Akaoni - Carmel-by-the-Sea

Now, while the food is fantastic, the service leaves something to be desired. I had trouble finding our waitress, who was at times pleasant but also came across as a bit cold. I'd advise you to focus on enjoying the food rather than letting the service affect your experience; this place really shines when it comes to its amazing fish. Just to clarify, the service wasn't rude at all during my visit; it was just different from the level of service Americans typically expect at a high-end restaurant. All in all, I will definitely return when I'm in the Carmel area.

The sushi here is outstanding, both in flavor and presentation. However, be aware that they cannot accommodate large groups—only up to four people. If you enjoy tofu, definitely try their homemade version; it has a wonderfully smooth texture and a mild flavor. I also recommend trying their sushi selection. Although I'm usually not a fan of mackerel or skipjack, you really should give it a try here. Highly recommended! Two thumbs up!

The fish was of excellent quality, prepared by a highly skilled chef. The service was outstanding, and I appreciated the straightforward, authentic experience. I would love to visit again—thank you, Akaoni!

One of the most authentic Japanese foods in the area. The restaurant looks humble, but its quality and freshness are beyond expectations.

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)