I love this place. We stop in here when we're in town for the great service and excellent sushi. We love seared albacore, spicy scallops and yellowtail.
Overview
If you're looking for a place that combines exceptional food with a cozy atmosphere, Akira Seabright in Santa Cruz is definitely a must-visit. Located at 1222 Soquel Ave, this restaurant stands out not only for its delicious menu but also for the welcoming vibe that makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk in.
Walking into Akira Seabright feels like stepping into a blend of modern elegance and relaxed comfort. The decor is simple yet chic, creating an inviting space perfect for anything from a casual dinner to a more intimate gathering. Whether you're a local or just passing through, the restaurant immediately gives off a warm, friendly energy that sets the tone for the meal ahead.
One of the most striking features of Akira Seabright is its commitment to offering a menu that is both diverse and mouthwatering. They specialize in a range of dishes that cater to different tastes, so whether you're a fan of fresh seafood, hearty meats, or vegetarian delights, there's something for everyone. The sushi selection, in particular, is a standout. Fresh, perfectly prepared, and bursting with flavor, it reflects the restaurant's dedication to quality ingredients. Many reviews mention the delicate balance of flavors and the impeccable presentation of each dish, making the dining experience not just a meal but a work of art.
For those who aren’t sushi enthusiasts, Akira Seabright also offers a variety of cooked dishes that are just as impressive. The miso-glazed salmon is often highlighted as a customer favorite, with its tender texture and perfect seasoning. Another dish that consistently receives rave reviews is the tempura, light and crispy without feeling greasy. Every plate that comes out of the kitchen seems to be crafted with care and attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is satisfying and enjoyable.
What truly sets this place apart is its focus on creating an experience, not just serving food. The staff is friendly and attentive without being overbearing, always happy to make recommendations and ensure you feel well taken care of throughout your meal. Whether you’re seated at a cozy corner table or enjoying a meal at the bar, you’ll notice how genuinely invested the team is in making sure your dining experience is memorable.
In terms of location, Akira Seabright couldn't be in a better spot. Situated at 1222 Soquel Ave, it’s easily accessible, whether you're coming from nearby beaches or the heart of Santa Cruz. It's close enough to all the action but still provides a peaceful environment to enjoy your meal without the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. The outdoor seating area is perfect for those sunny days when you want to enjoy your meal al fresco, while the indoor space gives a more intimate, cozy vibe when the weather turns cooler.
If you're curious about the overall dining experience, it's easy to see why Akira Seabright has garnered such positive reviews. From the beautifully crafted dishes to the impeccable service and inviting ambiance, it’s clear that this restaurant has something special to offer. Whether you’re a Santa Cruz local or visiting for the first time, the quality of food and atmosphere ensures that your visit will be a memorable one.
In a town that boasts many great dining options, Akira Seabright holds its own as a standout destination. The consistency in delivering high-quality meals and exceptional service makes it a place that diners continue to return to time and time again. With a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, friendly staff, and a prime location, it's no wonder that this spot is frequently recommended by both locals and visitors alike.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Kerbside pickup ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-in ✓ DeliveryHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great tea selectionPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Catering ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ LGBTQ+ friendly ✓ Locals ✓ Tourists ✓ Transgender safe space ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Usually a wait ✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Cheques ✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 1083 reviews
I ordered the dark slide roll and it looks really good but it wasn't my favorite. It had a very smokey flavor that just was kind of overpowering but my daughter got the fire dragon and it was delicious! My son got the teriyaki tofu and loved it. The menu names are very cute anime names and the staff are so nice. The blonde girl who seated us and our waitress were both awesome. The atmosphere is cool and they have really dope artwork on the wall. The dazed and confused drink was also very refreshing
Lovely small sushi restaurant with amazing vegetarian options and very clearly labeled, which I appreciate so much. Very tasty and flavorful. Absolutely delicious and would recommend over Shizen in SF.
Wow!!! The rolls were amazing! Had the Life Aquatic and Natural Bridges rolls with the largest salad I’ve ever seen which was also super yummy! The reviews are as they say! It’s a bit of a wait but well worth it! Service once you’re seated is pretty fast even though they were crazy busy!
Good service, kids teriyaki plate was really good and rolls were tasty!
Very fast, friendly service and generous positions at this popular spot. Pretty good with dietary restrictions: most of the menu is gluten free (or can be adjusted to be GF), although celiacs should know that the fryer does have cross contamination so avoid the tempura, etc (personally I’d label that as “low gluten” but the staff seems knowledgeable so just be sure to communicate what kind of restrictions you have). The food was a bit more mixed: really nice appetizers (salads, Akira fries, etc) and the fish is pretty fresh (the hamachi was especially tasty), but despite the rolls being very large (seriously we probably could have had 1 per person) they seemed surprisingly lacking in flavor, almost bland. Also I liked my sashimi but it came with rice that was downright bad: stuck together and overcooked. I’m half Japanese so maybe I’m picky, but people forget that “sushi” refers to rice, not fish, so it’s disappointing when a sushi place gets rice wrong. Overall a good experience, albeit with some caveats.