Akaoni

Sushi by the Sea 💯 Carmel and Carmel-by-the-Sea are gorgeous coastal cities but what they’ve lacked is a Japanese sushi ya to match the scenic views Akaoni changes that and the intimate, reservations-only restaurant offers sushi bar and limited indoor table seatings for sushi lovers in the know We enjoyed the delicious clam dishes, fresh nigiri, and beautiful sashimi platter for what is easily the best sushi in this lovely area 📷 Tokujyo Sashimi $80 / 10 Piece Selected Nigiri $60 / Marina Clams Miso Soup $12 / Clams with Garlic Butter Sauce / Steamed Egg with Mushroom & Shrimp $12 / Tuna Maki $10 / Hamachi Maki $10 / Kubota Sake $35 📍Akaoni (Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA)

+6

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.

Don’t sleep on this place. It’s extremely fresh and high quality. You know it’s good when they don’t have anything loaded with mayo and filler. It’s the closest to the sushi I had while in Japan. We went twice while on a 3 day trip. We hope to be back soon.

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.

Finally found high quality sushi in the Monterey Bay Area! I went here with my son who was a sushi chef at Nobu. He said it was Nobu level quality. This picture is their Chirashi which cost $40. Fresh and tasty.

I never write reviews and I had to write something about Akaoni. This isn’t your over the top sushi place. This is simple sushi done incredibly well, and for me, that is the best kind of sushi. The quality of the fish was wonderful and the prices were fair. The atmosphere is humble, but authentic. Like a place you could see being lifted up from Tokyo and dropped in Carmel, and in a town full of opulence, it’s refreshing. Please understand before you go here this is a 2-3 person operation and be prepared to wait a bit while the lone chef takes care of the orders ahead of you, the wait will be rewarded. I felt the service was very respectful, but deliberate, which, if you’re the only server sometimes you need to be. Say your pleases and thank yous and your warmth will be returned. Try the Toro, it’s bananas.

Authentic Japanese cuisine with excellent quality. We had the Chirashi and it was excellent. Good sake with good value for money. All in all a bit pricy, but totally worth it.

Great, authentic Sushi restaurant. Small quaint location, and superb food. The Uni was wonderful, so fresh.

I loved my experience at Akaoni- the food is exquisite, the service was friendly, and the vibe is serene. Best sashimi I’ve had in recent memory, and the Hamachi kama was a generous and beautiful piece of fish! Next time I’m in town, I’ll be back.

One of the most authentic Japanese food around the area. The restaurant looks humble, but their quality and freshness are beyond expectations.

Wonderful sushi. Highly recommend if you are looking for a traditional simple menu that packs a ton of freshness and high quality fresh fish.

Best sushi EVER. Somewhat tricky to get a reservation (TIP: call them when they're open and talk to someone) and don't expect lots of smiles from the staff or a warm welcome when you get there. But you CAN expect the freshest and tastiest Japanese food around. The tempura shrimp is as good as we've ever had. We let the chef pick our sashimi and it was extraordinary.

Excellent sushi and service. A bit like sushi (soup) nazi - but would go back without question. Presentation outstanding, quality of food excellent.

Excellent authentic Japanese spot. Very high quality local fish at reasonable prices run by a husband and wife team

yes, this is a very unique restaurant with a subdued personality of its own. The owner and his wife are meticulous, quiet, and very professional. The food and the sushi in particular is outstanding, most certainly the best sushi locally. His skills as a sushi master are a wonder…even to watch him demonstrate his craft is impressive. However, the mood and demeanor is very traditional Japanese ……so go there for the absolutely magnificent food rather then the atmosphere.

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.

Best sushi in Monterey County. The service is great and professional, I don’t know what people are talking about in prior reviews. The fish is incredibly fresh and flown in directly from Japan or locally sourced. The chef also timed every dish perfectly so that the fish was served at the exact temperature it needed to be. Overall an amazing experience, would definitely recommend to anyone in town.

If you love sushi, this is a must visit. The sushi was fresh and delicious. You can tell the Sushi Chef took great care in preparing the fish. Price was reasonable, considering the portion of the fish. We ordered the tempura and fish — wasn’t too crazy for the tempura. The breading was thick. Make sure you make reservations. They don’t take walk in.

This tiny hole-in-the-wall sushi place closely reminded me of an in-Japan food experience. The elderly couple owners (the man at the sushi bar and woman as the front of house) showed great teamwork in running the sushiya. The miso eggplant was so delicious. And the sushi we tried were all great quality. The fish was well-maintained for the meal.

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.

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!

Reservation is required. The eggplant is a must. We like homemade tofu also. All sushi is good. Just $360 for 4 ppl

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.

Excellent! Called for reservations about 30 minutes before close on a Friday and got them on my first try. The wife/server hung up on me, haha. But in person I did not find them to be rude at all, just a language barrier I think. They were overly pleasant/gracious. My water glass was never more than half empty. Service overall was very good. We had sashimi, chef's choice sushi, a few odds and ends off the special board, and clam miso soup. All of it was excellent. The yellow tail is the best I've ever had, I would return just for that.

Best sushi experience I’ve had. Fresh fish, melts in your mouth, delish! Cozy, quiet, and just overall excellent! Thank you! Update 2/1/25: Visited again. The fish was as fresh and delicious as last time. The sushi chef and host were very friendly.

A Culinary Journey to Remember at Akaoni From 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.

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!

Excellent sushi in both taste and presentation. Cannot accommodate large parties (greater than 4). Homemade tofu is a must have if that’s your thing. Very smooth texture and mild flavor. Highly recommend sushi selection. I’m usu not a big fan of mackerel, skipjack but a must try here. 2 thumbs way up.

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.

Let me start by saying that the food, and I mean fish and everything else, is just amazing! It is hands-down a 5+1 stars type of food. The fish is aged to perfection. The flavors are clean and rich; definitely some of the best I have ever had... ever. The tofu made in house is definitely the best I have had, so creamy and served with a dashi soup, I definitely recommend you try it. Now, like I said, the food is great, the service in the other hand, is spotty. I couldn't quite figure out our waitress/hostess attitude. She was pleasant at times and a little "cold" some others. I would recommend you to focus on the food and not let the service ruin your experience; which for this place, should be focused on the delicious fish and nothing else. To be clear, in my experience during my visit, the service was not rude at all; it was just not what we are used to get as Americans when we go to an expensive restaurant. All in all, I will definitely go back whenever I am visiting the Carmel area.

Katherine Pham

If you love sushi, this is a must visit. The sushi was fresh and delicious. You can tell the Sushi Chef took great care in preparing the fish. Price was reasonable, considering the portion of the fish. We ordered the tempura and fish — wasn’t too crazy for the tempura. The breading was thick. Make sure you make reservations. They don’t take walk in.

Sarah C

This tiny hole-in-the-wall sushi place closely reminded me of an in-Japan food experience. The elderly couple owners (the man at the sushi bar and woman as the front of house) showed great teamwork in running the sushiya. The miso eggplant was so delicious. And the sushi we tried were all great quality. The fish was well-maintained for the meal.

IA

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.

Feng Guo

Reservation is required. The eggplant is a must. We like homemade tofu also. All sushi is good. Just $360 for 4 ppl

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!

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.

Liz Grajeda

Excellent! Called for reservations about 30 minutes before close on a Friday and got them on my first try. The wife/server hung up on me, haha. But in person I did not find them to be rude at all, just a language barrier I think. They were overly pleasant/gracious. My water glass was never more than half empty. Service overall was very good. We had sashimi, chef's choice sushi, a few odds and ends off the special board, and clam miso soup. All of it was excellent. The yellow tail is the best I've ever had, I would return just for that.

Gladys Donovan

Best sushi experience I’ve had. Fresh fish, melts in your mouth, delish! Cozy, quiet, and just overall excellent! Thank you! Update 2/1/25: Visited again. The fish was as fresh and delicious as last time. The sushi chef and host were very friendly.

Jared Mastroianni

A Culinary Journey to Remember at Akaoni From 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.

Shaden A

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!

Nick Eled

Excellent sushi in both taste and presentation. Cannot accommodate large parties (greater than 4). Homemade tofu is a must have if that’s your thing. Very smooth texture and mild flavor. Highly recommend sushi selection. I’m usu not a big fan of mackerel, skipjack but a must try here. 2 thumbs way up.

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.

Mike

Let me start by saying that the food, and I mean fish and everything else, is just amazing! It is hands-down a 5+1 stars type of food. The fish is aged to perfection. The flavors are clean and rich; definitely some of the best I have ever had... ever. The tofu made in house is definitely the best I have had, so creamy and served with a dashi soup, I definitely recommend you try it. Now, like I said, the food is great, the service in the other hand, is spotty. I couldn't quite figure out our waitress/hostess attitude. She was pleasant at times and a little "cold" some others. I would recommend you to focus on the food and not let the service ruin your experience; which for this place, should be focused on the delicious fish and nothing else. To be clear, in my experience during my visit, the service was not rude at all; it was just not what we are used to get as Americans when we go to an expensive restaurant. All in all, I will definitely go back whenever I am visiting the Carmel area.

Chef has more talent and procures even higher quality ingredients than multiple Michelin star sushi restaurants in Japan. This place truly may be one of the best sushi restaurants in the country. It is an honor to be able to dine here. My friend and I have traveled japan multiple times and still we find unique local fish that chefs are happy to serve us as tourists that Chef Yamada has already served us in Carmel. If you see bad reviews it is because people either do not like actual sushi or are upset they could not eat here and are not real reviews.

Akaoni is one of my favorite restaurants and serves the best sushi that I've had in California. We personally make trips to Carmel-by-the-sea just to eat here, so if you are a sushi aficionado, I genuinely think you should try squeezing in a visit. One time, I ate here prior to a big interview, and my stress just melted away. Yes, you need a reservation to eat here because they have a limited amount of space and work to make the atmosphere peaceful and calming. I think that some folks misinterpret their directness as rudeness, but I personally feel that they are polite and provide excellent service. Our experiences here have been positive and memorable.

I spent around $300 here for one of the most romantic and memorable meals I’ve had in years. The value was absolutely fair — in fact, their prices are very reasonable for the quality they deliver. Every detail felt intentional: The fish was incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The wasabi is real — not the dyed paste most places serve. The hot tea was savory and calming, and the hot sake arrived perfectly heated and smooth. The service was attentive, kind, and professional without being overbearing. This restaurant easily deserves to be in the 4.8–5.0 range, not the 4.1 it’s sitting at. Anything lower feels undeserved and misleading to future guests. If you appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality, this is the place.

Rhiana Simon

Akaoni is one of my favorite restaurants and serves the best sushi that I've had in California. We personally make trips to Carmel-by-the-sea just to eat here, so if you are a sushi aficionado, I genuinely think you should try squeezing in a visit. One time, I ate here prior to a big interview, and my stress just melted away. Yes, you need a reservation to eat here because they have a limited amount of space and work to make the atmosphere peaceful and calming. I think that some folks misinterpret their directness as rudeness, but I personally feel that they are polite and provide excellent service. Our experiences here have been positive and memorable.

Jared

I spent around $300 here for one of the most romantic and memorable meals I’ve had in years. The value was absolutely fair — in fact, their prices are very reasonable for the quality they deliver. Every detail felt intentional: The fish was incredibly fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The wasabi is real — not the dyed paste most places serve. The hot tea was savory and calming, and the hot sake arrived perfectly heated and smooth. The service was attentive, kind, and professional without being overbearing. This restaurant easily deserves to be in the 4.8–5.0 range, not the 4.1 it’s sitting at. Anything lower feels undeserved and misleading to future guests. If you appreciate authenticity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality, this is the place.

Shin Siapco

This place is pretty good. The fish is fresh and the service is prompt and fast. The sushi rice is very good. The place seems to be ran by a husband and wife team, who are both Japanese, and they run the place well. Good luck trying to get reservations. They dont answer the phone it seems like. Luckily, we came in at 5 pm when they opened and had a seat open. Go give them a try. Theyre legit.

My girlfriend and I went yesterday for dinner. The food was excellent, but not the service. The wife of the chef, which is the waitress, was extremely rude to us and my girlfriend’s food allergies. We told her that my girlfriend had cucumber allergies. When she brought a plate with cucumbers we asked if they could make it without it, and she said no and took it away. I thought it was a language barrier at first, but she acted as if we weren’t welcomed. I wouldn’t go back, despite the chef being amazing.

Where do I start? The sushi is very, very good. The best in the area. Flown in from Japan. However, I am really tired of fighting, trying, calling to make reservations. I get it, It’s a small restaurant, but I feel they could care less if you get a table or not. You have to call for reservations. Either they answer or they don’t. I love bringing friends and family to eat here but I think I am done. No atmosphere , no conversation, just really good sushi. But, sadly, just not worth it anymore.

bruno miotto

My girlfriend and I went yesterday for dinner. The food was excellent, but not the service. The wife of the chef, which is the waitress, was extremely rude to us and my girlfriend’s food allergies. We told her that my girlfriend had cucumber allergies. When she brought a plate with cucumbers we asked if they could make it without it, and she said no and took it away. I thought it was a language barrier at first, but she acted as if we weren’t welcomed. I wouldn’t go back, despite the chef being amazing.

Jsamietz

Where do I start? The sushi is very, very good. The best in the area. Flown in from Japan. However, I am really tired of fighting, trying, calling to make reservations. I get it, It’s a small restaurant, but I feel they could care less if you get a table or not. You have to call for reservations. Either they answer or they don’t. I love bringing friends and family to eat here but I think I am done. No atmosphere , no conversation, just really good sushi. But, sadly, just not worth it anymore.

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.

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 .

The lady was the rudest service I’ve ever had. Did not greet us and asked for our order not even a minute after we sat down. I ordered and wanted to bring food for my dad, who is sick in our hotel, but they said no take out, which is fine but she was so rude saying it. I ordered around $50 and my mom wasn’t that hungry so she ordered around $20 and she immediately was like each person has to be at least $30. Which is ??? What kind of service is this and then she asked us to leave. The restaurant only had one couple in it and we were just so baffled because she was such a bratty person. Went to sushi heaven after and had great service

Ok so this is a very casual restaurant ! There was only 2 workers and no hostess so I entered and had a sit right away. The waitresses looked at me like I was upsetting her and and pointed at the chair she wanted me to sit at. It was very uncomfortable. The menu was so greesy I couldn’t even open it and she came to help me which I think it upset her even more. When it was my turn to order….wow! I remember looking her in the eye telling her “I like salmon” , she started pointing at the menu and saying salmon without me understanding anything. Finally, I showed her a picture of some extra food I wanted after struggling to order some sashimi and nigiri. English is my second language so I understand you have to be kind no matter what, but these people were rude and they did not speak English at all!!! And they didn’t look at you. Going to this restaurant was worse than going to the DMV I promise you . Anyways. Food came. And it was missing the niguiri I had ordered. I asked twice for her to confirm that I had ordered more food, she just kept pointing at my food and mumbling some words I couldn’t understand. She actually offered me to make them afterwards but I was so embarrassed I said no thanks because I wanted to get out of there immediately. So I asked for the check. $53 for one order of sashimi and 4 pieces of niguiri and a Coke. I had ordered 8 pieces of niguiri which makes more sense the price being where it was at. Never got them. Also couldn’t understand what I was paying for because she had wrote the check with a pen ??? Anyways I ask if I could use contactless form of payment, she looks at me saying I NEED THE CREDIT CARD. Which I didn’t have , only my phone with wallet in it. The customers OFFERED to pay for me and I sent them a Venmo. It was the worst experience of my life. The embarrassment I felt was out of this world

Veronica Guimarães

Ok so this is a very casual restaurant ! There was only 2 workers and no hostess so I entered and had a sit right away. The waitresses looked at me like I was upsetting her and and pointed at the chair she wanted me to sit at. It was very uncomfortable. The menu was so greesy I couldn’t even open it and she came to help me which I think it upset her even more. When it was my turn to order….wow! I remember looking her in the eye telling her “I like salmon” , she started pointing at the menu and saying salmon without me understanding anything. Finally, I showed her a picture of some extra food I wanted after struggling to order some sashimi and nigiri. English is my second language so I understand you have to be kind no matter what, but these people were rude and they did not speak English at all!!! And they didn’t look at you. Going to this restaurant was worse than going to the DMV I promise you . Anyways. Food came. And it was missing the niguiri I had ordered. I asked twice for her to confirm that I had ordered more food, she just kept pointing at my food and mumbling some words I couldn’t understand. She actually offered me to make them afterwards but I was so embarrassed I said no thanks because I wanted to get out of there immediately. So I asked for the check. $53 for one order of sashimi and 4 pieces of niguiri and a Coke. I had ordered 8 pieces of niguiri which makes more sense the price being where it was at. Never got them. Also couldn’t understand what I was paying for because she had wrote the check with a pen ??? Anyways I ask if I could use contactless form of payment, she looks at me saying I NEED THE CREDIT CARD. Which I didn’t have , only my phone with wallet in it. The customers OFFERED to pay for me and I sent them a Venmo. It was the worst experience of my life. The embarrassment I felt was out of this world

I have eaten here about 15 times over the last year and a half or so, “without” a reservation. I usually just walk in mid week at 5pm like on a Wednesday when it’s totally dead. Anyway the last 2 times I came here I was “turned away.” The lady just shakes her head no and points to the door. The restaurant was practically empty both times. So not sure what I did wrong or if they’re picking and choosing their customers or what. I’ve always left a 20% tip for them, I order well over their $30 per person minimum. My average check is at least $60. I never order any substitutions and I never ask for anything during the meal. I just sit there quietly at the bar. So I was quite shocked because I’ve never had this experience before. I eat out often and worked in the restaurant industry for a number of years. So getting the cold shoulder from them out of nowhere has been very disappointing. It could just be they don’t like parties of 1, I’m not sure. The only reason I can come up with is they must want people who are going to run up hundreds of dollars on their check, so they’re trying to pick and choose only those customers that will. Just today I was there at 5pm, I was turned away, ate at a different restaurant, walked past theirs an hour and a half later, their restaurant was more than halfway empty on a Wednesday so they totally could have served me. Just can’t figure out what it is with them. But can’t imagine they get enough clientele midweek anyway. I know it’s just the husband and wife (2 man show) for the whole restaurant. They don’t speak English or at least will pretend like they don’t speak English. I guess this one is for the history books. It’s a shame cuz their sashimi is good. But can’t get past the rotten service. She never told me I needed a reservation. There’s no signs saying “reservation required.” Like I said I ate here 15 times as a “walk in.” There’s no way this place survives another year. The husband and wife are well past retirement age as it is. And they’re refusing to hire help that they so desperately need in that restaurant. And I walked past it October 25 as well and it was totally closed with a sign on the door stating “closed today.” Not sure how their business can survive being closed on the weekend when it’s dead as a doornail during the week, and they’ll still refuse to serve u.

Natalia L

I have eaten here about 15 times over the last year and a half or so, “without” a reservation. I usually just walk in mid week at 5pm like on a Wednesday when it’s totally dead. Anyway the last 2 times I came here I was “turned away.” The lady just shakes her head no and points to the door. The restaurant was practically empty both times. So not sure what I did wrong or if they’re picking and choosing their customers or what. I’ve always left a 20% tip for them, I order well over their $30 per person minimum. My average check is at least $60. I never order any substitutions and I never ask for anything during the meal. I just sit there quietly at the bar. So I was quite shocked because I’ve never had this experience before. I eat out often and worked in the restaurant industry for a number of years. So getting the cold shoulder from them out of nowhere has been very disappointing. It could just be they don’t like parties of 1, I’m not sure. The only reason I can come up with is they must want people who are going to run up hundreds of dollars on their check, so they’re trying to pick and choose only those customers that will. Just today I was there at 5pm, I was turned away, ate at a different restaurant, walked past theirs an hour and a half later, their restaurant was more than halfway empty on a Wednesday so they totally could have served me. Just can’t figure out what it is with them. But can’t imagine they get enough clientele midweek anyway. I know it’s just the husband and wife (2 man show) for the whole restaurant. They don’t speak English or at least will pretend like they don’t speak English. I guess this one is for the history books. It’s a shame cuz their sashimi is good. But can’t get past the rotten service. She never told me I needed a reservation. There’s no signs saying “reservation required.” Like I said I ate here 15 times as a “walk in.” There’s no way this place survives another year. The husband and wife are well past retirement age as it is. And they’re refusing to hire help that they so desperately need in that restaurant. And I walked past it October 25 as well and it was totally closed with a sign on the door stating “closed today.” Not sure how their business can survive being closed on the weekend when it’s dead as a doornail during the week, and they’ll still refuse to serve u.