Akira - Santa Cruz

This is the single best sushi place I've ever been to. They had flavor explosions. They had purist simplicity. They had some delicious warm sake my body is still processing. And they had a super chill down to earth waiter who put up with soooo many questions and comments from me. This place was so good I haven't even tried the shoot off location in Aptos and I'm already team Akira Santa Cruz. If you don't go here and you want sushi, you're dumb ?Dietary restrictions: I have celiac disease and over half the menu is gluten free, they even have gf soy sauce IN A BOTTLE

Super long wait to eat. Not much room. The food is good. I'm not much of a sushi guy. I don't think I will be going back if it's just my choice, if like a friend only wants to go there maybe.Food: 4/5

The karage was delicious — really great fried chicken with a spicy cream sauce and an orange dipping sauce. We got 2 sushi rolls; both were really unique and excited flavors. They were fairly busy so we waited a while for our takeout. I would 100% recommend this place, just make a game plan and call ahead before you’re hungry!Food: 5/5

Delicious. Everyone else that came with me got full and I stole the rest of their rolls lol.Food: 5/5

Great sushi, kind and open to questions hosts, and the atmosphere was great! I'd definitely recommend going. The dynamite roll is a great option for those new or unsure about sushi. It's a tasty and safe option.Food: 5/5