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    Akira

    3.9 (986 reviews)
    Closed 11:30 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Akira Takeout or Delivery

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    Business Info

    AKIRA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Akira

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    Reviews With Photos

    Patty C.

    I came for the crispy rice appetizer and it definitely delivered. The crispiest rice I've ever had. So that was good. I got a couple of other items. The decor is nice and the two waiter gals were very nice but I probably won't be back. I parked across the street and walked in from the back entrance. When I walked up to the bar everyone turned and looked at me with zero smiles or welcome in. It was as if I walked into their home. It was a little after 12 noon and there was one person at the bar and two at tables, so it's not like I came in right before closing. I sat at the bar and tried to make small talk with the sushi chefs but they were not having it. None of the men working there smiled or asked me how I was the entire time I was there. Only the two ladies. I ended up getting half of my food to go because the environment wasn't conducive to eating and enjoying my food. Maybe they save their energy and welcoming spirit for the evening crowd??? I won't be back unfortunately.

    Kristin P.

    Honestly so impressed by this spot. The fish tasted very fresh and the rolls were innovative and fun. I'm not sure I've ever had a roll with so many types of fish in it before - YUM! This location also has happy hour which included apps like the fried chicken I ordered. Lastly, the service was great - our server had great suggestions!

    Golden Cali

    A group of friends and I were visiting the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk from out of town and decided to try this place and I am obsessed. The service was great, but the food was even better. The sushi was great. I ordered the chicken teriyaki bento dinner, which was delicious, but what really surprised me was the skirt steak my friend let me try so flavorful and absolutely delicious. If and when I return to Santa Cruz, I will definitely make it a point to come back here!

    Dragon scales and sashimi platter (entree)
    Rebecca X.

    This place is amazing! I haven't eaten sushi in a millennia, and I'm so glad this is the place I went to. We got the 16 piece sashimi platter ($35.50) and the dragon scales. I think the dragon scales were overkill because we ate soooooo much and it's pricey for what you get ($17 for 4 pieces during happy hour). The sashimi platter would be more than enough for 2 since it comes with rice, soup, and a salad. For the dragon scales they were definitely unique? Sweet from the lime sauce (?), crunchy from it being fried, creamy from the filling, but fresh from the raw fish on top? It was such an interesting blend it feels almost like overkill, but somehow it works. And on the fish quality, it was so good! No fishy taste, they're so generous with their cuts, and the fish just melted in our mouths? There was also seaweed salad, sliced radish, lemons, wasabi, tobiko, jalapeños, ginger, and green onions on the side. The yellowtail was our absolute favorite, which surprised me because I'm usually an unshakable salmon fan. Service was friendly, and there's some cool art on the walls. Definitely coming back! Oh, I'm not sure if this is what's always happening, I think the server said it was only during happy hour or something? But it's self seating, and we grabbed our own menus but that might've been us being impatient and voracious.

    inside
    Elaina V.

    So tasty!!! For our sushi rolls, we ordered the seabright special and the stormtrooper crisp. The seabright special was so fresh, with basil, cucumber, nuts, lemon, hamachi, and avocado. The nuts added such a nice texture and flavor to the sushi that i've never had before! One sushi piece was a mouthful lol! The stormtrooper roll was great too. It had salmon skin, spicy tuna, avocado, topped with unagi sauce. Quite a good roll, definitely have to eat in one bite, as it can easily fall apart lol. Flavors were amazing though! Sides: We also got salted edamame and miso soup. The miso was umami and had a strong miso presence. It also had small tofu bits! The edamame came out super steamy, with a generous amount of salt. The lemon is optional, but really adds a great kick, enhancing the salt. Servers were kind and attentive too, and the establishment was clean! Parking was a little tough to find on a saturday night, but there's street parking that may be available. Would recommend this spot!!!

    Kayson T.

    WOW! BEST underrated sushi place in Santa Cruz!!!! As a socal native, this place has a such an unexpected level of variety, unique flavors, and great vegetarian options!!! Went here 4 years ago, went here again now, and it's still so so GOOD!!! I recommend any of their special rolls. Ambiance instead is a little bland and slightly warm. But just focus on the food and it'll be alright. Service was also very quick and friendly! THIS PLACE is one of my TOP 3 in santa cruz EVER!!

    Edamame
    Maricarmen C.

    Stopped by for dinner and decided to try their three item bento box, which two of us shared. It was the perfect amount of food for us. We went on a Saturday night, so it was very busy. We were seated at the bar which was perfect because the game was on. Only downside was that the space is very limited. We were having a bit of trouble fitting our bento box. We started off with edamame which was delicious. Always a must have for me. The bento dinner comes with miso soup, a salad, and rice. We chose to add chicken katsu, skirt steak teriyaki, and their cali roll. Everything was very tasty. I did ask for the sauce that usually comes on the chicken katsu on the side, as I'm not a fan. The service was quick, and we were able to see how the sushi was made since we sat at the bar. While there is a lot of parking, it is located in a shopping center with plenty of other shops around so it can be difficult to find a spot. Everything was so good, we had to try their Aptos location too.

    Rainbow Poke

    The food was excellent! So fresh and Tasty. Highly recommend if you are in the Santa Cruz area. The service was impeccable, 5

    The sushi was incredibly fresh and beautifully prepared. Each roll had great flavor and perfect texture. The service was friendly and quick, making the whole experience even better. I'll definitely be coming back!

    16 piece sashimi dinner- SO GOOD
    Angela M.

    WOW, was visiting Santa Cruz and was in the mood for sushi and was not expecting to find such a great place. We ordered the 16 piece sashimi which came with soup, salad and rice It was served beautifully with edible garnish and was only $35.99 We were SO STUFFED and so happy. The salad dressing was a stand out too- I mentioned it to the hotel and they said they sell it by the bottle- wish I would of known, I would of bought some for sure.

    fire dragon(top) dragon lady(bottom)
    Julie Ann S.

    went here for the first time ab's it did not disappoint. it's pretty small in there but did not get too packed. service was good. it was getting a little slow by the end but thats bc more ppl came in. food exceeded my expectations. dragon lady was my fav of the two that we ordered but would still recommend the fire dragon as well. the flavors were some that ive never had before in sushi. would def come again!!

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    22 days ago

    Party of 5 consumed $250 of delicious food. Service was just as excellent. Very crowded and noisy, but otherwise a pleasant experience.

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    3 months ago

    Best sushi in town! It's always our go to for all of our birthday dinners! Great food and service!

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    7 months ago

    Good sushi, and plenty of vegetarian options. The restaurant is small and you can be in for a wait during busy times. But overall, YUM!

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    Page 1 of 25

    Ask the Community - Akira

    The website mentions patio seating? Is there a patio? If so how many tables?

    No patio seating available since I visited last. There might be now?

    Your phone number isn't working or order?

    It is working. I also had the same issue. Just keep calling and wait through the endless ringing. Or just go down and order in person and wait. They get so busy they stop taking orders over the phone.

    How does one place an order? Every time I call it's busy signals or it rings so long and eventually disconnects. I've tried multiple nights to no avail. Same with Aptos location. What's the deal?

    Interesting. I've never had that problem and I get takeout from them about once a week usually on Sunday afternoons. Occasionally the call fails for some reason but otherwise can through. Wondering if you are calling during the busiest time.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    I DONT UNDERSTAND (ō_ō)…read more how i haven't heard much about this restaurant because it is literally a 1000/10. The server/host was funny and kind to us. The FOOD was DELICIOUS and high quality!!!! ( *w*)b The imported beers were fun to try! the only thing i'm missing is gloves to eat my meal with because i could not grab the food to shove into my face fast enough ^o.o^

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