Doing it Kaiseki style

Chef/owner Taiki Kawai shows off some of Akira Japanese Restaurant’s popular offerings.

Akira Japanese Restaurant continues to bolster its stellar reputation by offering an array of delicious Japanese dishes, whether diners are seeking a quick meal to go, or making plans to dine in for lunch or dinner.

Chef and owner Taiki Kawai and his team prepare traditional Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients made meticulously to order. Kawai specializes in the “Kaiseki style” of Japanese cooking that incorporates small course meals infused with the freshest ingredients, which results in exquisite flavor, beautiful presentation and a memorable “spirit.”

Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid) Vinegared Miso ($8.50)

Situated conveniently in the Eleven50 Building on King Street (the parking entrance is on Young Street), Akira Japanese Restaurant is easily accessible for those stopping by for a dine-in meal, or to pick up tasty togo items to enjoy later. Akira Japanese Restaurant serves as the perfect destination for a pau hana get-together, or a delicious lunch or dinner with family and friends.

Homemade Crab-Cream Croquette ($9)

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Katsura (Aku) Sashimi ($16) is a popular starter and offers a fresh take on the skipjack tuna as the deep red fish offers a high fat content; its peak season of availability runs from April through September, so now is a great time to enjoy this specialty. Other popular starters include the Five-Appetizer Sampler ($15) and Homemade Crab-Cream Croquette ($9), which is known as a luxurious dumpling filled with crab and a breaded crust for enhanced texture.

Akira Japanese Restaurant’s popular items

Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid) Vinegared Miso ($8.50) features the Japanese spring delicacy as the small squid are now in season and pair perfectly with the savory broth.

Grilled Shirako ($12)

“Firefly Squid is very popular, and we want our customers to enjoy these seasonal flavors,” Kawai says.

Grilled Shirako ($12) is a specialty item offering a mild salty and creamy flavor with a pudding-like texture.

Katsura (Aku) Sashimi ($16)

“I want our guests to enjoy Akira’s food and excellent customer service, and to be happy when they visit us” Kawai says. “We continue because of the support of our customers — they’ve brought us to this point, and I want to do my best to keep guests coming back again and again through the love for my art in each dish we prepare.”

Be sure to check in with the restaurant’s staff as popular and brand-new food and beverage specials change as new items and seasonal ingredients become available.