Sushi Akira Introduce
In the vibrant and competitive landscape of New York City's dining scene, few experiences are as revered as a high-quality omakase. Sushi Akira, located on the Upper East Side, offers just such a memorable and authentic Japanese culinary journey. The term "omakase" translates to "I leave it up to you," and at Sushi Akira, you are entrusting your meal to a talented chef who expertly curates a multi-course menu of seasonal and premium ingredients. This is not your typical sushi restaurant; it’s an intimate and personal experience that elevates dining to an art form. From the moment you are seated at the counter, you are treated to a parade of beautifully presented dishes, each one a testament to the chef's skill and deep respect for the ingredients.
The essence of the Sushi Akira experience is its focus on quality and personal connection. The menu is a carefully planned sequence of dishes, beginning with unique and delicate appetizers before transitioning into a spectacular nigiri course. The chefs are not just preparing food; they are sharing their craft, often taking the time to explain each ingredient's origin and preparation. This level of interaction makes the meal feel truly special and educational. The commitment to using the freshest, highest-quality fish, often flown in from Japan, is evident in every bite. Patrons frequently highlight the exquisite freshness and unique flavor profiles of the sushi, with pieces like the uni and hairy crab nigiri receiving particular praise. This dedication to sourcing the best ingredients and preparing them with meticulous care is what sets Sushi Akira apart from the rest.
The atmosphere at Sushi Akira is a harmonious blend of cozy and trendy, creating a refined yet comfortable space. The clean, modern interior and intimate setting allow the focus to remain on the food and the craft of the chef. It’s a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle, providing the perfect backdrop for a focused and sensory dining experience. Whether you're a seasoned omakase connoisseur or someone looking to try it for the first time, Sushi Akira offers an accessible and unforgettable journey into the world of Japanese fine dining. The combination of exceptional food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a highly personalized service ensures that every visit is a genuinely memorable and authentic experience.
Sushi Akira is conveniently located on the Upper East Side at 317 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021. This prime address places it within easy reach of residents and visitors alike, making it a perfect destination for an exceptional dinner. The restaurant's spot on a quiet side street offers a sense of exclusivity and retreat from the main avenues while still being incredibly accessible. Its location is well-served by public transportation, including several nearby subway stations and bus routes, which makes getting there from any part of the city a straightforward journey. This ease of access is a significant convenience for anyone planning a special evening out.
For those arriving by car, the neighborhood offers options for paid street parking. The ability to park nearby ensures that your evening can begin and end smoothly. Its proximity to other popular neighborhood attractions also makes it a great choice for a full evening. You can enjoy a peaceful walk in Central Park or visit one of the area’s many cultural institutions before settling in for a luxurious and unhurried meal. This blend of accessibility and a location that feels both central and tucked away adds to the overall appeal of Sushi Akira. The restaurant is a perfect blend of high-end dining and neighborhood charm, making it a go-to spot for locals celebrating a special occasion or solo diners looking for an intimate and rewarding experience.
Sushi Akira is designed as a destination for a specific and highly-regarded dining experience. Its services are streamlined to focus on quality, authenticity, and creating a perfect evening for its guests.
- Dine-in Only: The restaurant operates exclusively as a dine-in establishment, with a focus on table service. This ensures that every diner receives the full, curated omakase experience, with each course served at the perfect moment and temperature.
- Accepts Reservations: Given the intimate size of the restaurant and the personalized nature of the omakase menu, reservations are highly recommended and can be made in advance. This is essential for securing a seat at the sushi counter and ensuring a spot for this sought-after experience.
- Wine and Alcohol Selection: To complement the exquisite menu, Sushi Akira offers a selection of fine wines and other alcoholic beverages. The beverage pairings are carefully chosen to enhance the delicate flavors of the sushi and appetizers, adding another layer to the dining experience.
- Healthy Options: The menu's focus on fresh, high-quality fish and vegetables naturally positions it as a great option for those seeking healthy and clean-eating choices. The emphasis is on natural flavors, minimizing heavy sauces and preparations.
Several key features make Sushi Akira stand out as a premier destination for Japanese cuisine in New York City. These highlights are what draw in a discerning crowd and create a truly unforgettable dining experience.
- Exclusively Omakase: The restaurant specializes in a multi-course omakase tasting menu, which allows the chef to showcase their creativity and serve the freshest ingredients available. This format guarantees a surprise with every course and a deeply personal dining journey.
- High-Quality and Fresh Ingredients: Patrons consistently praise the exceptional freshness and quality of the fish. Reviews highlight that the ingredients are meticulously sourced and prepared, with a strong focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the fish.
- Expert and Friendly Chef: The chefs are not only masters of their craft but also personable and engaging. They take the time to explain each dish, its ingredients, and its origin, making the experience both educational and personal. This interaction is a significant part of the restaurant's charm.
- Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as intimate and comfortable, with a modern, clean aesthetic. The setting is ideal for a focused, high-end meal, creating a perfect environment for a special occasion or a solo treat.
- Exquisite Presentation: Every dish is a work of art, thoughtfully garnished and presented to highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients. The plating and overall presentation are as important as the taste, appealing to all the senses.
For inquiries, to make a reservation, or to learn more about this exquisite dining experience, you can contact Sushi Akira using the information below. Reservations are highly recommended for dinner.
Address: 317 E 75th St, New York, NY 10021
Phone: (917) 921-3239
Choosing Sushi Akira for your next meal is a decision to prioritize an unparalleled culinary experience over a casual night out. What makes this restaurant truly worth choosing is its complete dedication to the art of omakase. It's an opportunity to surrender to the expertise of a master chef and witness their creativity unfold with each course. Unlike an à la carte menu where you might stick to your usual order, here you are introduced to new flavors and combinations you might never have chosen on your own, such as the praised hairy crab and uni pairing. This element of discovery is a key part of the magic. The quality of the ingredients is consistently top-tier, and this is evident in every piece of fish that melts in your mouth. This level of freshness and care is a testament to the chef's passion and skill, and it's what differentiates a good sushi restaurant from a truly exceptional one.
Furthermore, the personal connection you make with the chef adds an invaluable layer to the experience. The intimate setting at the counter allows for a dialogue, where you can learn about the sourcing, the preparation, and the story behind each dish. This transforms the meal from a simple transaction into a memorable interaction. The ambiance itself is a perfect match for the food—sophisticated yet comfortable, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the moment. While an omakase meal is an investment, the value lies not just in the food but in the entire experience: the artistry, the personal attention, and the unforgettable flavors. For New Yorkers seeking a special occasion dinner, a unique solo dining experience, or simply the very best sushi the city has to offer, Sushi Akira is a clear choice. It is a place that promises and delivers a dining experience that is both luxurious and deeply personal, leaving a lasting impression long after the final bite.
Sushi Akira Details
Service options
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Trendy
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Sushi Akira Photos










Sushi Akira Location
Sushi Akira Reviews
omakasecoursespriceappetizersnigiriingredientsfishsoft openinghairy crabstriped jack
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1An absolutely amazing dining experience! The ingredients were incredibly fresh and full of flavor, each dish uniquely crafted with great attention to detail. Our chef was super friendly and took the time to explain every ingredient and course, making the omakase feel truly authentic. A genuinely memorable meal — we’ll definitely be coming back again!
July 20 · Shine “八十八根棒棒糖” SI 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.
June 17 · Mia HuynhTLDR: 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.
May 27 · Patrick WongAmazing omakase with wide variety of pieces. 18 courses overall and every piece was amazing. Favorites being the maguro, striped jack, horse mackerel and hairy crab. Service was incredible and friendly. Look forward to going back to see how the menu changes
May 24 · Stephan HerardIn short: a $300+ experience for $195. The appetizers were inventive yet harmonious—especially the second dish and the abalone. Each piece of nigiri was extremely fresh, high-quality and handled with great care, which I especially appreciated as someone sensitive to fishy smell. What truly elevated the experience, though, was the Michelin-level service and the chefs’ artistry. Chef Nikki (always inspiring to see a woman behind the sushi counter) works with speed, precision, and grace—watching her in action was a pleasure in itself. The portions were also generous—I ordered a glass of sake and was served a carafe. Highly recommended. I can’t wait to return!
May 03 · Yinnan Shen
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