A truly magical evening. Chef Nikki is a master of her craft and blew the mind of three hungry gentleman. A rare and exceptional experience. I will be back! read more

We've become weary of the many so-so omakase joints springing up in NYC, but Sushi Akira rises above the pedestrian pack with its ultra fresh sushi, reasonable prices and friendly attentive service. Unlike other sushiyas offering cheaper domestic or European ingredients, Akira sources virtually all of its premium seafood straight from Japan. We came for the 6:00 dinner seating. Immediately seated by friendly staff in comfy seats, then Johnny helped us pick out the perfect sake bottle from a well curated list. Wine, beer and soft drinks are also available. The 18 course meal was utterly mind blowing. Started with a foie gras appetizer studded with fresh flowers, beautiful as well as melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Grilled abalone with liver sauce, a premium offering not often seen around here, was rich with umami flavor. Wagyu beef sandwich was so tender and flavorful. Of the nigiri course, my favorite pieces were the hairy crab and uni sourced from Hokkaido, plump autumn sanma (pike mackerel), and shima aji (striped jackfish). They didn't stint on the uni! We enjoyed generous dollops of uni including purple and another ultra-creamy type (whose name escapes me now). Premium melon and hojicha pudding dessert was the perfect ending to this magnificent feast. Sushi Akira is less than a year old, but already a major contender among top NY omakase restaurants. My advice is to reserve seats on Resy before they get too booked up. Two seatings of 12 people per evening (6:00PM and 8:15PM) are available. I can't wait to return for more of Chef Nikki's seasonal delicacies. read more

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I came here for dinner at their last seating one evening and thought that it was a wonderful meal. Their dinner is 195pp and consists of 18 courses. The staff is wonderful and the chefs are professional and fun. The ambiance of the restaurant is a bit more upscale, bright, clean, and comfortable. We started the meal with a couple appetizers consisting of foie gras, beautifully presented sashimi, and abalone. Each bite was amazing and I loved how the dishes were garnished in a way that highlighted the fish, rather than just adding more flavors into it. Although I loved the foie gras and sashimi, my favorite was definitely the abalone, which was grilled and served with a creamy sauce. All of the pieces were so delicious and unique. Following the appetizers, you are met with the nigiri course, which was phenomenal. The pieces were so fresh, and the quality was amazing. My favorite nigiri pieces were definitely the hairy crab and uni (which I've never had together before) and the scallop. Their uni was probably one of the richest and buttery pieces of uni I've had. The meal finished off with a dessert course of melons and hojicha pudding. A great meal and phenomenal experience. read more

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TLDR: Sushi Akira is a new addition to the UES neighborhood and one of the better sushi-yas offering omakase at the moment. The venue is clean/comfortable, the hospitality is fantastic and the food of course - is excellent. Sushi Akira was a place I had made a note to visit, especially after several friends who eat omakase a lot recommended them. Pricing is at $190 with 5 otsumami (apps), 11 nigiri/courses and dessert. While it's pricier than the budget omakase, it is fair for the quality, etc. Chef Nikki Zheng is knowledgeable, skilled and an incredibly friendly chef. The otsumami definitely stood out. The foie gras monaka, a French/Japanese bite with texture, lots of flavors and done very well. The apple wood smoked sawara (Spanish mackerel) I enjoyed with the micro greens, jelly and crispy binchotan skin. My favorite definitely was the abalone, grilled and served with its own liver sauce and a small ball of sushi rice on the side to mix in with that luscious richness. All the nigiri was excellent, the shari was seasoned well with a nice chew to it. For me my favorites were the uni kegani (sea urchin + hairy crab), the seared kinmedai (goldeneye snapper) cured in kobujime (kelp) and the anago which is grilled super crispy leaving a soft inside. The double desserts was great, a sliced Japanese crown melon and a hojicha pudding with actual cold hojicha over it. Sushi Akira was one of the places that I was very happy I found and will definitely visit again. Few restos leave an impression like that on me but very again - definitely should be on your list to visit. read more

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My wife and I had a great omakase experience. Staff and chefs are very friendly. Service is excellent. Of course all the appetizer and sushi were top notch. Ingredients nearly all freshly delivered from Japan. Get in quick before it gets a michelin star in the next year (mark my words) and resys will become hard. read more

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Sushi Akira is one of my favorite omakase experiences in NYC as good as any top tier place especially for the value. Chef Nikki Zheng with chef Jeff create and intimate but engaging setting, so personable and kind, along with Queenie on staff with excellent sake recommendations and perfect amount of attention. Appetizers: Foie gras- such an intricate, artsy presentation w/ flowers and so delicious Mackerel- served in unique box initially smoky Abalone liver w/ small side of rice - FAVORITE. Tons of flavor and reminded me of Icca's abalone rice nigiri. Wagyu sando - mini wagyu sandwich, so tender w/ hint of char Nigiri highlights: Overall rice felt perfectly seasoned and cooked Madai - best madai i've had in NYC. Period. Hairy crab w/ hokkaido uni, generous pouring including for uni roll, very rich Akami and Otoro - so much umami, especially the latter and so rich Anago They have add on menu with options depending on availability - I got monkfish liver that was just incredible and so much flavor. Ended with panna cotta dessert and melon, sweet endings, though would love to see their take on tamago in future (personal love for it) read more

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Can't get any better than this. Sushi Akira is simply the best when it comes to quality and experience. I was happy to celebrate my 4 year anniversary here. Thank you Sushi Akira! Food: 5/5 Price: 4/5 Experience: 5/5 read more

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Sushi Akira offers an 18-course omakase that feels like a curated culinary journey--from appetizers to premium nigiri and dessert. Seating is limited (around 12 seats), giving it a personal and intimate atmosphere. Chef Jeff & Nikki Zheng is young but highly trained, with experience at top-tier sushi restaurants. His knife work, ingredient handling, and plating show clear precision and attention to detail. The menu often features premium ingredients such as uni, toro For an omakase of this quality, the price point under $200 per person is considered very reasonable in New York, especially compared with other high-end sushi counters. Despite the premium setup, the restaurant maintains a relaxed and comfortable mood. The chef engages with guests, explains ingredients, and shares stories behind the dishes, adding to the overall experience. Sushi Akira is recognized for its thoughtful course progression, high-quality fish, and meticulous preparation. Many diners praise the hospitality, pacing of courses, and consistency. read more

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Chef niki is fantastic and the experience is very good but she has been raising her prices continuously and I was surprised today when I find out that now they impose a 20% mandatory service charge so the 220 per person Sushi Omakase is now 264+ tax getting up there. I'm not sure that is not too expensive. read more

Incredible experience! I enjoyed the 18 course Omakase, and let me tell you- it was amazing. The popularity of Omakase restaurants has risen in NYC, but this definitely blows others I have tried out of the water. We started with 5 appetizers, 10 nigiri, 1 handroll and 2 desserts. They have a wonderful beverage selection, and my server even assisted in picking out the perfect bottle of Sake (based on my preferences). It's a wonderful addition to the UES, and I can't wait to come back! read more

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Outstanding Omakase experience from start to finish! Every bite was thoughtfully prepared and creatively presented. Chef Jeff was incredibly skilled and helpful explaining each course as it was presented. Every bite was delicious and unique, from the appetizers to the outstanding 10 nigiri pieces to the showstopper desserts. The servers were knowledgeable about the wine and sake lists and helped to recommend the best bottle for our meal. We can't wait until we're able to come back, it's an exciting addition to the UES and is a must for anyone in the neighborhood! read more

Absolutely loved Sushi Akira! The food was incredible, and every dish was a work of art. The quality of the fish is some of the best I have had in New York, and was more reasonably priced compared to other omakase restaurants around Manhattan. The restaurant was beautiful, with a gorgeous wooden sushi bar. The service was also very attentive, and the chefs were very kind and informative. I will definitely be back! read more

Exceptional meal. Every bite was crafted with care and precision. Bravo Chefs Jeff and Niki! Can't wait to return.