30 Photos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Sushi in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Aki Restaurant
7.8
A Sawtelle neighborhood staple leaning into old-school Japanese home cooking—teriyaki, tonkatsu, sukiyaki—served in generous portions at prices that don't punish a table of four. It draws families and groups who want the comfort-food rotation handled without fuss, and the kitchen keeps the execution tight enough that 79% of reviewers go full five stars. Best suited for the night you want reliable Japanese comfort over a scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Teriyaki, Tempura, Tonkatsu
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Old-school Japanese comfort cooking with generous portions at neighborhood-friendly prices
Who should go: Families and groups craving straightforward Japanese home cooking
When to visit: Weeknight dinner to avoid weekend waits
What to order: Start with tempura, choose a teriyaki or tonkatsu as your main, and split a sukiyaki if dining with a group
Insider tip: Ask your server about off-menu specials or daily features
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public lot on Colby Ave across Santa Monica Blvd, plus free parking in the Bank of America lot behind the restaurant—metered street parking also available on the boulevard
Dress code: Come as you are—this is a no-frills, old-school family spot since 1974; jeans and t-shirts fit right in
Weekend wait: No online reservations—call ahead at (310) 479-8406; fills up with regulars on weekend nights so expect a wait if you walk in after 7pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid options: Tofu Sukiyaki ($21), Vegetable Roll ($11.50), Cucumber Roll ($9.50), Hiyayakko cold tofu ($14.50), Yudofu hot tofu ($16), Shyojin Age vegetable tempura ($12), and Ohitashi ($14.50)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not the most romantic pick — this is a casual, family-run Japanese spot with diner-style booths and a small sushi bar. The atmosphere is warm and unpretentious rather than intimate. It works well for a laid-back first date where great food and easy conversation matter more than ambiance, but if you're looking for dim lighting and a date-night vibe, look elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Aki does not take reservations at all, so walk-in is the only option. The restaurant has been a neighborhood staple since 1974, so it can get busy during peak dinner hours (especially Friday and Saturday). Arriving early — before 6:30pm on weekends — gives you the best chance of minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual, no-fuss atmosphere is very welcoming for families. They offer reasonably priced children's plates, and the menu has plenty of approachable options like teriyaki, tempura, and katsu that kids tend to enjoy. The diner-booth seating keeps little ones contained, and the noise level is forgiving.
Is it good for groups? Yes — Aki is excellent for groups. They have a side banquet room that seats 40–45 people for private functions, making it one of the better options in the Sawtelle area for large parties. For smaller groups of 6–8, the regular booth seating works well. Call ahead to arrange the banquet room for bigger gatherings.
Is there outdoor seating? No outdoor seating available. All dining is indoors, with options at the sushi bar or in comfortable diner-style booths.
Best For
Better for: Groups and families wanting authentic, traditional Japanese comfort food with no fusion pretense—sushi is hand-crafted slowly by a dedicated chef, so come to savor, not rush
Consider Alternatives If: You want a trendy scene or quick service—this is an unhurried, old-school neighborhood spot where the sushi chef takes his time
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Thursday11am - 2pm, 5pm - 8:30pm
Friday11am - 2pm, 5pm - 9pm
Saturday5pm - 9pm
Sunday4:30pm - 8pm