Akemi Berkeley

Review summary

1. C

   Carole

   San Francisco15 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on February 18, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   My friend and I decidec on Akemi based on reviews as neither of us had eaten there before. I was immediately struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere. I was seated immediately, even though my friend had not yet arrived. After he arrived, we placed our order. The dishes came out and my Lion King roll was delicious. My friend's nigiri were not very attractive and he said that they weren't all that good. We had to ask a second time for me salad. To get the waitress' attention took a little doing, even though the place was not very busy. I probably won't go back.
   

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2. N

   Nancy

   San Francisco24 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on January 30, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Dining at Akemi is always a satisfying experience: the food is delicious, fresh and a good value for the quality and size of portions. I typically order the Salmon miso bento, it comes with delicious white miso soup, salmon grilled with umami rich miso sauce and extra on side, cabbage salad, roasted brussel sprouts with honey mustard glaze and rice; enough food to take a portion home for next days lunch. Love the ambience when they play soft Jazz : pop music not so much since I still like to have conversations with my dining companions. I’ve come here many times over many years and it is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants for all kinds of occasions.
   

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3. M

   Meowyee

   San Francisco42 reviews

   3.0

   Dined on January 13, 2025

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   After our recent dining experiences, we would recommend this restaurant for the locals who want decent Japanese cuisine, go for the sake and sushi, the combo plates are good value.
   

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4. A

   Ariel

   San Francisco2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best Sushi in the Bay! Amazing experience great food I love the menu
   

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5. B

   Betsy VIP

   San Francisco39 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on December 30, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   I come a lot because it’s like home for me with Shirley
   

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6. P

   Paul VIP

   Portland42 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on November 11, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We ate at Akemi two nights in a row. That says it all. Counter seating was tons of fun. Watching the masters at work was best theater in Berkeley. Food was simply delicious. And, we will return!
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco1 review

   2.0

   Dined on September 9, 2024

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   While the food was okay (and really just that- okay), the service was pretty awful. It took almost an hour to get an order in, and they messed up our initial food order. We almost didn't receive one of the items we ordered until two dishes that we did NOT order arrived at the table (which is when the mistake was realized and quietly fixed nearly 45 minutes after ordering, without any acknowledgement). Additionally, we had to continually ask the food runner to order whenever we wanted more food. We were continuously not checked in with to see we needed anything. Overall, the service felt targeted. It appeared that the tables filled with middle/aged white people received regular, attentive service compared to that of my partner and I (a young, interracial couple). While not hugely important, we were also underwhelmed with the decor, although the glassware was nice. Akemi's only redeeming qualities were the Brussels sprouts and the Yuzu panna cotta, which were beautifully prepared and delicious. If you are looking for a nice dinner spot this is not it. We will not be back.
   

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8. A

   Antonella

   San Francisco5 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on August 24, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great food and service! Glad to have Akemi in the neighborhood!
   

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9. M

   Mary

   Orange County33 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on August 16, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I was there with my 18-year old grandson and two of his friends. They are heartily and enjoyed everything. I had a lovely meal. It was perfect for the day.
   

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10. J

    Joanne VIP

    San Francisco98 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on August 10, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4

    We've been here a few times and this time was the best. Our group ordered a variety of things and all of them were good. They have an extensive sushi/roll menu but also enough other things for those in our group who didn't eat sushi.
    

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