 25 seats total. It's very quiet and intimate, a whispered noise level. The menu is written in Japanese with loose English translations, so be adventurous and order anything with a "chef's selection". We asked the locals what was best and ended up with most of the daily specials - spanish mackerel, fresh crab roll, black seaweed salad with homemade tofu. Everything was fab. It's amazing how the scariest looking piece of fish can taste like butter when prepped by a pro. He even cooked our mackerel bones after we finished and turned them into a crispy snack. Whoa, that was a first.
Everyone gets a complimentary scoop of green tea ice cream, which is even better than a smile in my book! Thanks for keeping it real, Akaoni. -
Review from Matt G.
Big Sur, CA
2/3/2011
The Best.
Turn off your cell phones, act respectfully, and appreciate the art that is being shared with you.
This is NOT a California roll, sake bomb, Japan-o-merican joint with quirky rolls and stupid specials. This is real Japanese cuisine.
If you're from LA looking to create your own menu, go back to LA and create your own menu.
Make sure to look at the special board.
The Best... -
Review from surai j.
3/8/2011
Wow, #2 rated resturanted in all of Carmel on tripadvisor.... really? There's many things to be in awe of in this part of Cali but the food on this entire peninsula has disappointed me time and time.
The sushi is edible, tofu was the highlight. Service is stiff as the Carmel crowd, very elitest and unfriendly towards visitors. The 2 second stare and then turned head in opposite direction, could you get any more rude?
There should be a sign that says, "Locals Only". -
Review from Chris T.
San Francisco, CA
2/20/2012
Excellent sashimi- very fresh fish. Lunch for 2, including tip, was $22. Great food for a great price.
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Review from O. G.
Laguna Beach, CA
12/29/2010
After reading the glowing reviews here and elsewhere about the food here we were really looking forward to it. Many reviews mentioned vegetarian options so we weren't worried about the veg-heads in the party.
I knew we were in trouble the minute we walked in. The tiny place was only half full. The chef looked up at us like he was going to throw the knife at us and the hurried server glanced at us like we were lepers. We were well dressed and I checked to make sure my fly wasn't open.
The vibe was just thick. Kind of a "this place is for a handful of local regulars and we don't want or need your business kinda vibe". Against my gut feeling, we sat down and looked at the menu. When the unsmiling server came over we had the audacity to ask about vegetarian options. There was no seaweed salad and only one veg roll. When we asked if we could customize some rolls we were told no. There was a language barrier and all answers were yes and no. I take that back, all answers were just NO. NO we dont want your business. NO we won't make you anything to eat even if we have all the ingredients right in front of us. No, no, no.
I looked at my friends and I didn't even have to ask...Do we want to stay here we are not welcome or wanted? The answer was clear...NO. -
Review from Julie B.
Camarillo, CA
11/10/2011
Excellent! It's very small, but there was no wait on a Thursday night. The menu is limited, you won't find a ton of wacky, trendy rolls. Everything is very fresh, the presentation is beautiful, and the service was great. The miso soup with the homemade tofu was delicious and had a more complex flavor than the typical stuff I've had. And the spicy tuna roll was easily the best I've ever had. I also tried the soft shell crab roll, but I wasn't crazy about it, it was a little too oily and heavy for my taste. Altogether a fantastic meal!
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Review from Ashley C.
Dallas, TX
9/5/2011
Small and cozy restaurant. The bf and I stopped in for lunch. We were looking for a not-too-touristy place to eat as they tend to make for an overpriced and laborious mealtime experience.
The menu posted out front drew us in and the prices seemed reasonable, even less expensive than some of the Japanese fare we find back at home in Texas.
We wanted to warm up and fill up, so we ordered a bowl of udon and a bento box. Both items were under $10 each and definitely hit the spot. Bento came with the main portion (pork katsu in my case), miso soup, small house salad, two pieces each of tuna roll, cucumber roll, and spicy tuna roll. The udon broth was light and flavorful.
We also decided to splurge and ordered the blue fin tune sashimi. For $16, we enjoyed a plate of meaty tuna goodness, I think it was six pieces on the plate.
If I lived in Carmel, I would be tempted to eat here daily. It's a small restaurant but has a well rounded selection of dishes and a large specials board, offering the freshest fish of the day. -
Review from Chris D.
Pleasant Hill, CA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Once we found this little gem, our trips to carmel are no longer complete without a stop at this sushi joint! The place is small, nestled in with the heart of downtown carmel, keep your eye out for this place as you may drive by it many times and not even know it like I did the first time I came here but once found you have now entered through the gates of sushi heaven my friend as this is one of the BEST I have encountered.
There sashimi platters are amazing, hand picked by the chef, 18-22 pieces for around $25 for the more pricey plate often features common names such as salmon and hamachi, but also can contain others that are not so common such as amber-jack but oh so good! Space is limited so reservations is usually a must for Fri/Sat nights for table. -
Review from Honey O.
Tarzana, CA
11/4/2011
I want to give them 4 or 5 stars because the food was great.. but as you can see I'm giving them 3 stars because of the not so great service..
The waitress was nothing close to friendly or welcoming. She will never even smile. It took 15-20 minutes for us to get our drinks, which also means that's how long it took for us to even place our orders. It took a while to get our orders too, so if you're not in the mood for spending hours here, you might want to go somewhere else. I was speaking in English to her first and then thought, "Maybe if I spoke in Japanese she'll become friendlier?" since I could tell she was also Japanese. But it made no difference.
Yet I do have to say everything there was fresh and left my taste buds satisfied (thank God). I recommend their Spanish mackerel. If you're willing to spend lots of money and don't care so much about getting good service, then yes, get some sushi here. -
Review from Karen M.
Pomona, CA
3/22/2011
Likes: I used to go here years ago so I'm not sure how it is now, but back then it was this small cozy place with good sushi and green tea ice cream.
Dislikes: I remember finding it was never that simple. or maybe I'm just bad with directions. -
Review from Tuny C.
Canoga Park, CA
8/18/2010
I've been to this place at least a dozen times within the past year. None of the entrees in this restaurant has ever "meh-ed" me--everything seems to melt in my mouth! The fish is very fresh and the server(s) are very quick.
I order the aji (spanish mackerel) and hamachi and green onion roll every visit, along with a few new things every time. The hamachi is very creamy (tastes like fatty yellowtail) and grounded. But nothing beats aji, hands down. Shinichi (the chef) also fries the rest of the aji for you~!
The soft shell crab roll is great too! I've been fortunate and have received very huge pincers every time I've ordered it. It's huge though and I usually have to eat it in like three bites. I also recommend the sweet shrimp!
If you like your oysters drenched in lime and soy sauce and garnished with roe and green onion, do order the Fanny Bay and Miyagi oysters when it is on the special.
Oh and they serve good hot tea--I believe it is Genmai cha? (hoping someone confirms this for me)
Unfortunately, the ebi-q, shrimp tempura, and salmon skin are okay rolls. Not meh, but I definitely wouldn't order it again (would rather order more aji).
A few things to keep in mind though. This place gets packed easily so definitely make a reservation. There's also only one chef. Also, the restaurant doesn't have a sign so keep your eyes peeled! But it is definitely worth the trip! -
Review from David R.
Monterey, CA
11/18/2011
Brusk service, but then, you don't eat service. Simply the best Japanese food in the area. Lunch, in particular, is excellent value.
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Review from Shiho F.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Last Night's Dinner
* CA Roll with Dungeness Crab
* Monterey Spot Prawns Sashimi Style (MY FAVE)
* Fried Heads !!! from Spot Prawns (MY 2nd FAVE)
* Asari no Bata aka Steamed Clams in Garlic Butter
*Teba Shioyaki aka Grilled Chciken Wings Lightly Salted
*Karei no Shioyaki aka Sole - Grilled and Lightly Salted
(I heart karaage style too)
*Edamame to start & Homemade Agedashi Tofu too!
3 Large Bottle of Japanese Beiru (my Mom drank them)
Glass of Pinot (for her)
And I stick to my usual sake - Otokoyama served chilled
Always a 5 star experience!Listed in: Best of the 831, The Monterey Diet, Best Places to get Snacks
7 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/3/2010
Great lunch Sunday with the 2 men that I live with (wow that sounds kind of hot, just kidding).… Read more »
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Review from Kristina R.
San Francisco, CA
8/18/2006 1 photo
You will not find too many sushi restaurants in Carmel, and this one isn't bad considering the short list of choices you have in the way of Japanese cuisine.
It's a small restaurant. Some would call it "cozy." I call it slightly claustrophobic. But the ambiance is nice and the people are friendly.
If you're dying for sushi, and don't want to drive outside of your quaint little vacation spot, this is your place!Listed in: The Monterey Peninsula Part…
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Review from Clyde R.
Carmel by the Sea, CA
6/13/2009
A Day in My Life. Theme - Getting over Jet Lag, Part 5
Ell and I got back to Carmel around 4:00 PM. I did some house chores and fought the urge to sleep. I wanted to eat at Akaoni at 5:30 PM, which is when they open on the weekdays.
Akaoni, for me, is about sushi and sake. They offer the best sushi in Carmel, better than Hanagasa, Robata, and Sushi Heaven. It's a small restaurant at the corner of Mission and 5th Streets in Carmel. They only have 25 seats in the restaurant (3 x 4 tops, 1 x 6 top and 7 seats at the sushi counter). Even though Akaoni offers various kinds of donburi, udon, tempura, and so on, it's the sushi that I truly appreciate here and the excellent selection of Japanese sake.
I ordered the chirashi zushi which featured plentiful slices of fresh halibut, maguro, salmon, yellow tail, octopus, spicy tuna, clam and a raw prawn over sushi rice in a black lacquer box. It was garnished with shiso and shredded daikon and wasabi with a heaping clump of gari (pickled ginger) tucked away in a corner of the box.
It was great and went well with a hot chuubin of Nihonshu.
After finishing dinner, all was right with the world.
I was ready to meet my friend, Patrick, at Il Fornaio for early evening drinks. -
Review from Anita L.
9/4/2008 5 photos
It took us a while to find this place. I didn't realize that a lot of restaurants and businesses in Carmel don't necessarily have an address with a number in it. It tells you it's at the corner of Mission and 6th Street and I guess it's your job to look for it in the vicinity.
We eventually found it and went inside. It was very small and we were the first customers in there. We decided to sit at the sushi bar. The sushi chef and the other 2 staff seemed really flustered. After our drink order was taking I asked the chef if he had omakase. He responded with "first customers no omakase". Hubby and I looked at one another really perplexed. Did he mean the first customers through the door or did he mean first time customers? What is the logic in that?
I perused the menu for a while and then asked him the question on my mind.... First customers through the door or what? He said "I don't do omakase for first time customers, maybe after few times". He then said that he doesn't know the customers' taste so he doesn't do omakase.
I took a deep sigh. I felt that the fact that I asked for omakase meant I was willing to try everything. I've never had an experience like this before. Usually, even as first time customers at a restaurant requesting omakase, the chef will ask us if we eat everything and if there are things we don't like and then go ahead with the omakase. I just found it really weird that this chef was so abrupt with regards to not serving us omakase.
I decided to just order. We started off with some hamachi and kampachi. I also ordered items off the specials board: homemade tofu, toro, mirugai, fresh scallops and red snapper which was supposedly imported from Japan. I also ordered some vegetable tempura for the young man, as well as some miso soup.
The first to hit our plates were the hamachi and kampachi. The fish was very fresh with nice flavors. I especially liked the kampachi because it had a really good texture. Mirugai was crunchy and toro just melted in the mouth. What really blew us away were the fresh scallops. We ended up getting 2 orders of these. The 'lips' of the scallops were tossed together with julienned zucchini and squash and presented to us on jumbo scallop shells. It was really nice that they found a way to use the scallop 'lips' and not waste it as it is just as flavorful as the scallop itself and has great texture.
The imported red snapper had a nice chew factor and the chef seasoned it so we didn't need to dip it into the soy sauce. Since I'm a huge fan of uni I got some of that too -- very creamy with tons of umami. I had 3 pieces of this.
The home made tofu arrived in a little hotpot style pot and bowls of seasoned soy with scallions were given to us. The chef then scooped the delicate tofu into the bowls and presented it to us. It was the most amazing tofu I've ever had. It was soft and smooth and almost broke apart upon touch. Very impressive.
I then saw something being brought out of the kitchen and asked the chef what it was. He said it was hijiki (seaweed) cooked with carrots and tofu. We said we'll have some. It was cooked with mirin and because it wasn't overly seasoned, the natural flavors of the hijiki was very apparent. I liked how these items weren't readily found in restaurants we're accustomed to.
In terms of quality I'd say it is really in line with that of Ikko or Murasaki, however, there isn't a lot of variety. I asked the chef if there was anything else we'd not tried and he said 'halibut' so we tried that too. I enjoyed it. In fact, I enjoyed everything we had. I asked if he had amaebi and he said it was frozen. I appreciated that he was up front about that. I passed.
Apart from the lackluster personality of the sushi chef, I'd say the food experience was definitely stellar. Our meal came to $112 before tip -- hubby had a beer -- so it wasn't too expensive for the quality we received. I highly recommend it for those who love great sushi.... Just don't expect banter from the staff and you'll be just fine. -
Review from Aaron I.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2009
5+++++
There is something about simplicity in Japanese food that distinctly makes its quality the essence of....wow what the hell i'm i writing. That was a surreal moment. Akaoni is one of the the best muthaf**in sushi restuarants in the Western Hemisphere. I usually judge a sushi place, by my main sushi staple checklist, tai, kanpachi, uni and toro.
Does is melt in your mouth? yes
Smoothness? yes
Other contaminate flavors other than the fish? no
Is it too fishy? no
Is it cut to perfection? yes
What other exotic fish do they have? yes
It was all there, Akaoni is truly a 5. The quality of the food is just amazing, mmmmmmm!!!!!!!! And this is why i'm a bad reviewer. I can't even describe how good it was. -
Review from Sasitorn S.
San Francisco, CA
2/15/2010 1 photo
Visited this place for our pre-Valentine day on FB 13. At first, we went all the way from SF to Big Sur for our camping on last weekend. And then we decided to celebrate our special time at this restaurant cuz this place wasn't far from the campground we were about 30 mins driving.
Before we visited, we did reservation a week ahead cuz we heard it wasn't easy to walk-in to this place. When we there, we were a bit early for our appointment we tried if we could get a seat before our time but No.., so we hung out other place for a drink then we back here again...Sounds too much to get in but I would say it was well worth effort it.
Our Chef's sashimi selection was awesome, fresh and really tasty.
Sushi rolls was great.
My sake drink was good and i enjoyed it.
If you like saba, order it, this place has well balanced. I had never tasted any places that as good as this one.
Friendly service.
In the end, I understand why people love this restaurant. Highly recommended. -
Review from Garapaccho K.
Chula Vista, CA
7/14/2011
Food was good but very bad customer service. I would've given 5 stars if the customer service was OK.
If you wanna get some good sushi, you can go to this restaurant but I would suggest not to talk to anybody working here, especially sushi chef....they will just make you feel disappointed. -
Review from Julia H.
Milpitas, CA
2/23/2010
So being surrounded by fish all day and the ocean breeze, I was craving Japanese fiercely. Looking at the handy dandy map our b&b gave us, we peered for minutes to find something that would fit the bill.
Akaoni turned out to be our restaurant and oh what a fine choice we made.
We had a bit of an adventure trying to find the restaurant on foot. Looked round and round in the area before someone was kind enough to lead us there.
When we got in and sat down, I was starving! I wanted to order the entire menu but I showed some restraint. I only ordered a quarter of it. I ordered the Unagi Roll, Rainbow Roll, NegiHama roll, Tuna Sashimi, Fried soft shell crab, broiled yellowfish with teriyaki sauce. BF washed it down with some Asahi beer while I drank chilled Otokoyama Daiginjo. Mmm.
We relished every bite until we were too full to eat any more and then had more pieces.
This restaurant is small but absolutely delicious. My favorite restaurant of the trip so far! I totally recommend this to anyone who's going to Carmel to check it out!Listed in: Uwa! Oishii!!!, Romancing in Carmel
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Review from David H.
Oakland, CA
8/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Any sushi house that doesn't have late night service doesn't' rate very high in my book. Closes at 9pm on Weekends. LAMO!
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Review from T L.
Fremont, CA
7/6/2011
Service was terrible. Very elitist and they really don't care if you want to be there. I'm sure the food is good if you will just let us try it!
Went over to the restaurant on Sat ~6pm. Waitress rudely stared at us when we came in then asked if we had reservation. We didn't then she promptly ignored us walking away and said there's no more space for the rest of the night. I see a couple spaces but oh wells.
Sunday night we figured it'll be less busy and tried our luck again. At 6pm the restaurant was half-empty with 4 tables and bar open. We said hi and immediately got the same ice cold treatment. No reservation? We're sold out for the night. I stood in shock looking at the empty tables all around me. Are you kidding?!
Luckily Sushi Heaven is a few blocks over with excellent food. I would go there instead of dealing with these stuck up ppl.
