Aki Restaurant — Restaurant in Los Angeles

This hole in the wall may be a bit hard to find,. but it definitely is worth the search!

First off, the staff here is unbelievably nice. I've never once had a bad service here. The ladies are attentive and always asking if there's anything else we need.

Secondly, who would have ever guessed about California Roll with actual crab meat?! I didn't know you had such an option in life!! But opt for it. It's an additional $1 if you want to change out the spicy tuna roll for it in the lunch special menu.

Third, lunch special here weighs out in quality and pricing over the other restaurants nearby. For only $13 - you get rice, cabbage salad, miso soup, teriyaki chicken or beef (I suggest chicken), shrimp tempura, string bean tempura, and a 6 piece California Roll. WHAT A DEAL!

I don't think a lot of people in the area knows about Aki and I'm glad because I don't want to be waiting an hour to...

There is a good reason why this place has been around since 1974 and maintains a high rating. An entire family is running this place. Sushi was freshly made, home style. Sashimi melts in mouth. Ginger was homemade thick, which I prefer. The tempuras were done just right, crunch on the outside and not too greasy. Sukiyaki was not overwhelmingly sweet. Chicken katsu was delicious. Spicy tuna, avocado, and caterpillar rolls were excellent, nothing fancy but tasty. Rice and soup were very well prepared, which made a huge difference for the entire meal. It's just like the Japanese restaurant meals I had when I was a little kid. It's such a pleasure to find a hidden gem, without all the bells and whistles yet rob me blind. Thanks being around still, and please keep going!...

I endured a disheartening 20-minute wait at the entrance without any staff reaching out. When I finally engaged with them, I was informed that two tables ahead of me required attention, and I was asked to wait longer, despite being a solo diner. The restaurant, with a 60% vacancy, left me puzzled as to why I couldn't be accommodated at the bar. To compound matters, staff members were seen smiling and attending promptly to other customers, highlighting the inconsistency in service. Their impatience and disregard for my situation added to the overall frustration of an already trying day, nearly bringing...