Akoya Omakase — Restaurant in Kansas City

The moment Akoya Omakase glided across my TikTok feed, I felt a pull I couldn't ignore. One video from Hidden Gems KC was enough--an hour's drive was a small price to pay for what promised to be more than just lunch.

From the instant I stepped through the doors, the staff welcomed me with genuine warmth and seated me with a smile. I hadn't come for the lighting, the seating, or the imported dining ware--but to my surprise, every detail was pristine, symmetrically aligned, & gracefully placed. Even before the first bite, I sensed this would be an evening built on precision.

The performance began. The faint hiss of a torch meeting fresh fish, the delicate fragrance of grated wasabi root, the warmth of rice shaped perfectly by hand--each element pulled me deeper into the experience. Glynn's movements were like a calligrapher's brush: precise, fluid, deliberate. No gesture wasted, no detail overlooked.

Every course was a study in harmony and contrast: citrusy ponzu bright against buttery cuts of fish, Japanese brewed soy sauce enhancing without overpowering, sushi rice prepared daily to perfection, authentic wasabi root grated on sharkskin rather than squeezed from a bottle, and seafood flown in from renowned fishmongers across the globe. This was not food--it was choreography on a plate.

Conversation with Peter, Glynn, and Jay flowed as easily as the courses. They shared their culinary journeys--stretching from South Korea, Japan, New York City, and San Francisco, before circling back to Kansas City, where Peter's love for sushi first began. Their passion isn't just visible; it's contagious. To sit at their counter is to witness years of training and travel distilled into every plate, every smile, every exchange.

This is not the place to drown a California roll in Kikkoman. This is a place to listen, to trust, and to immerse yourself in a chef-guided symphony of flavor. The pacing was deliberate, the portions thoughtful, the atmosphere refined without being pretentious. By the end, I wasn't simply full--I was grateful. Grateful for the craft, for the conversation, and for the reminder that dining can be transformative.

Don't wait for the perfect occasion. Make one. This isn't a meal you schedule--it's a memory you claim. If you're ready to surrender to the artistry of Omakase, take the leap. To pass on this experience isn't just skipping dinner--it's choosing a regret that lingers long after the last bite fades.

Thank you to the Akoya staff for your passion to perfection & dedication to discipline. I'm...

We visited Akoya Omakase this past weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary, and it's safe to say we found our new go-to sushi spot in Kansas City. Despite being open for only a couple of weeks, Akoya already feels like a polished, top-tier experience - one that rivals omakase dinners we've had in sushi-heavy cities like Houston, New York, and Los Angeles (at much higher price points, no less).

We opted for the Umi Omakase at $85, which is an absolute steal for the quality and experience. Peter, the owner and our chef for the evening, was outstanding - an incredible chef, host, and guide. He immediately made us feel welcome, taken care of, and completely at ease. His warm personality and genuine attentiveness really elevated the whole evening.

The omakase menu is curated by Peter, who took the time to get a sense of our preferences. Every piece of sushi that hit the counter was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully crafted. Standouts for us included the A5 Wagyu, Tai (Sea Bream), Masu (Ocean Trout), and Hirame (Olive Flounder), each with distinct flavor profiles and perfect balance. The A La Carte selection was also impressive, showcasing a wide range of high-quality fish and ingredients.

Service was equally exceptional. The staff was attentive without being overbearing - we never once had to ask for anything. It was clear the entire team is dialed in to make sure every guest feels looked after. The vibe was relaxed, intimate, and social - perfect for a special night out or even just a casual dinner at the bar.

The ambiance added to the experience. The space is beautifully designed, located in the heart of downtown KCMO, and full of great energy. Even the non-alcoholic drinks were creative and delicious (though we're excited Akoya now has its liquor license - can't wait to try the cocktail pairings next time!).

Honestly, we don't have a single negative thing to say. This was easily the best omakase we've had - not just in Kansas City, but anywhere. Between the exceptional food, flawless service, and genuine hospitality from Peter and his team, Akoya is a 10/10 experience. Highly recommend for sushi lovers, date nights, or anyone looking to make this their new...

I stumbled upon this place walking down the street.

Seeing the word Omakase immediately grabbed my attention. I am a huge fan of this type of experience, letting the chef take you on a journey of his own creation.

Chef Peter did not disappoint in this regard.

From the moment I walked in, every little detail said that this was going to be a unique, well thought I would experience. I was greeted by a name card with my name and Richard on it with my reservation time. I sat at the sushi bar, which, in my opinion, is the only way to experience Omakase.

The service was excellent. Everyone put their heart and soul into making the experience memorable. I enjoyed hearing chef peters stories of becoming a sushi chef, exchanging travel stories and more.

I wish I had taken better notes on which items I was served and more pictures of them, but I was too busy being present in the moment, enjoying each piece as it was lovingly delivered to my plate, down to seemingly minor, but extremely important details, like positioning, the fish in the right angle to serve it from the best angle.

Omakase is not an experience to be rushed. I enjoyed my meal at a relaxed pace and spent almost 2 hours in the restaurant. It was a uniquely special experience to be able to be served by the owner of the restaurant over the period of time that I was there.

The cut of fish and the sushi rice and all of the accompanying dishes were top-notch. The miso soup at the end of the meal was likely some of the best measle soup l've ever had in my entire life.

Make a point to visit this restaurant, don't be in a rush. Savor the experience. It will be well...