Aki Restaurant Menu

Aki Restaurant Restaurant Review:

Aki Restaurant, a family-owned establishment, started out in the San Fernando Valley in 1969 and moved to its current West L.A. location in 1974. This no-frills spot fills up on weekend nights with faithful regulars. Chef Dean Isao Hada prepares fresh sushi specials and more traditional fish morsels. (He’ll even rush to the seafood tank to fetch live sweet shrimp on request.) Start with sautéed calamari served on a sizzling skillet, and then progress to crispy rice topped with spicy tuna and sliced jalapeño. On the meat side, the pakkai --- a more Chinese-influenced dish of sweet and sour pork spare ribs --- fills the mouth and belly with joy. Sushi combination plates, teriyaki, tempura and nabe (hot pot) round out the menu. It’s also kid-friendly, with reasonably priced child’s plates. For dessert, the only options are fresh orange or a scoop of ice cream (green tea or red bean). Beer, wine and saké choices are likewise limited. Sit at the smallish sushi bar or at one of the comfortable diner-like booths. There is a side banquet room that can seat 40-45 people for private functions. Service is unintimidating, friendly and efficient.