Amakai

3.7 (321 reviews)

ModerateJapanese, Sushi Bars

Add Review

Call

Directions

Amakai Photos

Amakai - Amakai - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Amakai - Niner's - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Amakai - Waikiki - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

+439

Amakai - Rose Garden - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Business Info

Health Information

View Health Score

Amakai menu photos

See all

AMAKAI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

Inside

22 Photos

Outside

2 Photos

Casual

Moderate noise

Happy hour specials

Good for kids

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Amakai

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.

Start your review...

Browse more easily on the app

Reviews With Photos

Daniel J.

Pretty typical sushi for the area. Prices are about what you expect from most places. I got a couple of their special rolls, and the sizes are GENEROUS. Even the salmon nigiri was much larger than I normally expect, so I really appreciated that and would come back for that reason. The inside of the restaurant was very cute. The staff was friendly and my to-go order was prepared fast! Try this spot out if you're nearby!!

Lloyd C.

I stopped in for takeout. It was close to closing time, and they had started to clean up the kitchen but said they could take my order for take out. Sake roll - the salmon was fresh. California Roll - good crab mixture, creamy, and the avocado was smooth, soft, and ripe. Pretty decent roll.

Leonor R.

We stumbled on to this restaurant on a Sat night. The intended restaurant was packed. The dining hall is clean. A row of booths with an awning was a nice touch. The lone server was friendly. As soon as we were seated, we received the menus. Once she took those, she laid a stack of paper table mats, chopsticks, small plates & napkins. We set our table. My daughter & I shared an order of Rainbow Roll & Salmon teriyaki bento (miso soup, salad, & veggie tempura. The bento box was what we would have expected. The teriyaki sauce was what we like. The fish toppings were & fresh. Overall it met our expectations.

Left to right: Geisha Roll, White Dragon Roll, Amakai Roll. Amakai was my fave!

Ivy C.

Solid, generous sized sushi rolls, friendly service, and a cute, intimate interior makes this a solid 4. It can be really loud inside since the tables are crammed together in one room. If you have 4 people, you get to reserve a booth. There's only 3 booths total, so book ahead. I didn't try anything else but service was prompt, our glasses were constantly refilled, and the we left satisfied.

Benjamin T.

Amakai is located in the small strip right before mission college. Parking might be tough during peak hours and the spots are pretty tight It is a small sushi restaurant that gives good enough quality sushi. We ordered 8-9 rolls for 7 males and it was pretty filling. However the fish didn't taste as fresh. A lot of the rolls depended highly on the sauces to compensate for the quality of fish. Service was chill and nice as well. They helped refill our water and tea every so often and took away our plates when the table was getting full. Overall nice chill sushi restaurant

Dennis Z.

By far the worst meal I've had in awhile. A group of us came here after the place we planned to eat a few doors down had too long of a wait and we were hungry. No wait at this place so decided to give it a shot. My Miso Ramen was so flavorless and had only essence of salt. It didn't look or taste like any Miso Ramen I've ever had. Noodles were quite soggy, egg was just an unseasoned soft-boiled egg, and what I could only guess was supposed to be chashu pork was too unappetizing in appearance to even try. I had only 2 bites and stopped for fear of getting an upset stomach later. My SO's Tonkotsu Ramen broth was more flavorful than mine, but wasn't that great either and was very salty. Another person in our group who also ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen tried adding hot water to his to make it less salty. Both of them also complained about soggy noodles. One of our friends ordered the Salted Saba, and I don't think I've seen a drier, tougher piece of fish. She said it was like eating fish jerky. Everybody was dissatisfied with their meal. The server seemed nice enough. I'm sure she was probably doing the best she could considering she was the only server we saw tending to all the tables.

Rie H.

This is my second time visiting this restaurant and the first time I felt was decent but this second time has made me realize I will not be coming back again. I ordered the chirashi. It's quite expensive at $40 (tip and tax included) but I decided to enjoy a bit of a splurge. However the quality of everything was very terrible. The rice was hard and very dry as if it was sitting out all day. The flavor was bland and did not taste like sushi rice. The radish garnish looked old and dry instead of springy and white which makes me think it's more than a few days old. The fish cuts were not good. They all barely had any taste and did not seem fresh. I understand you can't expect truly fresh fish but for the price I would've expected slightly better quality. The sashimi I get from the supermarket is better quality than what was served. The ikura looked hazy and dull which usually indicates that it's not fresh. I would be less picky about the quality of the dish if the price was lower, I would not want to pay more than $25 for this. The service was average. The server was attentive when I arrived and she brought my drink and food but after that she disappeared for some time and the people in the booth near me had to yell and flag her down to try to get their check after waiting for some time. Parking can be a slight challenge during "rush hours" because it's shared with other restaurants but I could usually find a parking spot in less than 5 minutes.

Jamie Q.

We started off with the agedashi tofu and orange blossom roll from the happy hour menu (all day Sunday). I'd only had agedashi tofu served in a broth, and was surprised that the pieces were dry with a dipping sauce. It came out fresh and piping hot, and the breading was flavorful. I would eat this again despite it being different from what I'm used to. I'm not a huge fan of raw salmon, but my fiancé thoroughly enjoyed the orange blossom roll. He said the fish was fresh. We also got the Samurai roll and a Saba bento with gyoza. I like spicy tuna and the roll hit the spot. The jalapeño was really spicy and went along well with the tuna. I was surprised by the options for the bento. It was either gyoza, or for an extra $3, you could get one of three other items instead. Definitely wasn't used to this setup since I've normally gotten multiple sides included when ordering a bento. We later heard another table inquire about this as well. I'm presuming they're often asked the same question since the photo on the menu for the bento seems to be misrepresented. There was only one server for six parties during our visit. We didn't feel any lack in service though, so kudos to her. We left with full tummies, and would come back to dine here again :) I wouldn't recommend this spot for a first date. It's well-lit and quiet - doesn't feel private or intimate enough to have a genuine conversation.

Richard C.

3 stars. Service was great but the sushi/ sashimi was a bit underwhelming. I ordered the sake don, which is salmon sashimi with rice. I also got an Alaska roll. The rice that was used was plain and not sushi rice. The salmon sashimi was cut a little irregularly and didn't feel that fresh. The quantity of salmon was pretty decent for the price, though I just wish it was more fresh. The Alaska roll was passable. The rice distribution was a bit uneven and it was plain rice rather than sushi rice. Miso soup was fine though. Overall, the food from this place didn't quite hit the mark but the service was good.

Hao L.

Kitchen nightmares in silicon valley, not an exaggeration but I have yet tasted food this bad since I moved here. The rice was not fresh, very hard and dry, btw, shouldn't nigiri uses vinegar rice? I don't think I am asking too much from a $22 sushi set. The service was ok, the restaurant decorations were cute, but why the food can be this bad? I highly doubt the original owner sold this place to someone else. Long story short, do no go to this place, avoid it at all cost.

Bernice L.

Food: rating on food only Agedashi tofu: 1.5 tastes like tofu with batter but not authentic, wouldn't say is agedashi tofu.... Tempura: 3just ok nothing special but most acceptable of all my orders Soft shell crab: 1 the batter is way too thick and hard, couldn't rlly taste the crab Love roll: 3the taste was ok but wasnt sure if it was normal the roll falling apart, the roll was came smaller than I expected for $20 Sake Kama: 0the fish was raw and the taste wasn't good either so... (doesn't eat raw fish)

Jeff B.

Returned to Amakai after a year (annual convention). We arrived when they opened at 11, on a holiday weekend. For a while, we were the only ones there. Others followed. Amakai service has always been exceptional. I had to be in a scooter and they accommodated me greatly by moving chairs and signs to get me situated. Much appreciated. We ordered tea and four rolls. I got the Niners roll and the Samurai roll. Both were very good, very big and nicely seasoned and spiced, just like I like them. The Niners roll was my fave. It was silky, spicy, savory and huge. My daughter noted how impressed she was each time I ate a whole slice. She actually laughed at me when I unhinged my jaw for the last bite. The Samurai was extra spicy, with the slice of jalapeño on top. I noted that it was the only roll with two spicy indicators on the menu. Amakai always comes thru with quality food, great service and equally great value. I'll be back, probably tomorrow. The only bummer: they were closed Sunday and Monday (Presidents' Day). I get it that they like to close for the holiday but they miss out each year, since our convention has 2500 attendees and many were outside that little strip mall both days (both years), yearning for more delicious sushi.

Rachel Y.

This place is at a plaza located next to Mission College! There is limited seating so make sure you come at an earlier time! The agedashi tofu was good, but wished that it had bonito flakes instead of cabbage! The Chirashi was overall good, but the maguro seemed not fresh! Presentation was amazing though! Also, the miso came out cold, but I love the different styles of plates!

See all

Jessica W.

Elite 19

133

9 years ago

Very cute Japanese restaurant that I promise looks much more attractive inside than it does outside. Food quality is good here as well. Ordered a sashimi plate, spicy ramen, soba, and a salmon skin hand roll. Sashimi plate (combo) was AMAZING! Great for the price and good quality. Spicy ramen wasn't the best. Pretty spicy so if you're into that, keep an eye out for it. Nothing special though. Soba was also nothing too special but I enjoyed it immensely. Hard to mess up soba but you know when it's bad and this place definitely did not screw it up. I would order it again. Salmon skin hand roll was a good size but unfortunately wasn't wrapped the coziest in my opinion. Also the salmon skin was a little on the burnt side. Wouldn't order it again but I did enjoy it. All in all, I would come back if I was in the area. There are other Japanese restaurants around here I'd love to try as well but the wait is very long. Wait here isn't bad and the food is still good. Great place to satisfy your Japanese food craving quick. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Tommy P.

150

7 years ago

The service here was great and fast! I had the white dragon roll which I recommend. A great spot to eat at for lunch or dinner.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Heidi P.

Elite 18

154

9 years ago

Not sure how the sushi is, but my 3 stars goes for the ramen. The spicy broth was not spicy (granted I have a high tolerance, but even my less tolerant friend said it wasn't spicy). The noodles were very clumpy and obviously straight out of some package--not appetizing. However, service was friendly despite there being only one server and one sushi chef on the floor. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Apit L.

Elite 26

775

1251

9 years ago

Nice and hole in the wall Japanese restaurant. Quick with the service and great quality service and food. We will DEFINITELY return here.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Nico F.

7 years ago

Love this place, my favorite Japanese joint near work. Usually packed around lunch time on weekdays. They have nice tiki-style booths for groups of 4. Great for anything but ramen and yakitori. (For ramen, there is a *great* spot just next door.) read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Liza P.

7 years ago

Came here on the way home from San Francisco and it turned out to be the best idea. The food was yummy and service was great. Will definitely come again!!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

L C.

203

6 years ago

My new favorite sushi restaurant!! Always fresh and the sushi chef and owner is kind and friendly. We continue to support this establishment during COVID. While takeout isn't the same as dine-in, it is the best sushi place in the South Bay. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mala F.

8 years ago

Never heard of this place until recently and I'm glad that I gave it a shot! All the rolls are presented beautifully and all taste fresh! I got the dragon and green dragon roll cause I'm a eel lover and they were both DELICIOUS! Service was good and we didn't have to wait too long for the food. Forsure going to have to come back and bring my friends read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 2

Oh no 0

Hisoka S.

10 years ago

There are so many sushi joints, and this has got to be the most mediocre of them all. There's nothing special about this place. The reviews below are obviously fake lol. Nice try tho. The reviews must be from the owner's friends. Such a sad attempt for popularity. Don't come here when there are plenty of great sushi places. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Cheryl P.

7 years ago

I feel bad giving three stars because the service here was very friendly and all the rolls we ordered were really good. But the appetizers were all basic. Potstickers, edamame, nothing special. The real problem is the place is old and a little dirty. I was disturbed to see such a dirty restroom and a child's high chair stored a foot away from the toilet! I can't go back. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Richard T.

10 years ago

I love trying new sushi places within my area, so it was time to try their new sushi because they just opened up recently too I believe. Looking at "Max"s review I slightly hesitated on going but I said why not it's just 1 bad review, and to be honest I have no idea what he is talking about the sushi is perfectly fine and I eat at many different places and this restaurant is easily up to par and even better then most places. First thing is the customer server is nothing short of excellent they were attentive when needed and very friendly. The food was excellent the raw sushi tasted fresh and very good. The baked rolls were great as well we had two baked rolls sadly forgot the name. Sushi taste right for the money it isn't some random low cost sushi place where you get what you pay for, which is cheap low quality sushi read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jason F.

6 years ago

Damn, bruh. Idk what to say. Every time I get something with my girl here. I get so tempted to take her order too. Spider be my favorite and Green Dragon would be placed second. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mo H.

9 years ago

Great service !! Sushi is the best California rolls are the bomb, but the best of the best is the Amakai. This place has the best Hamachi Kama.!! Servers and sushi chef are nice and super friendly. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Emily H.

7 years ago

Super food and ramen! Got back from Japan and thought I wouldn't find a good sushi /ramen place anymore but found this hole in the wall 45 mins away from home. Highly recommend for sure!!!! Great service read more

Amakai - Spicy unagi - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Charlene S.

198

7 years ago

The boyfriend wanted to do a sushi cake for a surprise gift and it turned out so amazing!!!! Wish we took a photo but everything looked too good to not eat so quickly haha man forget the traditional cakes! Sushi cakes all the way read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 1

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Yang L.

Elite 23

369

213

100

9 years ago

Service is great. That's where the second star comes from. The sushi is unimpressive here. We got a few rolls...The rice is hard and the texture is absolutely off. The seaweed was really dry and chewy. Was quite disappointed given that it had 4 stars. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Alyson S.

7 years ago

Most of the time this place is a good go-to for good sushi. We typically get a few rolls and maybe a tonkatsu. For some odd reason, we gave them the usual order and they indicated it'll take ONE HOUR before pick up. The usual guy typically says "let me check how long it will take" and 7/10 times it'll take 25-30min. Most recently they're taking nearly an hour for a basic pick up order with a max of 3 items. We decided to make our go-to sushi place Sen Dai sushi in Milpitas. It's slightly more expensive but they have a creative menu and they never say it'll take an hour. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Bmoc I.

603

8 years ago

Just went by there for lunch for a group 8 and the food was great ordered a platter of rolls and the bento box. I was seated right away and the servers of the restaurant were pleasant and was very tentative on everything we need would need here's a picture of my delicious lunch haha! read more

Amakai - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Helpful 2

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tobi B.

125

8 years ago

Update! Went back with a friend and had the Kubo roll, spicy, buttery perfection, but be warned, must love red onions, which I do! Everyone super nice and they schooled me completely on roasted green tea! This one was delicious and exactly what I craved. Hot edamame was also delish. Definitely will be back my next business trip. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jop P.

189

9 years ago

My experience at Amakai was one of the best visits I had. A warm welcome when you walk in and the vibe was very relaxed throughout our entire meal. We ordered the chef special and I can see why they only serve this option during dinner. It takes time but at least it is something different from the rest of the menu. A must try and we look forward to coming back! read more

Amakai - My experience at Amakai was one of the best visits I had and simply everything about the chef special was delicious!! We will see you again - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Amakai - Oh man, this place is bomb.com! - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

See all

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Lulu L.

214

7 years ago

My lunch today was sad. Our salmon skin rolls were super sad looking with very little salmon and the roll was disappointly skinny. Parking here is a little hard since the lot is small with many businesses around. Anyway, not so happy with my order for the $$$ that I paid. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Katherine T.

5 years ago

wasnt anything special. pretty slow service, not fresh expensive. probably wont come back.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

beatriz e.

163

7 years ago

Why am I not closer!! This place is a hidden gem of sushi. Freshest I've enjoyed in a long time. Both the tina and the salmon were melt in your mouth amazing. The fullness of flavors in their rolls perfection! Service is excellent. You know its good when over half the patrons are Japanese. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Mai B.

103

8 years ago

Just noticed one of the reviews this girl wrote and I'm pretty appalled about what I read. Not going to say who it is but she mentioned how the fish wasnt fresh but the same day she wrote the review, I was there and the fish is definitely fresh. The head chef pulled out this giant salmon that just came in and cut it right in front of me. I was sitting at the bar when he was cutting it and he was so friendly as I sat down and we just talked about the world cup and stuff. Amazing place and such a friendly place to go to. I will definitely be coming back more often. Maybe every week read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

My T.

8 years ago

Love their food & especially their service! They def. make you feel at home & I can't wait to go back. Their sushi taste fresh, and the portions are good as well. 5 stars! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Andy N.

Elite 19

371

8 years ago

As a fan of sushi I am always looking around Silicon Valley for restaurants serving fresh sushi. Many locations I would only go to once and would move on to find a new place. Not Amakai. Here I would go when I am looking for consistently fresh sashimi. I usually start off with some miso soup and a carpaccio plate followed by a variety of sashimi, the Deluxe choice of sashimi was well worth it. As for rolls, the Amakai is a great addition to the meal. Given the location, the service for a this family restaurant is a lot better than many. I will definitely be coming back for satisfy future cravings of sashimi. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

J G.

7 years ago

Ok.....so here is the skinny......Hands Down this is the best Sushi Restaurant I've had in a long time. Great Service and excellent Food. Not to mention how the plates look stunning. I RECOMMEND the Amakai Sushi Roll.....DELICIOUS!! read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Jeremy P.

238

7 years ago

This place was amazing! Had the Vegas, the Philly and the Candy Cane. I loved every one! I can't wait to be back in town, so I can come back. Great service as well. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Justin D.

186

7 years ago

Great local sushi spot! The fresh fish made all the difference. It's family owned with a fun atmosphere and great sushi!

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sierra V.

8 years ago

I do not normally even leave yelp reviews, but this place was god awful with their service. I finished my meal literally an hour before I got the check. My friends and I dined in, ordered our food, finished, and had to ask the same waitress MULTIPLE TIMES to get our check. She was sassy and uncooperative. The amount of time we spent sitting and waiting to leave was ridiculous, especially since we watched multiple parties come and go just in the time we were sitting there. The food was okay, but not at all worth the service. Terrible. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Tony P.

7 years ago

Talked to the head chef and lucky for us, our rolls, kubo, Amakai, and pandora all contained tuna! The picture is the tuna he just got this morning. It was a great experience I never had a whole fish get cut in front of me before. I don't understand why this place gets mixed reviews. This place has fresh fish and great vibes. Totally recommend! read more

Amakai - Fresh tuna - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sherry Z.

8 years ago

Rude management. They yell to you for having outside drinks instead of a polite reminder... food is at most mediocre. The chairs and tables are stinky too. Not ever coming back. read more

Business owner information

Steven S.

Sherry,…

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Arlene M.

8 years ago

Just been here tonight-- they said anything that has to do with Sushi will take 45 mins. Avoid this joint tonight at all cost if you're hungry. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Amrita G.

190

179

130

9 years ago

Loved the Amakai sushi and the Geisha. Got another one, don't remember the name-- one with salmon, crab and a slice of lemon on top. The Amakai is a spicy one, but delicious. A little bit on the expensive side but good service! read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Joe C.

7 years ago

I felt happy with the two rolls I ordered. They were not "OMG the best rolls in my life" bit I enyoyed them. What i ordered was the geisha (citrus twist) and the spicy eel (spicier than what I expected but goos). Service was quick and friendly, fish was fresh and tasty, good ambiance for a small restaurant. I would recommend I'd you are in the area but not a restaurant you want to drive 30 min to eat at. read more

Amakai - Food and inside restaurant - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Patricia U.

7 years ago

This place is amazing!!! I had an oddball request.... wanted someone to make a very special sushi 'cake' for my son's 21st bday. Had made several calls with no luck , until Cyndi at Amakai said she was up for the creative challenge. The result was amazingly beautiful AND delicious!! She could not have been easier to work with .... even orocured a cake plate for It!!! They've definitely got my business !!! read more

Amakai - Gorgeous!!! Sushi 'cake'!! - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

Amakai - Fantastic!! - Japanese Near Me - Santa Clara, California

See all

Business owner information

Steven S.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience.

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 0

Sara D.

9 years ago

Stay away. Waited 45 minutes for a bento that never came. Husband got his sushi rolls and waited for my bento to arrive. After 10 mins, my food hadn't come so I told him to eat. His meal was finished and the table cleared, still no bento. We asked twice and they said it was coming. People that arrived after us got their bentos. We told them to cancel and I left hungry. Never coming back. read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Realtor Celeste R.

179

108

105

8 years ago

Terrible customer service for a first time customer. I ordered a sushi who the waiter said was mostly cooked, once he brought it out I had one roll when I noticed the fish was raw. I put it aside and told him I wanted to order another roll because I did not like the sushi because it was raw. Once we got our tab he still charged me for the raw sushi and said there was nothing he could do about it because the roll was made already. The manager also refused. He didn't even offer a discount. He was rude and I will not returning to this restaurant. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Melisa V.

7 years ago

On my vacation in Milpitas, I was craving for sushi. My friends wanted to try this place. Staff is super friendly and food is on point. We tried the 007, spicy unagi, amakai, vegas roll, and curry chicken katsu. All dishes were delicious!! I would highly recommend this place. It's a family owned business, the food tastes like homemade cooking. My mouth still waters writing this review. 10/10 would highly recommend. read more

Helpful 0

Thanks 0

Love this 0

Oh no 1

xiong x.

9 years ago

For saturday lunch, I ordered the combination sushi (5 piece nigiri and a california roll) for $18 and a mocha ice cream for $4. The buffet quality california roll has 60% cheap imitation crab 10%, not ripe enough avocado and 30% rice. Quality rolls won't come with 60% cheap imitation crab! I end up only finish 2/3 of the roll. The 5 piece nigiri is Ok, but not very fresh, since not many people eat here. After diner, I had an upset stomach and spend 10 minutes in the restroom read more

Helpful 1

Thanks 0

Love this 1

Oh no 0

Page 6 of 9

4300 Great America Pkwy
Ste 156
Santa Clara, CA 95054
Directions
(408) 352-5361
Call Now

Hours

What time does Amakai open?

Amakai opens at 11:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Amakai opens at 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Amakai close?

Amakai closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Amakai closes at 9:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Amakai closes at 10:00 PM on Saturday.Amakai is closed on Sunday.

Mon-Fri 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PMSat 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSun Closed

Payment methods

Does Amakai take Bitcoin?

No, Amakai does not take Bitcoin.

Does Amakai take credit cards?

Yes, Amakai takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Amakai have catering options?

Yes, Amakai does have catering options.

Does Amakai have a drive thru?

No, Amakai does not have a drive thru.

Does Amakai have a happy hour?

Yes, Amakai has a happy hour.

Does Amakai serve alcohol?

Yes, Amakai serves alcohol. Beer & Wine Only

Indoor Amenities

Does Amakai allow dogs?

No, Amakai does not allow dogs.

Does Amakai have TVs?

No, Amakai does not have TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Amakai have bike parking?

Yes, Amakai has bike parking.

Does Amakai have outdoor seating?

No, Amakai does not have outdoor seating options.

Does Amakai have parking?

Yes, Amakai has parking options. Private Lot Parking

Other Amenities

Is Amakai wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Amakai is wheelchair accessible.

Does Amakai have free WiFi?

Yes, Amakai has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

A traditional yet creative Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Silicon Valley. The cuisine ranges from kid friendly options to a sushi adventurer's delight. We carefully select only the freshest ingredients to bring the finest quality eating experience to all of our patrons and we would love to share this opportunity with you all.

Meet the Business Owner: Steven S.

Chef Steven has spent more than a decade working as a head sushi chef. During that time, he has honed and perfected his skills in order to share his dedication and passion for sushi with you. He invites you to experience the sweet taste of the ocean.

More Info

Health Score

Amakai Reviews in Other Languages

Chinese
1 Review

Ask the Community - Amakai

How much does a sushi platter cost?

No answers yet. Be the first to answer.

Do you deliver?

David, Thank you for your inquiry but unfortunately,…

View question details

Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

You might also consider

Rantei Japanese Cuisine

Ginza roll tasted very fresh Server was very polite…read moreAmbience from decorations and looked very traditional

The best sushi place in San Jose and everyone was nice. Nice…read moreplace to visit for your date! Highly recommended

Photos

Omakase Sashimi Set, Kaison Don, Tacos, and nigiri

Omakase sashimi

See all

Art

Leichi

Delicious food Good service…read moreNo pressure to leave quickly Clean and tidy Right amount of attention

Delicious delicacies. I didn't expect cold soba would have been that good. It's worth giving it a…read moretry. Make sure you mix in wasabi and green onions to your taste. Classical Blues is played for the night. I sit behind a partition to enjoy my food in solitude. I'd have gave 4.5 stars but I cannot reduce 0.5 Anyways, it's Not a Michelin star rating though.

Photos

Houjicha (roasted green tea)Panna Cotta

Assorted Sashimi house special

See all

Beef tongue steak $24

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Locally owned & operated

Free parking

Love the food, membership is pretty nice…read more Jackie served us who is super friendly and helpful.

Reena was a great server! Went above and beyond. We are definitely coming back ! Thank you Reena!read more

Photos

Happy Hour Menu

See all

Sumiya

Sumiya Yakitori specializes in yakitori and they do a nice combo yakitori bento with chicken thigh,…read morepork belly, and beef short rib. There's a poached egg on the rice and you can order your choice of appetizer - I got the agedashi tofu. The dressing on the salad (Ume miso) was very good and tasty, and the agedashi tofu seemed authentic and delicately prepared and subtly flavored. The yakitori itself was pretty good. The chicken was pretty standard and the beef and pork good without being exceptional. Flavor was good, just a little bit more chew on the beef and pork than ideal. Overall, satisfying meal, though not as filling as I would have liked. Service was fine and I'd come here again to try other options.

Came here for lunch with my husband on Friday. We arrived a little after 11:30am, and there're no…read morelines. Interior decor was that of a typical yakitori, and you could see the chefs grilling skewers behind glasses. Service was friendly and very efficient. Hot tea was complimentary. We scanned a QR code at the table, made our selections, and placed our order after confirming our payment method. We closed the tab and paid online before we left. It's very convenient, and they provided quite a number of customizations/options for the various bentos and other dishes. I had an Oyako Don Set with grilled saba and shiitake dressing for the salad. My husband had a B Skewers Bento with agedashi tofu and ume miso dressing for the salad. The food came out pretty fast, and was hot and freshly cooked. My oyako don was cooked to perfection, the seasoning was on point. Portion was very generous with good chicken to rice ratio. There're a few pieces of shiitake mushroom in the bowl as well. My saba was grilled very nicely, and the best part was that there were barely any bones (just a tiny bone in the entire piece of saba!) The shiitake dressing was delicious with a little crunch. Hadn't had such an authentic and yummy Japanese lunch for a long time. My husband enjoyed his bento as well. Can't wait to come back to try other items on their menu.

Photos

Potato mochi

See all

Potatoe Mochi with Cheese

GIWA

The ambiance and food are amazing! The service it top tier and the decorations are super instagram…read moreable! I will definitely come back

Tried the lobster garlic noodle, and it was really flavorful and creamy. I was worried that the…read morelobster would be overcooked, but it was actually very tender. The black sesame French toast pleasantly surprised me with how tall the toast was (not flat like typical French toast), and there were layers inside similar to eating cake. French toast was not too sweet, which I prefer for my desserts. The service was amazing, I was holding the lobster shell and didn't know where to set it down and my waiter came over and told me to give it to him, with a napkin in his hands. The ambience was so beautiful, the restaurant is definitely one of those Instagram photo spots. There are chandeliers and flowers surrounding the restaurant. Even the bathroom was nice, which is important since you can judge a restaurant also by its bathroom.

See all

La Casa Mia

Tried this lovely Japanese-Italian fusion spot in the Bay Area for the first time. We tried their…read moremochi pizza-Mentaiko Mayo Mochi Cheese Pizza. I love mochi, so I was really curious how it would work on a pizza. It actually worked surprisingly well. The chewy mochi added a unique layer of texture to the crispy crust and paired nicely with the other toppings. We also had a variety of pastas, both seafood and meat. The portions-especially the seafood and pork cutlet-were generous, and I really enjoyed the subtle sweetness in the meat sauce. The blueberry yogurt drink was beautifully presented. The little heart-shaped container held syrup that you can pour over the ice to turn it into flavored shaved ice, which was a fun touch. The matcha parfait was also tasty and a great way to end the meal.

Great good and great service. The server offered the children jelly while waiting for the food, I…read morepersonally think that is such a kind act that excited the kids and looking forward for the meals. The servers are very attentive and the wait time for the food is barely 10 minutes. Very efficient. The meals are great, the baguettes came with refilled. The whipped butter is light and creamy. I kept wonder if a drizzle of honey could amplified the taste. Pizza and pasta are obviously very taste and chewy. The restaurant is very nice and cozy as well, a mixtures of Japanese and Italian cuisines. It's a cutesy and vibrant, perfect for date. Overall, I think it's a wonderful experience and meals. Very unique concept!

Photos

Interior

Salmon pasta

See all

Baguette ($6 with up to 3 free refills)

Yuki Sushi

4.5 We came here…read moreright when it opened. Good that we did because lots of people started to come, and this was a Sunday night. The food was wonderful. Sushi was fresh. The tempura was lightly crispy and perfectly cooked. The.Udon noodles were cooked perfectly. They were nice and chewy and not mushy. The vegetables in the udon refresh as well. The vegetable croquet curry was good as a girl. Although personally, I like the curry to have a stronger curry taste. But it was good. Servers were very good. They are attentive but not overbearing. Inside the restaurant was small but look to be a typical old school Japanese restaurant style. They even have a mock tatami table area. I will definitely come back again!

3 star only for service. Else food was just okayish. If you…read moreknow what a good sushi is, no don't go to this place. California roll with baja sauce... it was just okay, nothing to wow. Dragon roll had a sweetness because of some sauce, nothing sure what it is. All sushi roll size is very small. Had crab croquette, and never having it again. It was soo creamy in a weird way. Few people who likes deep fried and sweet creamy stuff, they could order else a big No Then there was some chicken slider, which was okay, you can try.

Photos

Seared Salmon Belly (the best, eat right away while warm)

See all

2 item roll - natto and green onions

HiroNori Craft Ramen

Locally owned & operated

Yesterday I visited hironori craft ramen with my friends…read more The food it's very delicious and homey. This place is cozy . we waited for 10 minutes. tha ramen it's affordable. I give a 4 stars because it can improve the flavor.

it was really good, easy to get a table on july 4th weekend and the service was extremely fast!!!…read moremake sure you get the vegan gyoza

See all

Taichi Pot Shabu Shabu

Locally owned & operated

Vegetarian friendly

Came here 5:30, we had a reservation, and we came when it opened so there was literally nobody…read morethere. PARKING: decent parking, it's around other places so it is in a lot but if it is a busy time it would be pretty hard to try and get a space. PLACE: fairly big, but not too big, would have to combine a few chairs and tables to accommodate to bigger parties, the sauces and everything are already on the table, so are the dishes as well. FOOD: We got the ultra, Tom Yum Tonkotsu & Shiro Miso Soymilk - Tom Yum tasted really good and it paired well with the meat, the Shiro Miso just tasted more like miso soup than actual soy milk mixed in. American Wagyu & Black Angus Beef Toro - I feel like the American Wagyu was a little too fatty for my liking, or it could be the other way around lol, I kind of don't remember which one was which but one had amazing marbling that melted in your mouth. We also got lychee beer, which was super good, didn't even taste like beer. We had like 3 glasses which is funny because we aren't drinkers but it was so delicious. I recommend any of their fruity beers. Edamame - don't really recommend, comes cold and some pieces were not really good.

I've been to this location a few times and it's usually a pretty pleasant time but recently the…read moreservice and broth quality has taken a bit of a turn. We came in with a party of six for dinner on a Monday evening when the restaurant was relatively quiet, with only a few other tables occupied. We asked if it would be possible to combine tables so our group could order multiple broths and enjoy the meal together because sharing one pot for a party of 6 gets a little crowded, but the request was denied despite there appearing to be plenty of available space. As the meal progressed, our broth became extremely cloudy and thick from cooking. We politely asked if we could receive a fresh pot of the same broth--not a different broth, just a new pot so we could continue enjoying our meal. Unfortunately, this request was also denied. The broth flavoring was also underwhelming and started to taste the same after our first refill. What made the experience disappointing was the lack of flexibility and willingness to accommodate reasonable requests, especially during a slow service period. Customer service and hospitality are an important part of the dining experience, and we left feeling that our concerns were dismissed rather than addressed.

Photos

Kanto style Sukiyaki

Intense Spiciness of Mala Dashi!

See all

Amazing Katsu

Amazing Katsu is such a random little find in Santa Clara, and honestly that's part of what makes…read moreit fun. It's a pop-up tucked inside Elite Event Center, which is definitely an unusual location. You walk in and it feels like the event center is basically closed except for this one katsu spot quietly operating inside. Ordering is simple. You scan the QR code, place your order, and mine was ready in about 10 mins. There isn't really a place to sit and eat, so this is definitely more of a pickup and go situation, but the food itself is worth the stop. I got the chicken katsu set and it was really good. The outside was perfectly crunchy without being so heavily breaded that the chicken got lost. The meat was juicy, flavorful, and not dry at all, which can make or break katsu. It also wasn't greasy, which I really appreciated. Everything tasted fresh and clean, but still satisfying. The dipping sauce was also a standout. It had a nice savory umami flavor, but it wasn't too thick, too sweet, or overpowering. Just really well balanced and perfect with the crispy chicken. For $17, you get a solid amount of food with the chicken, rice, cabbage, and miso soup. It felt like a good value, especially compared to a lot of places around the area right now. The location may be a little weird at first, but the food is legit and I'd absolutely come back when I'm craving crispy, juicy katsu.

My coworkers suggested getting lunch from Amazing Katsu, which surprisingly most of us have never…read moretried before. So, my coworker doordashed our orders. NOTE: Takeout only. Pork Tenderloin Katsu: Juicy & tender pork tenderloin, breaded & fried to perfection. Served with rice, cabbage salad, & miso soup. I'll order from them again. Support your local business.

Photos

See all

JOEY Valley Fair

This is the best bar and has fantastic food. LOVE IT! So many nice people working here, Bianca and…read moreJulia K are the best! Definitely a 10 on the list.

Crystal was great! She mentioned she's still fairly new, but you'd never know it ,she knew the menu…read morereally well and gave excellent recommendations. She suggested a wine to go with my steak that paired perfectly, though I can't for the life of me remember the name. Service was attentive and friendly all around. I hope she can remind me what that wine was next time I see her, because I'll definitely be requesting her again!

Photos

Modern lighting

Crab meat dip

See all

Steak and ravioli blanco

Rantei Japanese Cuisine

Ginza roll tasted very fresh Server was very polite…read moreAmbience from decorations and looked very traditional

The best sushi place in San Jose and everyone was nice. Nice…read moreplace to visit for your date! Highly recommended

Photos

Omakase Sashimi Set, Kaison Don, Tacos, and nigiri

Omakase sashimi

See all

Art

Ondam

Everything was great! The portion sizes were very generous. The interior aesthetic of the building…read morelooked really good and the menus were cool too. The front door was quite heavy so you may need to pull hard to open it though.

I am giving Ondam five stars for great, caring service. The food was delicious! We'll definitely…read morecome back again!

Photos

They're open late even on weeknights

Mini Cheese Tteok 미니치즈떡

See all

Side dishes

Puesto Santa Clara

Food was excellent as always Erika was very friendly…read moreattentive and talkative Ambience Was good

We hosted our baby shower there and went with a family style menu. They had individual menus…read moreprinted, drinks on demand and the best service. The sales team was so flexible with all of our request. The day of the event, the food came out in plenty and was the perfect way to host such a large group. I can't express how smooth and wonderful our event was!

Photos

Classic, Nogada, and Puesto Perfect Guacamole

See all

Chicken Flautas

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

22 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Barbara J.

6 years ago

First time dining here. I eat sushi at least twice a week and have dined in many countries around the world. Ordered the special sashimi available and was very good. Uni and king salmon especially very good from highest quality wholesalers. Sit at the sushi bar and talk to Steve and if you're lucky enough to meet his wife Cynthia you'll understand the value of dining at a family owned restaurant. Get to know them and it's well worth the effort. This place is my new go to place when traveling to Sunnyvale area. read more

Ky T.

2 years ago

Terrible place that I have ever had. I ordered Saba shio, it was overcooked and tastes like fish jerky, the rice is uncooked. My friends ordered ramens, it tastes like salt in the broth and it was left untouched. All food was left mostly untouched. We complained to waiter she did nothing and gave us the bill with 20% mandatory charges for service fee. This is unacceptable restaurant! Owner needs to re evaluate your business or close it down since you can't run it well! read more

Aaron B.

4 years ago

I love the feel of this restaurant. Very simple and reminds me of restaurants in Hawaii. The staff was very friendly and attentive. Natasha did a great job. BTW the teriyaki beef well done with the sauce on the side is Da Bomb!!! Perfect flavor and texture, I was in Bento heaven thanks guys for the good food and service. Will be back for sure. read more

Roslyn K.

7 years ago

Ramen is very good at this place. There were not a lot of people when I came in but after about 15 minutes of sitting there People started coming in it's lunch time. The soup was very very tasty and the meat and the egg that was in the bowl of us soup was pretty good. read more

Yasmin M.

8 years ago

A friend of mine recommended this place and I can say that this place is 5 stars! The food was well made (the Green Dragon Roll was to DIE for) and their service was great. I'm definitely coming back. read more

Shayla W.

7 years ago

It is a nice Japanese place. It is crowded during lunch times however it is worth the wait. They have good selection of entrees. You can also order two or three item combos which are called as bento. read more

Jeremy T.

300

7 years ago

Its the new years so its time for a new review. So happy we came to this place before the end of 2019. In 2020 my mew years resolution isnt going to the gym. Its to come here read more

Sherman C.

9 years ago

I was the only one in the restaurant on a Saturday afternoon. Said thank you for my to go order to all three chefs in the kitchen and not one said anything back. Weird! read more

Mjsnabe L.

8 years ago

Very solid choice for rolls/sushi. Four of us each ordered a couple rolls so we tasted several. All were very good and some absolutely wonderful. read more

Rajeev G.

2 years ago

Amakai has a really great service. The sushi is good and the ambiance is also really nice! The seating is cool and they play good music.

Dewayne N.

5 years ago

This restaurant has amazing food, friendly staff, and quick service. I loved it so so much! The sushi was great and filled me up.

Kue C.

8 years ago

Price is good, Sushi was very good quality cuts... I did not expect that from small restaurant like this...very good!

Phung H.

2 years ago

High quality and big portion. Stronly recommended. Friendly, attentive staff bring an excellent dine-in experience.

Clancy Y.

219

181

8 years ago

The food is pretty good. Server is very nice. Lunch deal is pretty sweet . Definitely will go here again.

Keith E. M.

9 years ago

Just average at everything we tried. Nothing terrible but nothing that isn't done way better elsewhere.

Ferdinand P.

7 years ago

I love this place and the comfort you feel while eating. Very friendly people from servers to owner.

Jose H.

1 year ago

Nice place sushi and very happy like old sushi testing fresh good service . The restaurant

Michelle W.

9 years ago

There's a fly in the miso soup. Chicken teriyaki is really bad, the sauce is too sweet read more

Jeff M.

2 years ago

Excellent food and service - good selection. Well done! Will visit again for sure. :)

Armand A.

174

9 years ago

Ramen is delicous, chicken katsu is also so delicous..Price is Ok...

See more unrecommended reviews

Amakai - japanese - Updated August 2026

People who viewed Amakai also viewed

Katana Sushi & Sake

3.7

(642 reviews)

•$$

DELICIOUS, AMAZING, FRESH…read more From the moment we stepped in, we were greeted warmly by the staff. We got a table for two without reservation at 8pm. Our meals came with complimentary miso soup which was a very pleasant surprise. We got First Date, Haru, and Dragon rolls. All three were solid and fish tasted fresh. Generous amount of toppings and sauce on each as well. The agedashi tofu was nicely breaded on the exterior and sauce complemented the tofu well. The ladies helping us were super sweet and checked in on us to make sure everything was going smoothly. Everything from the tables to the bathrooms were well-kempt. Parking was spacious in the plaza. Will come back to try more items!!

Plenty of parking. Ambiance is good and offers private rooms. Service is good, price is reasonable…read more Sushi is fresh. The gingers that serve with sushi have a little weird taste, not sure it they are fresh.

Hanamaru

3.6

(737 reviews)

•$$

Delicious food, we love their combination meals which come with miso soup and salad. The fish is…read morevery fresh, and portion sizes are good. Very sweet staff. Been coming here for decades, and always have had a good time.

Not sure what this bug is. But I found it right when I opened the miso soup. Salmon and Saba were…read moreboth very BURNT. Not just grilled, it was beyond grilled. I'm definitely more concerned about the bug in my food and lost all appetite afterwards. DEFINITELY not ordering from here again.

Satsuma Sushi

3.6

(818 reviews)

•$$

We honestly weren't expecting much since this was an unplanned stop after leaving Best Buy, but I…read morecan confidently say this turned into one of the best Japanese dining experiences I've had in the Bay Area, maybe even in my life. I'm a big fan of Japanese food, and my family and I often explore different Japanese restaurants, but this was truly the best surprise we've had in years. Let me start with the service: the staff was incredibly kind and patient when they noticed my son's autism lanyard, and they even allowed us to come in with our emotional support dog without us needing to ask, that level of empathy and awareness meant a lot to us. Right at the beginning, I had what was honestly the best miso soup I've ever had, followed by the best sunomono as well. What was supposed to be simple dishes already exceeded all my expectations, so by the time the main rolls arrived, my expectations were high, and somehow they still surpassed them. We ordered the Philadelphia Roll, Lion King Roll, and the Golden Bear Roll (highly recommended by our server). Not only were they beautifully presented, but they were absolutely delicious, truly some of the best rolls I've ever had! You've gained a loyal customer. Excellent food, outstanding service, and great pricing. We will definitely be back, not just once, but many, many times! If I had the chance, I would definitely give more than five stars!

We've driven by often, but finally decided to stop by for lunch on a holiday weekday. It was mostly…read morefull, but we were able to be seated quickly. There was a large, rowdy party seated near us, but when they had finally left, the restaurant became much quieter. We ordered the sashimi dinner (because during holidays, there's no lunch option), lion king roll, and salmon paradise roll. The sashimi quality was incredibly variable. The salmon was decent, but the hamachi and the tuna were awful. They were strangely firm and tasted off. The presentation and taste of the rolls could use some work. The sauce didn't taste like much, but nor did the fish. They're probably the smallest sushi rolls we've had from any restaurant. Maybe we came on a bad day, but with how expensive everything was, we're not sure if we'd consider a second chance.

Truya Sushi

3.6

(7 reviews)

This restaurant is part of the Hyatt hotel. You can actually order food from the Truya Sushi or…read moreEvolution Bar menu in the same location. Also the same place where you come to for breakfast in the mornings! Despite being multiple restaurants in one, I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of food received. I ordered a Honolulu Maki roll, a miso soup, and a hot green tea. I didn't realize at the time but most of their sushi rolls (including the one I ordered) was only supposed to be ordered after 5 pm but the kitchen team was able to fulfill my lunch order. The roll was delicious - fresh sushi and quality ingredients, it paired very nicely with my hot miso soup and tea. I did expect the tea to be brought up ready to drink but they actually just provide a mug of hot water and a tea bag you have to steep yourself. Not a huge deal though. Because there are always conventions happening next door, this place can get busy and parking can be a bit tricky, so take that into account.

A decent and affordable bite before heading over to Levi's stadium. The staff was focused and…read moreattentive, even in the middle of a big world cup event

Myzen Ramen

3.8

(799 reviews)

•$$

Definitely recommend coming here!…read more We arrived 6pm on a Thursday, and the restaurant was empty the whole time we were there (it was over 90 degrees outside). Service was great - friendly and prompt. The restaurant was clean and pleasant to look at. I had never been here before, so of course I had to have the tonkatsu broth ramen - "Myzen Ramen". It was creamy and savory. I liked the texture of the noodles. It came with a fishcake, egg, sprouts, 2 pieces of chashu, green onions, and ginger. The noodles had a great thickness and cook on them, and they totally nailed what I look for in a ramen soft boiled egg! I also ordered a cream orange soda- a delightful flavor. We also liked the pricing for our dinner (less than $20 for ramen). Will be back soon!

Ordered to my hotel through DoorDash…read more With my katsu curry the katsu was inedible. Seriously, not even our dog could chew through it. Wife had gyoza which was nothing special.

Sushi O Sushi

3.7

(1.4k reviews)

•$$

Came by this evening to eat…read more Got seated right away and came around 7pm. Was greeted when we walked in and got sat down. It was a bit crowded in the tables area - so service was a bit slow but I eventually got my food served by 4 folks!!! I always enjoy eating at this place!!!

I've been coming here for years and have never experienced something this unsettling before…read more Our group ordered 3 sashimi salads, which normally comes in the large bowls we've consistently received in the past. Tonight, we watched multiple other tables receive the large bowls -- including guests seated after us -- while our table was served three noticeably smaller bowls instead. What made it worse was that the small bowls came directly from the sushi bar with our table ticket attached to them, so this clearly wasn't a plating mistake. When we asked why our portions were different, we were told they had "run out of the big bowls," despite other tables continuing to receive them. They also had just opened at 5 and we were one of the first parties seated. The entire interaction felt dismissive and honestly discriminatory. Whether intentional or not, the inconsistency was obvious and incredibly off-putting. We've spent a lot of money supporting this restaurant over time, and being treated differently from surrounding tables was unacceptable. Very disappointing experience from a place we used to enjoy.

Greenfish

4.0

(2 reviews)

LOVE their spicy chicken teriyaki plate but they are super stingy here. You have to pay extra for…read moreit to be spicy and they don't seem to put enough spicy sauce you have to pay for extra on the side. It there's also an extra charge if you want to substitute the veggies for rice but I love this place!! They do have very yummy California rolls at a great price.

Great hospitality amazing chicken teriyaki and I gotta recommend the garlic fries.. everything was…read moresuper fresh.

Lee's Kitchen

3.9

(286 reviews)

•$

One of the best mom & pop Chinese restaurants I've been to in the Bay…read more My friend & I came in for lunch and ordered the bbq fried rice, beef & broccoli, Salt & Pepper fish and the honey walnut shrimp. Service was great. They were fast and friendly when taking our order and even offered their own recommendations of dishes to try out, but we ended up picking out the food we were craving in that moment. Bbq pork fried rice, Salt & Pepper fish, Beef & Broccoli & Honey walnut shrimp were all hits. . They have really good portion sizes where it's enough to share with multiple people. The owners were really friendly to us and felt like we were eating at a family friend's house. Our meal was so great I even felt the need to go thank the chef for doing such a great job cooking the food lol. If you're thinking about wanting to try some authentic Chinese food, Lee's kitchen is the place to go to.

I'm always in the mood for Chinese food, so I was happy to find this spot on Yelp. I stopped in…read moresolo for lunch and the place was nearly empty, just one other table taken. Like many American-Chinese restaurants I've visited, there was an older woman at the counter and the decor felt frozen in time. I ordered a lunch special that came with soup. The egg drop corn soup wasn't piping hot but still tasted great. I enjoyed the small bowl, and my main dish arrived soon after: a generous portion of fried rice with string bean chicken, served on a classic Corelle Country Cottage plate. The server, who I assume was the owner, said "Doesn't it look delicious?" as she set it down. It did, almost. The string beans were overcooked and limp instead of crisp, and parts of the rice were a bit dry. Apart from those two issues, the seasoning was spot-on, the portions were generous, and it was pretty satisfying overall.

Harumi Sushi

3.6

(899 reviews)

•$$

Wow - it's been a while since I enjoyed sushi that much!…read more I ordered the Ichban and the Flaming Dragon rolls. Both were wonderful experiences of their own. Ichban is mildly spicy, with a delicious sauce. Flaming Dragon is milder and incredibly well balanced. Besides, it adds the fun of having a little fire at the table. Even though it's quite a drive for me, I will be back.

This is some of the best tasting, freshest sushi I have experienced in the South Bay…read more I love sushi (my boyfriend does not) so I have my friends and my sushi sister who join me for sushi adventures. In the past year and a half I have been to over 17 unique sushi restaurants in the South Bay. This is my current #1 hands down. I'm a sashimi sushi lover which means it REALLY comes down to the quality of the fish. You can mask alot inside a sushi roll. To find fish this fresh and flavorful is beyond awesome. This restaurants excelled at the salmon test. If you enjoy salmon you know that fresh salmon is a rare treat, it has a buttery texture and it's hard to find truly fresh salmon. Its been over 15 years since I've tasted salmon this fresh. I was honestly stunned. I've already texted my sushi sister and told her that I found another must experience sushi spot.

Bay Sushi

4.1

(263 reviews)

•$$

Bay Sushi may not be the trendiest place...but it doesn't need to be…read more The food is delicious and thoughtfully prepared and presented.With an amazing variety of sushi,sashimi and maki choices...you'll most definitely find something to your liking. I recently tried the Bluefin tuna....and OMG....tastebud heaven...like butter melting in your mouth... The staff is so polite and knowledgeable.I'll definitely keep returning to Bay Sushi.

TLDR: Excellent service. Food was good as well!…read more There is friendly staff... and then there's Bay Sushi staff! This has never happened to me before, and they truly TRULY went above and beyond. I was here by myself, and only my phone to keep me company. I was watching my Youtube, with the phone propped against my water glass. The lady comes by with a small black iron stand. At first, I thought this was some accessory for the sushi I ordered, but no... it was for my phone! I was and AM so touched by that! No one ever thoughtfully looked over and kind enough to lend me their phone stand. That's an instant 5 star service, right there. Luckily the food was great too! I ordered the Oyako Don. My first taste of Oyako Don was 25 years ago. That one was still the best I ever had. This one was good. The sauce was a little bit more watery than I would have liked. One interesting twist... cucumber slices. I don't really like them, but I can see how they might add freshness to the dish. So if you like them, give this a shot! I also ordered the No Name sushi. Loved it. Baked salmon! The BEST salmon. So buttery and soft. It's wrapped around a california roll. So basically almost a Lion King. It's not too big either (which might be a bad thing), but I liked it because it was JUST enough for one person. But the star was the service. Aside from the awesome phone stand, they were always smiling, refilling my water, just very attentive and friendly. Great great place. HIGHLY recommend.

Amakai

Amakai Photos

Business Info

Amakai menu photos

AMAKAI ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Amakai

Reviews With Photos

More info about Amakai

Payment methods

Food & Alcohol

Indoor Amenities

Outdoor Amenities

Other Amenities

Amakai Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Amakai

You might also consider

More businesses like Amakai

Rantei Japanese Cuisine

Leichi

Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House

Sumiya

GIWA

La Casa Mia

Yuki Sushi

HiroNori Craft Ramen

Taichi Pot Shabu Shabu

Amazing Katsu

Trending businesses in Amakai's area

JOEY Valley Fair

Rantei Japanese Cuisine

Ondam

Puesto Santa Clara

22 Amakai reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

22 reviews that are not currently recommended

Amakai - japanese - Updated August 2026

Best of Santa Clara

People found Amakai by searching for…

Trending Searches in Santa Clara, CA

Browse Articles

Browse Nearby

Browse Brands

Related Searches in Santa Clara, CA

People who viewed Amakai also viewed

Katana Sushi & Sake

Hanamaru

Satsuma Sushi

Truya Sushi

Myzen Ramen

Sushi O Sushi

Greenfish

Lee's Kitchen

Harumi Sushi

Bay Sushi