Akaoni - Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of the most authentic Japanese foods in the area. The restaurant looks humble, but its quality and freshness are beyond expectations.

Sushi by the Sea Carmel and Carmel-by-the-Sea are gorgeous coastal cities but what they’ve lacked is a Japanese sushi ya to match the scenic views Akaoni changes that and the intimate, reservations-only restaurant offers sushi bar and limited indoor table seatings for sushi lovers in the know We enjoyed the delicious clam dishes, fresh nigiri, and beautiful sashimi platter for what is easily the best sushi in this lovely area Tokujyo Sashimi $80 10 Piece Selected Nigiri $60 Marina Clams Miso Soup $12 Clams with Garlic Butter Sauce Steamed Egg with Mushroom Shrimp $12 Tuna Maki $10 Hamachi Maki $10 Kubota Sake $35 Akaoni (Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA)

Don’t sleep on this place. It’s extremely fresh and high quality. You know it’s good when they don’t have anything loaded with mayo and filler. It’s the closest to the sushi I had while in Japan. We went twice while on a 3 day trip. We hope to be back soon.

Excellent authentic Japanese spot. Very high quality local fish at reasonable prices run by a husband and wife team

Must visit! World-class, melt in your mouth, Edomae style sushi. Expertly aged for butter-soft feel and taste. Some of the best sushi of our lives. Modest decor, family neighborhood vibe. Master sushi at work. Can’t recommend enough.