"For more than a decade, Akikos has been one of San Francisco’s favorite destinations for pristine sushi — particularly for diners willing and able to splurge on the restaurant’s omakase experience. In 2009, self-taught chef Ray Lee took over his parent’s business on Bush Street, which first opened in 1987, ushering in a new era for the restaurant, one built on his obsession with the finest ingredients and inventive cooking techniques. Now, Lee’s ready to level up Akikos once again: On January 10, he’ll officially debut Akikos at Avery Lane, the restaurant’s new location on the ground floor of a luxury residential high-rise at 430 Folsom Street. Lee says he’s still sorting out the plan for the former Akikos space but, in the meantime, is focused on getting settled in Akikos’s spacious new 2,700-square-foot home designed by San Francisco-based firm AvroKO. A dramatic 24-seat Chef’s Stage anchors the dining room, where patrons will have a front-row seat to watch Lee, head sushi chef Shinsuke Hayashi, and the rest of the team at work." - Lauren Saria
