AKABA JAPANESE RESTAURANT

This is definitely a local gem of a restaurant, and you'd never see it from the street as it's tucked away in a mini "arcade" type of passageway leading from a car park to Bay Street. However, seeing how busy they were the whole night - both with patrons and take out orders - it's clear that they are popular and now I see why.

While they pack you in tight, and tables are small, and food service was slow, the food itself more than made up for it. The food here was DELICIOUS and whenever we are allowed to eat out again, I cannot wait to go back (will probably have to do a takeout order). Everything is fresh and delicious and well presented and simply yummy. I even had cooked tuna maki (usually raw tuna is used) and it was such a great flavour. Their Salmon Tataki is heavenly, and everything else that my companions ate looked good and they said was delicious too.

Pricing ... Japanese isn't cheap. But overall, I think it's reasonably priced here and again, the food is totally worth it. I cannot wait to come back as it's now definitely one of my favourite Japanese restaurants around. (just also be prepared to search high and low for parking, depending when it is you visit).

Had mother's day lunch here today.
All of us enjoyed the food.They were all delicious particularly the shasimi spread,the steak,the pork katsu,the tempura and the fried chicken.
The place was cosy and the service friendly.

Came with no expectation, but the seared salmon nigir sushi was fantastic, especially with lemon, although the 2nd serve was missing about that magic element. The NASUDEN was the best if you like something sweet and it's rarely seen and served in Australia.

Sushi and Sashimi was so fresh, and tepanyaki was also notable, restaurants was really busy on a Friday night and the atmosphere was lively. BYO as well! Will be returning.

We have been coming here for the passed few months and found it to be a gem,
Can be full on popular nights.
However if it takes time to get your order
It's worth it

A wide variety of fresh, delicious Japanese cuisine. Really enjoyed the meal.

Akaba is a gem restaurant tucked away down a shopping alley in Brighton, offering a wide range of Japanese dishes from sushi, sashimi, tasty tataki, miso and more.

Parking is available in the lot behind the restaurant.

I had a great time here, it was my first visit and I was more than happy with both the service and the food.
If you are in the area and enjoy Japanese food then stop by and try it for yourself.
I will definitely try this again next time I'm in the area.
I rate 5/5 stars

Amazing Japanese food here, the staff at front desk served us very well. We felt welcomed in this restaurant, food was very detailed like an art, the taste was delicious.

Delicious sushi, sushimi and tempura vegetables. We enjoyed sitting at the bar, watching chef prepare sushi.

I love Japanese food and have been to quite a few Japanese restaurants. I must say, the food here at Akaba is the nicest and most tasty Japanese food I have ever had! The spinach was delectable, the garlic scallops were to die for and the fillet melted in your mouth. The chief is to be commended. This is now definitely my favourite restaurant and is worth the forty minute drive.

Happily stumbled across this little restaurant.. food and service were amazing. Great quality and fresh ingredients! Yum! Only negative is there is no bathroom in the restaurant.. however you can use the one next door, which is up the stairs.

Exceptional Dining Experience at Akiba Japanese Restaurant!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Akiba Japanese Restaurant, and I can't express how impressed I was with their authentic flavors. The highlight was the delectable miso soup infused with truffle, which was an absolute delight for the taste buds.
To top it off, the evening became a cherished memory as we gathered with friends. The dishes were not only satisfying on the palate but also perfectly paired with exquisite wines, thanks to the impeccable service and the helpful guidance of our waiter.
The ambiance at Akiba is both authentic and flamboyant. The vibrant baroque kitchen, complemented by a warm, inviting flame on a winter's evening, adds to the overall charm.
Thank you, Akiba, for providing such a wonderful dining experience. You truly exceeded our expectations!

Came here after seeing a movie at the Brighton bay last week. It was pretty late, and really busy. Kitchen was near closing. They were absolutely lovely. We eat out at japanese a lot and the salmon carpaccio and beef tataki were one of the best in this area. Would come back any time for these two standout dishes. The service was excellent especially when every table was full. Kids loved it as well. Def will return and highly recommend.

A 65 th birthday 10 of us including 4 young children The staff are wonderful with nothing too much trouble. Excellent service wonderful food . Will be coming back soon

Just spend my lunch with my cousin, we order sashimi platter, seafood fried rice, scallops and grill eye fillets, we love all the dishes, personally I love the sashimi because it’s taste so fresh. My cousin’ favour is the seafood fried rice. Staff is really friendly too. It’s my third time to come here. Will definitely come back again.

Tried the 8 course dinner at Akaba last night using a Groupon voucher. By far the best experience using a voucher that I have had till date. The staff were friendly and attentive but very respectful. The food came out fresh and the timing between the courses was perfect.
We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner. Will for sure be back.

Really interesting food that is cooked in unique ways. Both enjoyable for the different flavours as well as for the quality of the fresh food.

Nestled at the back of a forgotten arcade surrounded by uninspiring fronts my first feelings were scepticism mixed with uh oh. We ordered a safe set meal, salads, chicken, sushi etc. But the tastes were unreal it was so tantalising and stimulating that my husband said he enjoyed the flavour and mouth feel experience as much as fine dining. I could not applaud the chef and the freshness of the meal enough. The crunch of the karage chicken and the softness of the salmon will be having me drooling in my sleep for many nights to come.

I've been to Akaba twice so far, and my experiences there were nothing short of amazing. The food was fresh and delicious, the service was prompt and friendly, the restaurant was clean and welcoming, and the location is really accessible (right next to North Brighton station). Definitely worth trying it out if you haven't already!

Most favorite japanese in Melbourne! JERREMY helped us to create unique & delicious menu for our special event we chose to celebrate in this cute little restaurante with nice ambience! Love it there and always get seared salmon with hot terriaky sauce on the side- try it too :)