Akami

For New Yorkers on the hunt for a consistently good sushi spot that offers both quality and value, especially for a quick and satisfying meal, Akami on the Upper East Side is a name that frequently comes up. In a city teeming with Japanese restaurants, Akami has carved out its niche as a reliable neighborhood go-to. It’s the kind of place where you can count on fresh ingredients, a diverse menu, and friendly service, making it a staple for many locals seeking their sushi fix without the fuss or excessive price tag often associated with Manhattan dining.

Akami is a Japanese restaurant located on New York City's Upper East Side, specializing in sushi and offering a broad menu of other Japanese favorites. It's particularly appreciated for its "lunch rolls," which are consistently described as "fresh and delicious," alongside a good variety of other options. While some might find the fish not always meeting the absolute highest expectations of a high-end sushi establishment, many customers emphasize the "great value for the location" and the consistent quality they receive. It’s presented as a friendly, reliable spot for everyday cravings, where orders are usually accurate and the food is prepared with care. Akami aims to be the convenient and dependable choice for quality Japanese cuisine in the neighborhood.

Akami is conveniently situated at 1773 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA, placing it firmly within the bustling Upper East Side of Manhattan. This location on 1st Avenue makes it highly accessible for residents of the immediate area and those traveling from other parts of the city. As is typical for New York City, public transportation is a primary means of access. Numerous bus lines run along 1st Avenue, and the restaurant is within a reasonable walk of subway stations (such as the 4, 5, 6, and Q lines), connecting it to a wider network. For locals, it's often described as "right around the corner" from their homes or workplaces, making it an ideal spot for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner without having to venture far. Its presence on a main thoroughfare ensures it's easy to locate and a practical choice for daily dining needs.

Akami focuses on providing convenient and satisfying Japanese dining experiences, catering to various needs from quick lunches to relaxed dinners at home.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy a meal in their casual and welcoming atmosphere. It's often described as a "local small Japanese restaurant" that's good for a quick bite or a relaxed dinner.
• Takeout and Delivery: Akami is highly praised for its efficient takeout and delivery services. Customers frequently mention the accuracy of orders and the swiftness of delivery, making it a popular choice for enjoying Japanese food at home. They are available on major delivery platforms like Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash.
• Lunch Menu/Specials: A significant highlight for many patrons are the lunch rolls and lunch specials, offering a great variety and value. These include "2 Rolls Lunch Special," "3 Rolls Lunch Special," "Sushi Lunch Special," "Sashimi Lunch Special," and various "Lunch Box" options with a combination of items. These are available until 4:00 PM.
• Extensive Menu: Beyond sushi and rolls, Akami offers a wide range of Japanese and some Asian-inspired dishes, including Teriyaki Kitchen Entrees (Chicken, Salmon, Steak, Shrimp), Tempura, Katsu, Fried Rice, Grill Entrees (Miso Black Cod, Grilled Chilean Sea Bass), and various Noodle dishes like Pad Thai, Udon, and Ramen. This diverse selection ensures there's something for everyone.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customers consistently commend the staff for being "very friendly and helpful," contributing to a pleasant dining or ordering experience.
• Vegetarian and Healthy Options: Akami offers various vegetarian options, including specific vegetable rolls and even vegetarian fried rice. Many menu items also lean towards being healthy choices.

Akami's popularity among Upper East Side residents stems from several key features and highlights that make it a reliable choice for Japanese cuisine:

• Great Value for Location: A recurring theme in reviews is the excellent price-to-quality ratio, especially for its prime Manhattan location. Customers feel they get good portions and fresh food at a reasonable cost.
• Fresh and Delicious Lunch Rolls: The lunch rolls are a standout, often described as "fresh and delicious," with a "great variety to choose from." This makes Akami a go-to for a satisfying midday meal.
• Accurate Orders and Reliable Service: Many patrons appreciate that Akami "always get my order right," which is a significant advantage for takeout and delivery, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience. The service, in general, is noted as "friendly and helpful."
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a focus, the menu extends to various other Japanese staples. Specialties like "Tuna Tataki," "Tar-tar," "Hijiki Salad," and "American rolls, especially Sashimi Rolls," are highlighted by satisfied customers. They also offer a range of cooked dishes from hibachi to teriyaki, noodles, and fried rice, catering to different preferences.
• Tasty Appetizers and Dressings: Reviewers specifically enjoy their shumai and praise the salad dressing for being "fresh, zesty and tasty." This attention to detail across the menu contributes to a well-rounded dining experience.
• Consistent Quality (for its category): While some isolated negative reviews exist regarding freshness on specific occasions, a large number of long-term customers consistently report that Akami delivers "excellent quality sushi every single time" and is "always good" or "always fresh." This consistency makes it a trusted local option.
• Family-Friendly and Group-Friendly: The restaurant is often described as suitable for families and groups, implying a comfortable and accommodating environment for various dining parties.

Akami is well-known for its value, especially evident in its consistent lunch specials that appeal to New Yorkers looking for quality at a good price. While the restaurant doesn't always advertise flashy, short-term promotions, their everyday offerings often serve as excellent deals.

• Daily Lunch Specials: As highlighted by numerous customers, Akami offers a variety of lunch specials available until 4:00 PM. These include:
  • Sushi Lunch Special: Typically 5 pieces of sushi and a California roll.
  • Sashimi Lunch Special: Offering 9 pieces of assorted sashimi.
  • Combination Lunch Boxes: These often include a main entree (like Chicken Teriyaki or Tempura), along with rice, a California roll, soup, salad, and shumai.
  • Maki Roll Lunch Specials: Options to choose from 2 or 3 rolls at a set price, allowing for variety and value.
• Online Order Savings: Customers ordering online might find occasional savings, such as "Spend $10+ & Save 10%" promotions, which are worth checking on their direct ordering platforms.

It is always recommended to check Akami's official website or their listings on major delivery apps for the most current and detailed information on any active promotions or seasonal specials, as these can be updated regularly.

For ordering, inquiries, or to learn more about Akami, here's how you can reach them:

• Address: 1773 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA
• Phone: (212) 828-5638 (This number also serves as their mobile contact: +1 212-828-5638)

Calling ahead for takeout orders or to confirm current operating hours is a good practice, especially during peak times.

For New Yorkers, Akami on the Upper East Side stands out as a highly suitable and reliable choice for a wide range of Japanese dining needs. Its reputation as a consistent provider of "fresh and delicious" food, particularly their popular lunch rolls and diverse menu, makes it a frequent go-to for residents. While the city offers a spectrum of sushi experiences, Akami positions itself as an excellent option for those seeking dependable quality at a "great value for the location."

The emphasis on accurate orders and friendly, helpful service, as consistently praised by customers, further enhances its appeal as a convenient and stress-free dining option. Whether you're grabbing a quick, affordable lunch special, ordering takeout for a cozy night in, or looking for a casual dinner spot in the neighborhood, Akami delivers. Its comprehensive menu, extending beyond just sushi to various Japanese kitchen entrees, ensures that there's something to satisfy every craving. For locals seeking a reliable, friendly, and good-value Japanese restaurant on the Upper East Side, Akami is undoubtedly a top recommendation.

Akami

1773 1st Ave, New York, NY 10128, USA