We’ve been to Oklahoma City several times, and one thing that always amazes us is its ever-evolving food scene. On our latest trip, we visited Akai Sushi-Ya & Izakaya, a new addition in Wheeler District that completely blew us away. As self-proclaimed sushi enthusiasts, we were drooling over everything from the warm dishes, like Nasu Dengaku (a traditional Japanese marinated eggplant), to some of the freshest ozensake nigiri we’ve had outside Japan.
Maybe OKC wasn’t on your radar among the best sushi restaurants in the country, but that’s part of Oklahoma City’s charm—a city full of surprises, where vibrant growth and hidden gems like Akai draw in some of the best culinary talent. OKC gives some of the best the freedom to get creative without the constraints of some of the larger cities.
First Impressions: Thoughtful Design & Welcoming Ambience
Akai welcomes you with thoughtful design details that stand out even in the dim lighting, creating a space that feels both refined and inviting. Lining the walls are hundreds of sake cups, all installed by the owner himself, adding a personal touch to the space. The sushi bar—a sleek, open kitchen setup—lets you watch skilled chefs at work, crafting every piece with precision.
But the details don’t stop there. Local artists have filled the space with their work, creating a modern yet warm aesthetic. The longer you stay, the more details you notice, from cherry blossom-shaped soy sauce dishes to beautifully folded napkins in the shape of kimonos. Every element feels intentional, setting the stage for what turned out to be an unforgettable dining experience.
A Menu That’s Hard to Choose From
The menu at Akai is extensive, and honestly, choosing what to order was overwhelming (in the best way possible). We started with the Nasu Dengaku, a Japanese eggplant dish that was packed with umami and layered with deep, rich flavors—something we had never tried before but instantly loved. Was I making sure not a single ounce of that sauce on the eggplant was devoured? No comment at this time.
Another must-order? Their tuna crispy rice, the restaurant’s top-selling dish so of course we couldn’t miss out on it ourselves. Each bite had the perfect contrast of crispy, creamy, and savory, making it easy to see why it’s a guest favorite.
I could write a chapter of love to every dish we had, and no I’m not being dramatic. If you can find room opt for the Shinjidai Chicken Skin Skewers glazed with a sweet and tangy yakitori sauce and finished with a secret spice blend or the Wagyu Rib Fried Rice with rich, tangy beef layered with crispy onions and savory rice. I drool just thinking about it again!
This premium A5 Japanese Wagyu beef is presented tableside atop hot stones and flambéed with brandy, creating a sizzling spectacle that’s both aromatic and visually stunning. Served with a truffle ponzu sauce, the rich marbling of the beef pairs exquisitely with the sauce’s subtle acidity, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that will you have you staring wide eyed across the table at your partner in amazement (or is that just us?).
For sushi lovers, Akai balances traditional and innovative approaches beautifully. Whether you go for classic nigiri—expertly sliced and showcasing the fish’s natural flavors—or one of their unique sushi rolls, you’ll get a bit of both worlds.
Elevated Cocktails & House-Made Ingredients
The cocktail menu at Akai is just as meticulous as its sushi selections, with everything made in-house. The Peace Treaty, served in a delicate teacup, is a smooth blend of Akashi plum ume Japanese whisky, ginger tea, sake, lavender, and honey, offering a subtly floral and balanced sip.
The A5 Wagyu Old-Fashioned, made with smoked A5 fat-washed Takamine Japanese whisky and orange liqueur caviar, brings a rich, smoky depth with a luxurious finish.
Other standout drinks include the Plumgroni, a Japanese-inspired Negroni with plum simple syrup, and the Last Samurai, a sleek gin-based cocktail served over a gold-pressed ice block. The bar also features a fine selection of Japanese whiskies. Not trying to drink alcohol, their mocktails are mighty enough to keep you satisfied. I would have loved to try them all because of how much detail went into each one!
Worldwide Talent Make Akai Sushi so Good
The chefs behind Akai come with some of the most impressive culinary resumes, including Chef Shinichi Okamoto, who has over 25 years of experience in the sushi industry. The team includes talent from Nobu NYC, where one of their chefs trained alongside Iron Chef Morimoto. Their expertise is evident in every dish, from the precisely cut nigiri, where even the angle of the slice affects texture and flavor, to the impeccable sourcing of fish flown in daily from Japan.
The team’s attentive service and attention to detail—right down to ensuring the water quality is perfect for sushi rice—reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and excellence.
The freshest fish is flown in daily from Japan, ensuring top quality and maximum flavors. Even the water system was specially designed for perfect sushi rice, showcasing the precision behind every step of preparation. The chefs cut the nigiri with absolute precision, using techniques that consider the grain, angle, and structure of the fish to enhance its texture and flavor.
These seemingly small details set Akai apart, showing a deep respect for Japanese culinary traditions while making the experience exceptional.
A Story Rooted in Passion
Akai is the brainchild of Viet Pham, a former tennis coach whose travels exposed him to the world’s best sushi. After years of exploring different culinary cultures, he set out to create a high-quality Japanese dining experience in the heart of Oklahoma city. His goal? To blend Japanese tradition with Oklahoma hospitality, creating an elevated and approachable space.
He went to Japan, where he immersed himself in the culture and devoted his time to what he valued most. He knew a great team was key, and he sought out highly skilled chefs with experience in some of the most prestigious sushi restaurants in the world.
What sets Pham apart is his obsession with detail and hospitality. From personally installing hundreds of Japanese yen coins that line Akai’s bathroom walls to ensuring that every design element reflects a balance of Japanese tradition and modern sophistication, his hands-on approach is evident.
He understands that sushi is not just about the food but the entire experience. His goal is not just to serve high-quality sushi but to make it approachable and inviting, creating a space where guests can appreciate Japanese craftsmanship without feeling intimidated.
Akai Sushi-Ya & Izakaya: Final Thoughts
From the thoughtfully designed space to its romantic ambiance and the best food and drinks, Akai Sushi-Ya & Izakaya is more than just a sushi spot—it’s an experience. If you’re in OKC and love sushi or want to explore high-quality Japanese cuisine, this Japanese restaurant in Wheeler Street, OKC, is a nice spot, especially for date nights.
Last Updated 2 days ago by Jessica Serna | Published: March 23, 2025
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