AKI

Aki Restaurant in Valletta is a fantastic spot with great atmosphere and excellent food, beautifully prepared and full of flavor. Special thanks to Nancyroy, Andy, and Albin for their outstanding service – friendly, attentive, and truly professional. A highly recommended dining experience in the heart of Valletta.

I had an amazing experience at Aki on 09/05/2025! We had to push back our reservation time many times due to our transportation not knowing where the restraunt was located in Valletta but the booking personnel was very understanding and kind. We were greeted by a lovely woman at the entrance who showed us to our seats. They had a beautiful bar and dining area, which provided a wonderful ambience. Although the dining area was dark, it provided an fantastic vibe that was Instagram worthy! The restraunt and food on a whole show cased a Japanese inspired fine dining experience. Once seated we were then served by a fabulous waiter/host called Asanka. He was very professional, funny and kind. He was also very patient with us when he explained and described the different food and drinks on the menu. I dined with my sister and a friend and we can all agree that Asanka made our experience at Aki a night to remember! The food was out of this world and the drinks were divine. Unfortunately, I dont remember the names of dishes we ate (photos below). But, if I ever return to Malta and dine at Aki again, I hope Asanka will be there to provide another 10/10 experience.

AKI Malta delivered an incredible dining experience. The atmosphere and overall vibe were amazing, stylish, modern, and lively. I especially enjoyed the live DJ playing during my visit, which added a great energy to the night. The staff uniforms were sleek and elegant, giving a classy touch and setting the tone for a special evening. The food was top-notch. The salmon, in particular, was cooked to perfection. They also offer a wide variety of unique and creative cocktails. One that stood out was the "Sushi Cocktail", truly remarkable and unlike anything I’ve tried before. Would definitely visit again if I get the chance. Highly recommended!

We had a last minute dinner with friends and the restaurant manager to arrange a table for us 5. The food was great, we mainly had sushi. The only dish we didn’t like was the tuna tartare. Overall friendly staff and good food.

Had a wonderful experience at AKI in Malta! The food was absolutely delicious and the atmosphere was amazing. I’m not a big drinker but decided to order a cocktail — it wasn’t really to my taste (completely down to my choice, nothing to do with the restaurant), so I wasn’t going to say anything. However, the staff were so attentive that they noticed I wasn’t drinking it. One of the bartenders came over to check in. Even after I explained that it was just my preference, he kindly insisted on changing it for me. The second cocktail he made was honestly the best I’ve ever had — and they didn’t even charge me for it! The service was outstanding, with multiple staff members checking in throughout the evening and making sure I was well looked after. Huge thanks especially to Asanka for going above and beyond! Amazing food, drinks, vibes, and the kindest staff. I definitely recommend visiting AKi when in Malta - you won’t be disappointed!

A Hidden Gem of Japanese Excellence in the Heart of Malta – Aki’s Restaurant From the moment we stepped into Aki’s Restaurant, it was clear we were in for something special. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Malta, this Michelin-starred Japanese haven effortlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Japanese hospitality, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. We began our culinary journey with the Harumaki of Salmon, a beautifully delicate dish that set the tone for the evening. The crispy spring rolls were perfectly executed, with the richness of the salmon balanced by subtle seasoning and a touch of citrus that added a refreshing zing. Next came the Rock Shrimp Tempura, which was nothing short of a revelation. Light, crispy, and incredibly moreish, each bite of shrimp was coated in a feather-light batter and served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that brought the whole dish to life. A must-try for any lover of Japanese cuisine. The Karaage Chicken was equally impressive. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, the chicken was marinated to perfection and fried to a golden crisp. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet heights, and every bite was packed with savory satisfaction. Finally, we enjoyed the Gohan Prawn, a rice dish that offered a warm, hearty close to the meal. The prawns were plump and perfectly cooked, nestled atop fluffy, well-seasoned rice. It was simple, honest, and incredibly satisfying—a testament to the quality of ingredients and expert preparation. Service throughout the afternoon was impeccable—attentive yet unobtrusive—and the staff were happy to offer pairing suggestions and guide us through the menu. Aki’s Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Japanese cuisine or a curious newcomer, this spot delivers on every level. A true gem in Malta’s culinary scene and deserving of every bit of its Michelin recognition.

Amazing food, sharing menu great taster of all specialties, fantastic atmosphere with open kitchen to view chefs techniques, seating optional directly in front of kitchen, cocktails impressive and great selection, fish fresh and meat grilled to perfection ✨

Everything was perfect! Very nice indian waitress, fast service, delicious food, good selection of japaneese fusion! The one thing that could improve the experience for us was to reduce the music 2-3 notches.

It was a delight. Chefs take pride in what they serve, waiters attention is excellent, the overall vibe is great. Rishabh was great, I really appreciated his mannerism. As we had ordered the tasting menu we had a lot of dishes, each distinct, with unique flavours, and just quality ingredients. He never rushed us, on the contrary, he asked if he should wait a bit for the next dish, which we really did. He understands his customers. Definitely recommend Aki! And try their wild cocktails too!

Simply amazing a very good palate to your mouth and soul you can give by having your lunch or dinner here and had really good meal everything was really delicious and the service was extraordinary SIDDHARTH is really good at his skills and a very nice person amazing service team, except one thing the girl disturbed us while we were having food that BY WHAT NAME DID YOU RESERVE THE TABLE which was not needed as we were already having our food lol 😅

Amazing food and service. Tempura shrimps, wagyu udon rice, octopus skewers, karaage chicken, etc…all was amazing. We were left speechless.

I've been here with my friend and we ordered a lot of small dishes. Even though something went wrong with our reservation (most probably my friend forgot to finish the request) we were asked to wait on a comfy couch for like 5-10 minutes and we were invited to take a table outside, exactly how we wanted. The food was amazing, the waiter was very polite and always checking on our needs, giving toughtfull recommendations. Overall amazing! They also have a variety of cocktails that I truly recommend trying.

I had a wonderful lunch at AKI Malta, and it was truly a memorable experience. The restaurant offers a modern and elegant ambiance, perfect for enjoying high-quality Japanese cuisine. The food was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Each dish was crafted with great attention to detail, making every bite a delight. A special thank you to Amara for his excellent service! He was attentive, friendly, and ensured everything was perfect throughout my meal. His warm and professional approach made the experience even better.

Amazing place. Of course the prices are high, but totally deserved for the service and the food quality. Recommended!

A delicious Japanese restaurant with a wide range of options on the menu. The highlights were the soft shell crab bao buns, duck spring rolls and kaarange chicken. The sushi platter was great too with excellent variety. Asanka was our waiter and really looked after us.

Amazing dinner at AKI. Appreciate the creativity of the food. Service was immaculate. Staff are polite, knowledgeable and helpful. A shoutout to Andy our waiter. He suggested us good local wine and the food combination. Thank you Andy, keep up the great work.

Everything was perfect! The place is stunning and elegant. The food was fresh, delicious and they all have well-groomed appearance. The staff is polite, kind, helpful and they take care for you- if your glass of wine is empty, they will serve you. Also, they have very special cocktails that you should try. This place is worth it and I recommend it for sure!

This evening I had the pleasure of dining at AKI, a contemporary Japanese restaurant and lounge bar nestled in the heart of Valletta. From the moment we arrived, Andy, our server for the evening, ensured that my friends and I felt exceptionally welcomed and attended to. His professionalism, kindness, and helpfulness were evident throughout the night, enhancing our overall dining experience.  The restaurant’s ambience is both modern and inviting, with sleek décor and soft lighting that creates a relaxing atmosphere. The open kitchen concept allows diners to observe the chefs meticulously preparing Asian-inspired dishes, adding an interactive element to the meal.   The menu at AKI offers a contemporary approach to Japanese cuisine, featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and other delectable dishes. Each plate was a testament to the chefs’ dedication to quality and presentation. Complementing the exquisite food is an impressive selection of cocktails. The lounge bar provides the perfect setting to unwind, with music and sophisticated décor enhancing the experience.  I will be attaching photos and videos to this review to showcase the culinary delights and the elegant ambience that AKI offers. Overall, AKI provides a professional and memorable dining experience in Valletta. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking high-quality Japanese cuisine paired with exceptional service.

No words to describe the experience we had at this restaurant. We made a reservation here for my birthday dinner and I was not disappointed at all. We tried a bit of everything because we couldn’t get enough of the amazing flavors. The drinks were exceptional, the food as well and the service impeccable. Would definitely come back here if we are ever in Malta again. Couldn’t have picked a better restaurant for my birthday dinner. 10/10, thank you😊

Lovely food and atmosphere and service . We ordered items to share and everything was great . Had a lovely cocktail too .. which looked different :) yep still enjoyed it 🙃

The ambiance here is fantastic! It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner date. And if you’re in the mood for an outing, they have a great selection of sushi on the menu. The food is cooked to perfection, and the staff is friendly. However, they could improve their attention to detail when serving customers. Overall, I highly recommend this place when you’re in Malta.

I recently visited Aki Restaurant in Valletta with a group of friends, and it was an amazing experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is stylish and modern, with a warm and welcoming vibe that’s perfect for both groups and special occasions. The menu offers a fantastic selection of Japanese-inspired dishes with a creative twist. We shared several plates, and each one was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The sushi was incredibly fresh, and the cocktails were crafted to perfection — definitely worth trying! What really stood out was the excellent service. The staff were attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed without being intrusive. It made the evening feel extra special. We left feeling very satisfied and already talking about coming back. If you’re looking for a place in Malta to enjoy high-quality food, a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere, and great company, Aki is definitely a top choice. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We finally tried out Aki for our anniversary. Asanka was highly attentive and we really appreciated his inputs on menu choices. The food was excellent and so were the drinks. It was worth the wait but we won't be waiting so long to try it again!

Almost 4 years ago, we had one of our very first dates at AKI in Valletta. We had only known each other for two weeks, everything felt new, exciting and full of possibility. That night didn’t just stay at the restaurant. We walked through Valletta and stopped by the fountain, where he covered my eyes and said, “Imagine we go to Thailand…” And we did. That moment became part of our story. Yesterday, we came back to AKI. Four years later. And it felt like stepping right back into the beginning, just with a deeper kind of love. The food is still incredible. The Wagyu experience is something special, and the drinks are honestly a story on their own, creative, playful and memorable in a way that makes the whole evening feel like an experience rather than just dinner. What I love about AKI is that it feels high quality without feeling stiff or overly posh. It has energy, warmth and atmosphere, making it easy to relax and just enjoy the moment. If I should mention one small thing, the music can get a bit loud as the evening builds closer to 21:00, but that really comes down to personal preference. For us, AKI will always be more than just a restaurant. It is part of where our story began, and coming back reminded us that everything we felt back then is still here. More in love than ever 🤍

We stumbled upon this amazing restaurant during a recent short trip to Malta, and what a discovery it was! While it’s not a budget option, the experience offers tremendous value if you’re looking for something memorable and special. The food was absolutely excellent, and the establishment is clearly run with great professionalism and attention to detail. We enjoyed both lunch and dinner here—each meal was superb. If you visit, come hungry and ready to be impressed. Highly recommended for a celebration, a romantic evening, or whenever you want to treat yourself to outstanding cuisine in Malta.

Great dinner at AKI! I went with my colleagues for a company dinner, and the sushi was very good , made with really fresh ingredients. Personally, I’d have preferred lighter sauces (or fewer of them) to better appreciate the taste of the fish. They have a solid wine list and good cocktail options too. It’s a great spot for both dates and business dinners.

Came here last year for my birthday dinner and had a lovely time. The service was a little slow but the server was very nice. Highly recommend the Wagyu Gohan and the Cured Duck Breast👌🏾don’t get the mochi dessert, tasted like sand!

Beautiful sushi restaurant with a great atmosphere and friendly staff. Overall, the food was good, but some dishes had very intense flavours, which for me were a bit overpowering and took away from the overall enjoyment. The soft shell crab boa bun came with an entire deep fried crab- not quite what I expected, and while the flavour was interesting, it wasn’t quite for me. The edamame beans were unfortunately overcooked and soggy, which was disappointing as it’s usually a simple thing to get right. The fried chicken and the crème brûlée were absolutely gorgeous.

I've dined here twice now—first in 2023 and again in 2025—and both experiences were fantastic. Reservations are a must, especially if you're planning to go later in the evening; tables fill up quickly. The food is consistently outstanding and absolutely worth the visit. For an even more memorable night, try to book when there's a live DJ—the atmosphere is electric and adds a whole new level to the dining experience.

Once you get past the slightly off front of house, the waiting staff were very helpful when helping us navigate the menu vegetarians and super polite throughout the meal. The food was extremely tasty and high quality for what we felt was a reasonable price. Would definitely eat here again.

This place was great. Went with some friends and i have to say the food and drinks were really good. The owner was pretty chill too. What i think sets this place apart was the atmosphere and vibe in the restaurant. Overall a really great experience you will not be disappointed

Spent a few evenings here; it's a rather dark restaurant. Our table for four was on the small side, so the food couldn't even be served, and the staff were scrambling to find something to take away. On the first day, we ordered a mocktail, which one staff member brought without any problems, while the other defensively said, "We don't have one," even though I clearly stated I'd ordered it before. Even when we gave the server our orders for everyone at the table, he finally said, "Why don't you order that too?" Even though we'd already placed a fairly large order, I thought that was a strange comment. The food is good.

We were really looking forward to dining at Aki, but unfortunately the experience didn’t live up to expectations. Ambience: The setting felt more like a nightclub than a restaurant — loud music, dim lighting, and an atmosphere that made conversation almost impossible. We could barely hear each other to order, let alone enjoy a relaxed meal. The first table offered was uncomfortably close to a wall; we asked to move, and later noticed several other couples declined that same spot as well. Drinks: • Sushi Cocktail – Visually interesting but only average in taste. The garnish of seaweed dots looked artistic but didn’t add much flavor. The creamy top was too thick, and the liquid base too thin and bland, making the overall balance off. Starters: • Bluefin Tuna Tartare (€14.90) – Nicely presented with kimchi pearls and nori wafers, but the flavors didn’t quite come together as the lea shoots overpowered the taste of the tuna which was unfortunate! Pleasant but forgettable. • Sakura Blossom Noboshi Prawn Tempura (€11.90) – Beautifully plated and vibrant red prawns with daikon and ginger oroshi. The prawns were large and well-cooked, but the dish was more “good” than “great.” Sushi: • Volcano Sushi (€13.90) – The prawn tempura filling was tasty, but the presentation was odd. The rolls were cut and stacked sideways with sauce drizzled over, which caused some pieces to stick together. Again, decent but not remarkable. • Flamed Wagyu (€14.90) – Disappointing. The wagyu flavor was barely noticeable, and the dish lacked the richness we expected from the description. Main: • Prawn Gohan (€15.50) – The highlight of the meal. The rice was flavorful with just the right amount of spice, and the prawns were juicy and well-cooked. Service: Service was polite but inconsistent — staff were friendly when available, but it was sometimes difficult to get their attention. Overall: While a few dishes showed promise, the overpowering music and nightclub-style atmosphere made it a poor choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed dinner and conversation. Aki might work as a trendy spot for drinks or a quick bite, but it’s not ideal for a comfortable dining experience.

Just went for here for a simple dessert after dinner. Crème brûlée was genuinely disgusting. It tasted like egg and was yellow on the inside. Lemon sorbet was tasty. I’m sure the other food tastes much better as it is a Japanese restaurant!

Music was too loud We could barely hear ourselves talk Wasn't impressed with the set menu for valentines If I knew it was a set menu I wouldn't of booked this restaurant,we prefer to choose what we eat Wasn't impressed with the starters Sushi was ok Scallops were good Rice was good Rib eye steak was good and enjoyable Service was really poor We were never asked by any servers if we we ready for another drink, we had too ask the waiters ourselves Very unprofessional

My expectations were probably too high 😊 For starters, I tried bao buns, they were excellent.👏👏 The next dish was rice vegetable, nothing special, at times I found the dish very dry. I refused the rice with wagyu, because the pieces of meat, not all of them, were tough, I doubt it was wagyu meat.😢 Maki nigiri, tuna excellent,😍 rice excellent,😍 salmon not the right temperature. In order to give a true rating, I would have to try something else from their menu. 😊

Food: some are a hit, some are a miss. Here are some recommendations from what Ive had: tuna tartare, tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi, foie gras sashimi, creme brulee. These were OK, but nothing more: wagyu sashimi, oysters, rock shrimp tempura. The big miss: chicken tacos. How disappointing! So extremely bland! Overall food rating: 7/10. Some things were nice, some were OK, some were bad. At an upscale Michelin recommended restaurant there should not be anything on the menu that is less than good! Especially for the prices of some of the dishes. Service: Our waiter was very kind, refilled our glasses without being prompted, generally a smiley dude. After asking how the food was and telling him that the taco was very disappointing, he offered us a free creme brulee on the house. He singlehandedly made our dining experience so much better! Shout out to Amara. However, not all positives in the "service" section. Service was generally a bit slow, but to be expected with a full house. Overall service rating: 9/10. Amara is a cool guy who just wants to help where he can. It is not his fault some of the food was mediocre. Atmosphere: considering the style and vibe of this restaurant (which is very nice), I would say this is an upscale dining place where you expect to see people in nothing less than a nice shirt - so why does it feel like a club? Music is blasting, having to shout at the table to hear each other. The tables are very close together to fit more guests, so neighbouring conversations can be heard, which contributes to the need for shouting across the table so your dining partner will hear you. Atmosphere overall rating: 5/10. Looks like a nice restaurant, but it is way too crowded and the DJ blasting club music is just unnecessary and offputting. Overall restaurant rating: I would love to give this place 4/5 as I tried so hard to love it, but too many items on the menu that I have tried are just not "amazing". And for these prices, it SHOULD be amazing. The service, especially our waiter Amara was the highlight of the night. I feel very harsh giving it 3/5, but there are many things that could be improved on. See below. How to improve: - chefs, please taste your food. If it is less than "good", do not serve it. - turn down the music! Maybe play some softer songs that actually fit the style and vibe of the place. - get rid of some tables to create space. Less tables = more exclusivity, more control over the food being served, as there will be less load in the kitchen, therefore more happy customers. You are a michelin guide recommended restaurant, so act like it.

The restaurant itself is good, and the sushi was really delicious 😋😋😋I actually loved it🍀 But honestly, the service needs a bit of improving tho. The girl working seemed unwelcoming and tense

The gave us free tequila shots and then they made us pay for it. Also very bad service at the bar. You are either a Michelin restaurant or a carp bar but you can’t eat the cake and have it too. The DJ was great tho, and the restaurant server a delight. He was very professional

I had the unpleasant experience of finding a hair in my food. Incredibly, the manager insisted that the black strand was a bamboo fragment. I can easily distinguish between a hair and something else. The food itself was nothing extraordinary. The sushi was of good quality, but nothing special about the individual pieces. For a lover of Japanese cuisine expecting something spectacular, my experience fell short, especially considering the high price.