Loved this place! Went this past weekend for dinner. Had some of the best pad Thai I've ever had. The waitresses/hostess were so nice and attentive. Not to mention the atmosphere is very well done. Will definitely be back! read more

Cru was great! Thanks for the service! We enjoyed our service and our server was great. Thank you! read more

The service at this restaurant was terrible and the food was mediocre. I would definitely not go back. Too many better choices in San Diego read more

An upscale Asian fusion restaurant has opened in the Gaslamp Quarter courtesy of the owners of Zama which is another high-end fusion spot down a block on Fifth Ave. The decor of AKA had vibes of TAO Las Vegas with a buddha statue in the middle of the dining area, a painting of a geisha girl on the wall next to the kitchen preparation area, and plenty of red to match the business name. The central bar was to the right when you walked in. We came during the soft opening period which will end later this week. The place was not very full, and all of the diners were seated at the semi-round booths in the middle near the buddha. The menu sheet was divided into appetizers, dim sum, and salad in the left column; protein entrees, noodle/rice dishes, and sides in the middle column; and nigiri/sashimi, maki rolls, and desserts in the right column. The prices were on the high side, perhaps a few dollars more than what I had expected for each item. Our meal was made up of the following that was shared... * Chicken Karaage - Japanese fried chicken served with spicy ponzu aioli * Dry Dan Dan Noodles - Thin noodles served with minced pork, spinach, cucumbers, scallions, and poached egg * Black Cod - Roasted fillet that was marinated in sweet miso with shishito peppers and roasted cipollini onions on the side * Short Ribs - Slow cooked beef seasoned in a black bean curry sauce over mashed potatoes and vegetables There were six pieces of fried chicken that had a nice crunchy batter. I didn't need to use much aioli as the meat was brined. The noodles were surprisingly good with the fine bits of pork. I wish there was more for the $24 price. The cod was plated with four blistered peppers surrounding the fillet. The black sauce for the beef was a tad salty which made it my least favorite of our courses. The service was pleasant and efficient as there weren't many occupied tables. I hope AKA can regularly fill its large dining area as the capacity was easily over 100. Our dining experience was worthy of a four star rating. read more

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I loved my time at AKA last time I went but this one employee I met Tommy (a blonde young Woman), is hands down one of the best bartenders at AKA. She's incredibly friendly, attentive, and makes sure you're comfortable from the moment you sit down. Whether it's drinks or food, she's always on top of your order and checks in to make sure everything is perfect. She handles busy rushes like a pro and still gives excellent, respectful service to everyone. If you're at AKA, you'll definitely want Tommy taking care of you, she makes the experience so much better. Ambiance is truly amazing and worth going into AKA! read more

AKA - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

On the best corner in the Gaslamp, comes AKA. I usually avoid restaurants the first 2 weeks because I know there are kinks to work out, but I just couldn't wait to try AKA! Beautifully designed, it's your new it spot for your social media reels. I loved the Torii gate leading to the bathrooms, it makes you feel like you were just teleported to Japan. It tries to be upscale but could also be very chill, which is a San Diego thing. Service was fantastic, Kristyn has such a positive uplifting vibe. Great energy, friendly, and communicative. The food is Chinese Japanese Thai fusion. I tried some appetizers, they were okay. But I went back a second time for the sushi, now that's another story. The nigiri was fresh and amazing quality. Riley was really great and got them to make me a spicy tuna roll off menu. It was pretty solid! Easily top 3 spicy tuna rolls I've had! Give it a shot, the decor alone is enough to check it out! read more

AKA - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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Service was very slow in the food on the menu was overpriced. The ambience was so so nothing special. I will not go back.

We had reservations at 730pm and there was a wait when we arrived. It was about 10 minutes. You can see everything that we ordered (pictures provided). Everything tasted regular. Nothing really "wow" us here. I understand that it was the first weekend opening but they had a soft opening, friends and family, then an industry night. If that didn't prepare you for your grand opening then I don't know what will. The service was so slow and the waitresses were doing their best. When our food was coming out the waitor was delivering food from behind us! It was actually insane. We were sitting at booth and it was delivering food from behind us in between my gf and I. The restaurant is a wanna be TAO in LA if you ever been. Obviously it can't compare to what's in LA but nice try though! The ambiance is super dark and loud. If you're going into for drinks that should be fun. Just don't come for food. Ana and McKell(or Raquel) I couldn't hear her but they were the best thing to this place lol. Don't waste your time or money guys. read more

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Cru was a great server! He was quick and attentive. Thank you for a good time and great suggestions!

One of the coolest atmospheres in the Gaslamp, but with the food and drinks that can hold their own. I wanted to take my cousin for a girl's night out for her birthday, and this was the perfect spot. They took such good care of us the moment we walked in. Roberto made all the best suggestions for an epic meal. We tried: Geisharita Ming Sling Cream Cheese Rangoons Fillet Mignon Potstickers Pork Belly Bao Lobster Noodles Cali Pac Roll Creme Brulee The drinks were nice and strong, and the food came out fresh and prompt. We were impressed by the quality of ingredients they use. They use actual big chunks of Maine Lobster, not slipper lobster or langostino, and you can really taste the lobster flavor infused into the actual garlic sauce. I'm already planning a date night here with my hubs because their menu needs more exploration ASAP read more

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Thank you Emily for the great service!! We just came in for drinks but the food sounded so good! We got the Yellowtail Curry Kiss, albacore delight sushi roll, & thom Kha soup. Emily was kind enough to have the kitchen split our soup bowls in 2 for us and my friend who usually hates mushrooms was obsessed! Not pictured were the lamb chops which were actually the best part. So perfectly cooked and flavorful. Not a lot of local bars carry yellow chartreuse, but they did so she was able to make our favorite mezcal cocktails & they were perfect too! The music had us dancing in our chairs & it was fairly busy for a Tuesday night! read more

We came in very late to AKA and were a little worried about being a bother, but Roberto made us feel completely comfortable right away. He welcomed us with such kindness and charm that we instantly felt at ease. Even though it was late, the service never felt rushed--he treated us with the same warmth and attention as if it were the beginning of the night. We ordered sushi, including the bluefin, and everything was amazing. Roberto's genuine hospitality really made the whole experience stand out. He's the kind of person who makes you want to come back--not just for the great food, but for the way he makes you feel as a guest. Thank you, Roberto, for making our night so memorable! read more

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Food and service were incredible. Our server Marco was very attentive and kind. The vibe is very lively and fun. read more

AKA - Mango yellowtail - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

Decor was fabulous... Definitely a fusion vibe with a restaurant that seems to be quiet until it mysteriously turns into a club type scene with DJ ( outstanding) & two stunning dancers backing him up while I eat my sushi. Bathrooms were clean. Music gets loud. This is a photo shoot atmosphere with bottle service and intimate celebrations all around. Servers were kind until they ask ( at the end of the dinner if I was happy with the tip & bill amount. I thought that was interesting. $400 plus for 4 adults & a 13 year old. Sushi was delicious and done well. Popcorn tempura shrimp was great Mary's farm chicken was in a curry sauce ( very good) . Miso soup fabulous Best fish we've tasted in a while. Salmon was good. Main lobster garlic noodles were perfect. Beef tartar was ridiculously fabulous. Grilled prawns were done nicely Presentation was on the money! Very nice bar scene! read more

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Amazing service and atmosphere. Food is a smash of an experience. Sushi is real good especially the Fillet Pot stickers, those are yum yum tasty goodness. read more

Good please and service, thank you to Anastasia for amazing pictures. Will come back for sure. Recommend

So, we chose this place as the ambiance seemed unique... modern Asian. Walking in, I should have known something was wrong. The odor of old fish was strong. We got drinks... the Geisha-Rita was very good (hence the second star.) But the food. Was so bad. Just had the bluefin poke tuna bites and orange chicken Kara-age. The tuna was slimy. The orange chicken was under seasoned, slightly burnt, and hardly had any sauce or flavor. We didn't even finish the food and left. read more

Emily was amazing. Very helpful with the menu and extremely attentive. Food is solid but service made the night! Highly recommend this beautiful spot! read more

The drinks were good, food was not worth it. Small portions, overpriced food. $39 for a curry should be illegal. Our waiter Marco provided great service. Loud, club like atmosphere with a good DJ. Don't eat dinner here. read more

Fun vibe upon entering. The restaurant is dim with lively music playing. Comfortable booths to sit in while watching the open kitchen. We started with the rangoons, they were tasty! Then shared the small sushi sampler. It came with 3 rolls and 6 pieces of nigiri. Would definitely go back when visiting the area again! read more

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My service was great!!! I loved the service, atmosphere, and Cru my server! Great music, esthetic, calming music and sounds! read more

AKA - The great room! - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

Bomb! Delicious, very flavorful and not commercial. Plates are very presentable and uniquely styled for those that want to impress!

Went here for my early birthday dinner & it was perfect! Delicious food & drinks, amazing ambience with Asian inspired decor & live DJ, and fantastic service by our server Rob (Roberto)! Thank you for teaching us some Italian and showing us such great energy ! They even do sparklers & music with a Happy Birthday dessert for your bday! Thank you! Will definitely come again with more friends & family read more

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e best I've ever had in San Diego! Super tender and perfectly medium rare. The lamb lollipops are perfectly cooked with very flavorful seasoning and sides to taste along. The yellowtail is sashimi with nice seasoning, good to start a meal. The desserts also pass my expectations, the cheesecake is little thicker than regular Japanese style cheesecake, which is awesome, because I don't typically like the spongy style cheesecake. The Ube flavor is strong, so yummy. The Creme Brûlée is different than the French version which is more like an egg custard, I like it, very eggy and creamy. Plus, the service is very nice, the waiter lets my husband had a taste of the wine before he orders it. After he makes sure he liked it, he had 3 glasses, very good wine. He also offered an extra lamb lollipop for my baby, plus a bowl of rice. My baby had a great time as well. The atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing, great for date, birthday, anniversary and parties. I'll definitely recommend this place. read more

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Gaslamp is honestly my least favorite part of San Diego, but my baby cousin just turned 24 and all the "happening" spots seem to be here. I will say, the place was definitely popping and had a great energy for a birthday night out. The hostesses were sweet and welcoming, which I really appreciated. However, after being seated, I didn't receive menus and had to flag down our server after about 10 minutes just to be greeted, which was a bit frustrating. That said, the experience picked up from there. There was a really cool drummer who walks around the restaurant, which added such a fun and lively vibe. They also have a photographer on-site so you can take pictures and purchase them, such a cute way to capture memories, especially for special occasions. The food was good with no complaints, and most importantly, the birthday girl had an amazing time, which is what mattered most to me. Overall, a fun spot for celebrations, even if service could use a little improvement. Maybe I'll come back for my 33rd birthday lol read more

The food, service and ambiance is consistently excellent here. I've been here on my own, with friends and with family and everyone always has a nice time here. This restaurant is probably my favorite restaurant and I've been to several. I'm looking forward to going back soon. read more

The food was delicious and the service was amazing. The servers/ hostesses were so nice and welcoming. Definitely a place to go for an event. The birthday celebration was so incredibly fun. read more

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Came here on a Saturday night and thought I walked into a night club. Music was very loud. Couldnt hear the waittress. Ordered the miso cod and the crab fried rice. The food was about 7/10. Tasted good but in my opinion about 25% overpriced for what you are getting. 4% surcharge as well. I think you are paying a premium for the ambiance and thats what the restaurant is going for. If you like that, you will enjoy your time here. read more

AKA - Miso cod - Asian Fusion Near Me - San Diego, California

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Very good food, interesting and inviting ambiance, excellent and friendly service from our waiter James, a lovely crowd of people, and pleasant music. We had a bit of a sushi night and I was very happy and satisfied. :) read more

Great service and happy hour menu. Troy was a great server. Food and drinks came out perfect

Food and service are excellent. The ambience is perfect. Good music, relaxing despite the business. The place is big enough to have some intimate conversation. Love the decor. Servers are courteous and professional. Definitely, will come back and recommend to our friends. read more

We came here for restaurant week and it was great! We got seated right away and our food came out pretty quickly. Our server Cru was amazing and I really appreciated the recommendations he gave when I was deciding between what to order. I ordered the Thai Me Up cocktail and it really tasted like a Thai milk tea. Overall, the vibes and food were on point! read more

We came here for a 30th birthday and the vibes were great! Warm and friendly staff - ask for Alyssa! She was literally the best part of the night! Super fun, chill vibes and gave great recommendations for food and drinks! We ordered plenty of apps - they were all great! The sushi could have been better, but no complaints. Best part of the night was the DJ and the birthday shots! Overall amazing experience thanks to Alyssa!! read more

I highly advise against anyone thinking of coming here. This might be the worst service I've gotten. It's my boyfriend's bday and I'm currently sitting at our table now. From the beginning, we got sat and NOBODY acknowledged us until I flagged someone down. Took our order, food took forever to arrive, and after it arrived we never got checked on again. At this point, they have sang happy birthday to MULTIPLE tables even after I have flagged down 5 workers repeatedly telling them it's my boyfriend's birthday. Mind you, I made this reservation well in advanced and mentioned it was his birthday. Finally I pulled a server over and asked him if we are bothering them by dining at their place? Because nobody has cared for our table at all and I feel like we are inconveniencing them. DO NOT COME HERE. They care more about their night club than they do for people who want to come and dine here. read more

SAVE YOURSELF!!! S.O.S!! If I could give this place zero stars I would. Terrible music. Too loud to even enjoy life. Way too crowded / clearly over capacity. I pad $25+ for orange chicken appetizers for 5 nuggets on a bed of spring mix. The sushi was good compared to McDonalds if they were a sushi joint. My partner and I ordered 1 medium and 1 medium/rare steak. 1 came out blue and the other came out well done. They were constantly apologizing which was chill... I guess. So do yourself a favor and go anywhere else but here. read more

I love the Asian theme to the restaurant. It's fits perfectly with their Japanese and Chinese menu. The pink lotus martini was so delicious and refreshing. You can taste the ginger and citrus. I had 3! I ordered the mango yellowtail roll. It was airy and satisfying. It has a nice kick with fresh mango topping. I highly recommend this. Their service was quick and friendly. They were patient with me while I had a payment issue. We went on a Friday. They had a camera man going around taking pictures. My guests and I were able to purchase it in a frame. Also, my waiter told us, about 10:30 or 11 they cleared the tables in the middle and turn it into a dance floor. Restaurant turns into dancing club, until 2 am! read more

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This was a fantastic bar for food and drinks. Emily, the bartender, was fantastic and the espresso martinis were to die for. We really liked the vibe and it was great for date night! Highly recommend! Ps. Emily deserves a raise, for sure!!! read more

The food was fabulous...service a little slow and the bartender had to help the server. We would definitely go back...make sure you take your checkbook. read more

The service was amazing! Rae was very easy to talk to and the drinks that we tried were all great! And the environment was awesome especially if you like electronic music. It was a vibe for sure! I'll definitely be coming back. read more

Service is good! The Italy gentleman took care of us very well. Happy hour 5-7pm is good deal. Nice restaurant!