Sushi Akira

The story

Sushi Akira: Michelin-Recommended Omakase on the Upper East Side, NYC

Tucked into a quiet block of the Upper East Side, Sushi Akira is an intimate 12-seat counter where Chef Nikki and her team execute a polished omakase that earned a Michelin Recommended nod. The recognition feels earned: every detail, from the sourced fish to the service, reflects years of refinement.

Chef Nikki’s path is unusual and compelling. She began as a part-time dishwasher at a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Tokyo, Quintessence Tokyo, where she discovered that technique and attitude could transform food into something joyful. She left her university studies in Tokyo and moved to New York City. There, she trained at some of the city’s most respected sushi destinations: Masa, Sushi Nakazawa, and Sushi of Gari. As one of the few female sushi chefs in the industry, she built her reputation through meticulous technique, a refined palate, and unwavering attention to her guests.

Alongside Nikki, Chef Jeff brings over a decade of experience and a specialty in Kaiseki-style dishes, adding creative seasonal small plates that pair with Nikki’s nigiri. Joyce, a second-generation restaurateur, oversees the hospitality, having chosen the Upper East Side to fill a gap for refined sushi in the neighborhood.

The omakase is a 19-course journey priced at $220, a notably accessible entry point for this level of craftsmanship. The fish is flown in directly from Japan, sourced from suppliers trusted by Michelin-starred kitchens. Starters blend Kaiseki artistry with French technique — cold and warm dishes that transition into the sushi course. The nigiri and hand rolls showcase Edomae traditions, with particular care given to hikarimono (silver-skinned fish like mackerel and sardine), which require exacting skill to balance their bold flavors. Desserts serve as a light palate cleanser, ending the meal gracefully.

The dining room is simple and focused: a counter where guests watch each piece being formed. The experience is reservation-only. Sushi Akira brings Japanese omakase at a high level to the Upper East Side, with a warmth and precision that makes it a standout in the city’s competitive sushi scene.