Aki, Aqui
Ξ February 9th, 2008 | → | ∇ 90042, Food, Highland Park |
Are you a sushi aficionado? Do you ask for shoyu instead of soy sauce and order Unagi instead of Eel? Do you scoff at those who mix a pool of soy and wasabi for dipping or insist on eating their rice with a fork? If so, you should probably skip Aki and cruise down to Little Tokyo to find a more authentic experience. Instead, Aki Sushi provides a nice local alternative to the (attempting to be) uber hip Mia Sushi in Eagle Rock. The York Blvd guys have had some run-ins with the owner (who also owns Marty’s on York) and I’d rather eat my fish out of the Arroyo than hand money to those establishments. Fortunately, I don’t have to break out my lures any time soon as Aki serves up a menagerie of options at reasonable prices. Located just across the 110, Aki is tucked into an unassuming commercial development dominated by Rancho Market (which incidentally boasts great fresh salsas).
The unimpressive exterior opens to a clean and well decorated interior. A glut of to go orders slowed their service, but we weren’t in a rush, and this was the first time it took them so long to serve us. They even provided some free edamame as an apology. We stuck to the rolls, but teriyaki dishes and noodle bowls are also available. Overall, I was happiest with the Mexican Roll: Artificial Crab, avocado, and jalapeño, mixed with a little Thai Sriracha hot sauce provides a nice kick. The only major drawback for me is that they don’t have a liquor license. This explains Aki’s relative affordability: under $50 for two people to stuff themselves on six rolls, drinks, and miso soup. Try for yourselves and let us know what you think.
Aki Sushi
5916 Monterey Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90042
(323) 256-0067
9 Responses to ' Aki, Aqui '
on February 9th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
History appears to be repeating itself, Hermon was graced with an awesome asian resturant on the corner oppisite of the shopping center, cant rember the name…but in the 70s it was great. Maybe someone can recall the name?
on February 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am
the dragon pearl?
on February 11th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
unagi is eel, not urchin.
on February 11th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
I stand corrected…change made
on February 11th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
my grandparents had their wedding reception at that asian resturant (now Mika printing) in the 50s. I’ll to see if she recalls the name. I’m glad people are finally saying good things about Aki. i’ve thought it was a pretty decent place but began to question my sushi judging abilities when others (yelp) kept bagging on it. true, its not a great as some other places but its within walking distance and what more could you ask for?
on February 11th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
It was called the Dragon Pearl.
on February 11th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
Why do you boycott Martys and Mia Sushi? Is the owner related to certain political figures? Is that why he got full liquor licenses at the snap of a finger when other places like Casa Blue had to struggle there asses off just to get beer and wine?
on February 18th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
I spent my childhood roaming York Blvd.
My mom would take me to The Dragon Pearl.
Alas, like my Mother the Dragon Pearl is gone.
Is Sternbergers still around. I believe it was near York & Figueroa.
on February 28th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Great post! I’ve always driven by and wondered how Aki is like.