Akami Sushi Bar — Restaurant in Apex

I have to say, I really don’t like leaving this review but it was so shockingly not good that I would not return. My family LOVES sushi. Over the years we have gotten sushi from various restaurants in the area and have never been displeased until this experience. Heck, even grocery store sushi had more/better flavor than this. I have absolutely nothing negative to say except about the food. I got take out so I couldn’t comment on the service or atmosphere other than everyone I interacted with was wonderful and that it appeared to be a lovely small dining establishment. The food I received all looked very fresh but the flavor, that’s where it went south. The salad had fresh ingredients but that dressing tasted like a blend of teriyaki and soy sauces, not the traditional ginger dressing I’m used to. I can’t hold that against them, rather that’s just my personal preference. As for the sushi, the best way I can describe it is: strangely flavored generic sriracha. Regardless of the variety of vegetables and slabs of fish on top of the roll, all I tasted was this overwhelming odd flavor. I ordered the Phat Boy roll. I was expecting what I normally get, which is spicy tuna inside the roll, but the interior of that roll looked more like Sriracha sauce and rice. I didn’t tear it apart to discern what it really was, but it did not look like any spicy tuna roll I’ve ever had. The only thing I ever order at any sushi restaurant is a spicy tuna roll or a house roll that is based on spicy tuna. So I gotta say this was really disappointing. I’m laughing as I type this because I’m sitting here thinking damn, I’m still hungry, lol! My husband, who rarely dislikes anything, looked at me when he put the first bite of his Voodoo Roll in his mouth and said, “I can't eat this”. For my husband to do that, now that is saying something! That man is not a picky critter! He complained of the same strange flavor experience. Although the salads and the rolls didn’t meet expectations, my husband did say that the octopus salad was very good. In fact he commented that it was one of the best he had ever had. Later on our adult son stopped by and we offered our rolls to him. Not only did he have the same experience, he added that he was initially put off by the smell. Again, we are a family of sushi lovers so we were all surprised and sadly disappointed by the sushi rolls. I’m still really shocked based on all the glowing reviews claiming “the best sushi”. I believe them! I’m just hoping our experience was just a random one that’s not reflective of a quality normal, but the flavor was so off putting that we’re simply not inspired to give it another go. Let’s just say, that was the most expensive lunch that I did not get to eat, but yet all the chickens on my...

I read about Akami a while ago in the Walter Mag, when they interviewed a local biz owner asking what her fav restaurants are, and this was listed as the one "worth the drive." This could not be more accurate!! This was not only the best sushi I've had since moving to the area 2 years ago, but easily the best meal, period! My partner's bday fell on a Monday this year (also the first day of school) and because most of our fav places are closed on Mondays, we decided to have a little adventure and try this place. We live in DTR and it took 28 minutes in the thick of after-work traffic (shorter drive on the way home). We assumed this place would be dead, considering it was the first day of school, but when we pulled up every parking spot was full. I peeked at the IG page beforehand where they pinned a post about all the parking options (I recommend checking this out). We luckily snagged the last seats that were open, and this place stayed full the entire time we were there, with a small crowd waiting for seats. The food was INSANE (esp the King Salmon roll) and very reasonably priced...our meal would have easily cost double in any Raleigh restaurant! The service was great, and we got a kick out of the staff members wearing "gas station sushi" shirts...definitely buying one next time! I can't wait to visit again, and bring all my friends/neighbors/out-of-town guests here! Best...

I recently visited Akami in Apex, a sushi establishment nestled within a gas station. Despite the eyebrow-raising setting, I ventured forth to explore their offerings. My husband's reaction, upon learning of my plan, was a mix of concern and amusement – conjuring images of packaged gas station sushi. Nonetheless, I persisted. This marked my second visit to Akami, drawn back by memories of their premium Chirashi from the first time. Perhaps it was hunger or the abundance of fish that lured me in again. My order consisted of several nigiris (Otoro, Tamago, Conch), sashimi moriwase, and a Phat Roll. The restaurant's generosity with both rice and fish was evident, yet the overall experience left me underwhelmed. The nigiri suffered from imbalanced rice-to-fish ratio and lacked the essential vinegar touch for their sushi rice. Unfortunately, the Otoro's presentation was subpar and the Conch fell short in terms of freshness. However, there was a bright spot – their wasabi soy dressing carried a memorable kick. I was intrigued enough to inquire about purchasing it, but my hopes were dashed as they don't sell it. On a practical note, parking proved to be a hassle with a mere handful of spots available. Despite the acclaim, I'm left wondering about the basis for the stellar reviews. Akami might resonate with those prioritizing quantity, but for someone who values the nuances of quality, it's not...