AKAI Sushi

### Introduction / Overview

For Oklahoma City locals with a discerning palate for truly authentic and exceptional Japanese cuisine, AKAI Sushi in the vibrant Wheeler District is a revelation. This isn't just another sushi restaurant; it's a culinary journey that transports diners straight to Japan, thanks to its commitment to unparalleled freshness, a genuine Japanese head chef, and a deeply knowledgeable staff. AKAI Sushi has quickly become a standout destination for those seeking a premium sushi experience in the heart of OKC.

The enthusiasm from recent customers speaks volumes. One highly impressed diner shared, "Wow! Been searching for sushi that reminds me of back in Japan, and I am so surprised to have found this place in OKC. The main chef is Japanese and seems passionate about Akai Sushi. I made a reservation just in case because every Friday, Wheeler District (where Akai Sushi is) holds a farmers market. Our waiter, Brandon, was INCREDIBLE. I highly recommend asking to sit in his section. He lived in Japan for 10 years and has extensive knowledge on their menu, drinks, and Japanese culture. He made our first experience incredible. The chef that was in this day was also lovely. Our appetizer (chicken skin skewers) was apparently taking much longer than he would like for unknown reasons so he gifted us the Yellowtail Jalapeño Carpaccio as an apology. This cold appetizer tasted incredible and so fresh. The fish comes from all over America's border, and arrives every single day for the freshest experience I have ever had in Oklahoma. The menu is so interesting and caters well to the people in the OKC area, but the nigiri and sashimi quality is spot on to famous places in Japan. I will be coming back, frequently!!" This extensive praise highlights the authenticity, the freshness of ingredients, the exceptional service, and the perfect alignment with Japanese standards, even to those with firsthand experience in Japan.

Another patron, enjoying the lively bar scene, commented, "Had such a blast of a time with my people at the bar! We came in on a whim, so we were just thankful to have space to sit at the bar with each other. Exclusive happy hour to the bar was an awesome surprise! The food is so fresh. So beautiful. So delicious! The options are endless, but the satisfaction is consistent. Highly recommend the pizza sushi appetizer things lol, so good! The brussel sprouts too." While noting a minor concern about upselling, this review reinforces the consistency, freshness, and deliciousness of the food, along with the added bonus of happy hour.

AKAI Sushi's dedication to sourcing the freshest fish, delivered daily from various points across America's borders, truly sets it apart. Combined with the expertise of a Japanese head chef and a menu that thoughtfully blends traditional excellence with innovative dishes catering to local tastes, AKAI Sushi is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic slice of Japan right here in Oklahoma City's dynamic Wheeler District.

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### Location and Accessibility

AKAI Sushi is perfectly situated in one of Oklahoma City's most exciting and rapidly developing areas: the Wheeler District. You can find this exceptional Japanese restaurant at: 1801 Wheeler St Suite 130, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, USA.

The Wheeler District is a vibrant urban neighborhood known for its iconic Ferris Wheel, a growing array of local businesses, residential developments, and a lively community atmosphere. This unique setting provides AKAI Sushi with a distinct charm and accessibility that appeals to Oklahoma City locals and visitors alike. Being located directly in the heart of this thriving district means it's part of a destination that offers more than just dining, with events like the Friday farmers market adding to the area's appeal.

For those driving, the Wheeler District generally offers convenient parking options, though it's wise to plan ahead, especially during popular events like the Friday farmers market, which can increase foot and vehicle traffic. Its proximity to downtown Oklahoma City and major thoroughfares makes it easily reachable from various parts of the metro area. Whether you're coming from the core of the city, the surrounding neighborhoods, or even farther afield, navigating to the Wheeler District is straightforward.

The district itself is designed to be walkable, allowing patrons to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Ferris Wheel, visit other local shops, or simply soak in the lively urban environment before or after their meal. AKAI Sushi’s position within this energetic hub makes it a highly accessible and desirable choice for a premium sushi experience in Oklahoma City.

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### Services Offered

AKAI Sushi offers a sophisticated and authentic Japanese dining experience with a wide array of services and culinary delights designed to impress Oklahoma City locals:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy the elegantly designed restaurant space, which combines traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern comfort. The atmosphere is vibrant and inviting, perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during Wheeler District events.

• Authentic Sushi & Sashimi: AKAI Sushi is renowned for its incredibly fresh nigiri and sashimi, often compared to famous establishments in Japan. Their fish is sourced daily from across America's borders, ensuring peak freshness. Highlights include bluefin tuna (Maguro), amberjack, octopus, sea urchin, scallops, snow crab, sweet shrimp, and yellowtail.

• Signature Sushi Rolls: The chefs at AKAI showcase their artistic side with a selection of unique and creative signature rolls. Examples include:

  • Tropic Thunder: Shrimp tempura, spicy salmon, spicy tuna, mango, gobo, sesame aïoli, unagi sauce, crispy burdock root.

  • Cherry Blossom: Jumbo lump crab, avocado, cucumber, tuna, yellowtail, yuzu masago, tangy yuzu yogurt sauce, crispy onions.

  • Shogun: A rice-less and nori-less roll wrapping tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and jumbo lump crab mix in delicate cucumber slivers.

  • Bayou'd Salmon: Blackened salmon, jumbo lump crab mix, asparagus, avocado, black tobikko, crispy onion, ponzu, lemon slices.

• Classic Sushi Rolls: A comprehensive selection of beloved classic rolls such as California, Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Shrimp Tempura, Philadelphia, Spider, Rainbow, Caterpillar, Spicy Scallop, Salmon Skin, and Unagi rolls.

• Japanese Wagyu Beef: For those who prefer "turf to surf," AKAI offers decadent Wagyu beef dishes, including nigiri-style Wagyu with dashi soy, garlic chips, and even 24k edible gold flake.

• Unique Starters & Appetizers: An innovative selection of hot and cold appetizers that elevate classic Japanese dishes. Popular items include:

  • Chicken Skin Skewers (Shinjidai Chicken Skin Skewers with denkushi, yakitori sauce, secret spice)

  • Yellowtail Jalapeño Carpaccio (with yuzu soy, cherry peppers, jalapeño, garlic chips)

  • Pizza Sushi (like Salmon Sushi Pizza with salmon, American Gothic pizzeta, ponzu aioli, truffle oil, tomatoes, microgreens)

  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts (with balsamic soy glaze, toasted almonds)

  • Rock Shrimp Tempura (with Sriracha ranch)

  • Mentaiko Potato Salad (with cod roe and poached egg)

  • Edamame with kimchee butter

• Full Bar with Specialty Cocktails, Sake, and Japanese Whisky: AKAI features an extensive beverage program with over 100 types of Japanese whisky and sake, plus a dozen signature craft cocktails paying homage to Tokyo's Ginza scene. They even have a Japanese highball machine.

• Omakase Tasting Menus: For a truly exclusive culinary journey, AKAI offers multi-course omakase tasting menus in a dedicated, hidden dining room behind a speakeasy-style wall, providing a private degustation experience.

• Karaoke Nights: On Monday nights at 7 PM, AKAI hosts Karaoke at their bar, adding a fun and interactive element to the dining experience.

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### Features / Highlights

AKAI Sushi stands out in the Oklahoma City dining scene due to a multitude of impressive features and highlights:

• Unparalleled Freshness: The most frequently praised highlight is the "incredibly fresh" fish, with daily arrivals from across America's borders. This commitment to freshness ensures that the nigiri and sashimi quality is "spot on to famous places in Japan," a significant draw for true sushi connoisseurs.

• Authentic Japanese Head Chef: The presence of a Japanese main chef, who is visibly "passionate about Akai Sushi," brings an authentic touch and expertise that elevates the entire culinary offering, setting it apart from many other sushi establishments.

• Highly Knowledgeable and Attentive Staff: Servers like "Brandon" are celebrated for their "extensive knowledge on their menu, drinks, and Japanese culture," providing incredible suggestions and enhancing the dining experience for first-time visitors and regulars alike.

• Innovative and Delicious Menu: AKAI's menu is described as "so interesting" and "caters well to the people in the OKC area" while maintaining Japanese authenticity. This includes creative signature rolls, unique appetizers (like the "Yellowtail Jalapeño Carpaccio" and "pizza sushi appetizer things"), and decadent Japanese Wagyu dishes.

• Extensive Japanese Beverage Selection: With over 100 types of Japanese whisky and sake, plus a dozen signature craft cocktails and even a Japanese highball machine, AKAI offers an impressive and authentic drinking experience to complement the food.

• Exclusive Happy Hour: The "exclusive happy hour to the bar was an awesome surprise," providing an excellent opportunity for patrons to enjoy their fresh food and drinks at a great value during specific late-night hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 8-10 PM; Friday-Saturday, 9-11 PM).

• Vibrant Atmosphere and Unique Events: The restaurant's lively bar area and the addition of "Karaoke at their bar" on Monday nights create a dynamic and entertaining environment beyond just dining.

• Commitment to Customer Satisfaction: As evidenced by the chef gifting an appetizer due to a delay, AKAI Sushi demonstrates a strong commitment to ensuring a positive customer experience, promptly addressing any issues with generosity and care.

• Omakase Private Dining: The hidden omakase room offers an exclusive, multi-course tasting menu experience, appealing to those seeking a personalized and intimate culinary journey.

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### Promotions or Special Offers

AKAI Sushi in Oklahoma City's Wheeler District offers compelling promotions and unique events that enhance the dining experience for locals:

• Exclusive Late-Night Happy Hour: AKAI Sushi provides a fantastic late-night Happy Hour, perfect for winding down after work or enjoying a late dinner. This special is available at the bar and includes discounted prices on drinks and select shareable food items. The Happy Hour times are:

  • Tuesday - Thursday: 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

  • Friday - Saturday: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

  During Happy Hour, you can expect deals on:

  • $6 canned beer

  • $8 select wines

  • $9 sake

  • Shareable food options like Salmon K-Pop roll and Yellowtail-Jalapeno Carpaccio.

  This is an excellent opportunity to experience AKAI's quality and freshness at a more accessible price point.

• Monday Night Karaoke at the Bar: Starting at 7 PM every Monday, AKAI Sushi transforms its bar area into a lively karaoke spot. This unique offering provides entertainment beyond just dining, making Mondays a fun reason to visit.

• Omakase Tasting Menus: While not a "discount" in the traditional sense, the omakase experience is a curated, multi-course tasting menu designed by the chef, offering a special culinary journey that provides unique value for those seeking an elevated experience. These are often reservation-based and offer a comprehensive exploration of the chef's artistry.

• Seasonal and Rotating Specials: Given their commitment to fresh, daily-sourced fish, AKAI Sushi likely features seasonal fish and limited-time specials on their menu. These introduce new flavors and maintain excitement for regular patrons.

• Loyalty Programs or Newsletter Sign-ups: It's always advisable to check if AKAI Sushi offers a loyalty program for returning customers or if signing up for their newsletter provides exclusive access to promotions or announcements about upcoming events like special dinners or tastings (e.g., Maguro Kaitai Shows or Sake Selection events).

To ensure you have the most up-to-date information on current promotions or special events, Oklahoma City locals are encouraged to check AKAI Sushi's official website, follow their social media channels, or call the restaurant directly before their visit.

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### Contact Information

To connect with AKAI Sushi in Oklahoma City's Wheeler District, here is their essential contact information:

• Address: 1801 Wheeler St Suite 130, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, USA

• Phone: (405) 673-7629

• Mobile Phone: +1 405-673-7629

You can use the provided phone numbers to make reservations, inquire about their menu, confirm operating hours, or ask about any current promotions. The address is precise and can be easily entered into any GPS or mapping application to guide you directly to their convenient location within the vibrant Wheeler District of Oklahoma City.

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### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Oklahoma City locals, AKAI Sushi in the Wheeler District represents a truly exceptional and authentic Japanese dining experience that stands out in the city's culinary landscape. Its suitability for the local community is rooted in several compelling factors that combine to create an unparalleled visit.

Firstly, the unwavering commitment to freshness and authenticity is paramount. With fish sourced daily from across America's borders and the expertise of a Japanese head chef, AKAI Sushi delivers a quality of nigiri and sashimi that truly rivals renowned establishments in Japan. This dedication means locals can enjoy a genuine taste of Japanese culinary excellence right here in OKC, a rarity that is deeply appreciated by sushi enthusiasts.

Secondly, the highly knowledgeable and attentive staff, exemplified by servers who have lived in Japan and possess extensive cultural and menu expertise, transforms a meal into an educational and personalized journey. This level of service ensures that even first-time visitors feel comfortable and informed, guiding them through a diverse and interesting menu that caters to both traditional and more adventurous palates.

Furthermore, AKAI Sushi's location in the dynamic Wheeler District adds another layer of appeal. Being part of this thriving urban hub means diners can enjoy a delicious meal and then explore the area's unique attractions, like the Ferris Wheel or the Friday farmers market. The inclusion of unique features like karaoke nights and an exclusive late-night happy hour also provides diverse reasons to visit, making AKAI Sushi a multifaceted entertainment and dining destination.

In essence, AKAI Sushi is more than just a restaurant; it’s an authentic culinary oasis in Oklahoma City, offering consistently fresh and delicious food, exceptional service, and a vibrant atmosphere. For any local seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience that truly transports them, AKAI Sushi is an absolute must-visit.

AKAI Sushi

1801 Wheeler St Suite 130, Oklahoma City, OK 73108, USA