AKI - Japanese Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

This place has firmly earned its place as one of our all-time favourite sushi spots anywhere in the world. We first came here last year and couldn’t resist returning this year again and honestly, it was even better than we remembered. This time, our waiter Ashanka guided us toward two of his personal favourite dishes, and he absolutely nailed it. The standout of the night was the fried rice with wagyu tartare and truffle. Perfectly balanced, one of those dishes you keep thinking about. Between the quality of the food, the warm service, and the overall atmosphere, Aki continues to be a must-visit for us. Already looking forward to the next time we’re back in Malta.

Hands down 5 star for service from the moment we arrived - without reservation. Every member of staff was on point and well coordinated, our waiter Ashanka was outstanding. The food was good, but thanks to Ashanka's recommendations and attentive service, the overall experience was subliminal. So smooth! For the high class restaurant, atmospheric, service, presentation, incredible cocktails and food food - restaurant is extremely well price. I would even say, it's on the cheaper side when compared to good average restaurants that do not offer 1/4 of what Aki does. 7x dishes + 1 dessert + 5 cocktails = €167 for 2 people.

We had a great evening at AKI, amazing Sushi, great desserts and wonderful atmosphere! We booked a table a few months out, having read reviews and having seen on a TV program. We weren’t disappointed, we have Sushi 3 different types including Harumaki of Salmon, Flamed Wagyu Roll & Carb Fotumaki Roll. All were excellent with our favourite being the Harumaki of Salmon. We also had a dessert each with Genmai Cha Creme Brulee fro my wife and Japanese Chocolate Forest Floor for myself. The whole experience was amazing, and a very reasonably priced at under 90€ for 2 persons including wine, Saki & water. We would definitely recommend, and will return plus we will probably try the new AKI London when we are next in London!

I had an amazing experience at Aki on 09/05/2025! We had to push back our reservation time many times due to our transportation not knowing where the restraunt was located in Valletta but the booking personnel was very understanding and kind. We were greeted by a lovely woman at the entrance who showed us to our seats. They had a beautiful bar and dining area, which provided a wonderful ambience. Although the dining area was dark, it provided an fantastic vibe that was Instagram worthy! The restraunt and food on a whole show cased a Japanese inspired fine dining experience. Once seated we were then served by a fabulous waiter/host called Asanka. He was very professional, funny and kind. He was also very patient with us when he explained and described the different food and drinks on the menu. I dined with my sister and a friend and we can all agree that Asanka made our experience at Aki a night to remember! The food was out of this world and the drinks were divine. Unfortunately, I dont remember the names of dishes we ate (photos below). But, if I ever return to Malta and dine at Aki again, I hope Asanka will be there to provide another 10/10 experience.

We were really looking forward to dining at Aki, but unfortunately the experience didn’t live up to expectations. Ambience: The setting felt more like a nightclub than a restaurant — loud music, dim lighting, and an atmosphere that made conversation almost impossible. We could barely hear each other to order, let alone enjoy a relaxed meal. The first table offered was uncomfortably close to a wall; we asked to move, and later noticed several other couples declined that same spot as well. Drinks: • Sushi Cocktail – Visually interesting but only average in taste. The garnish of seaweed dots looked artistic but didn’t add much flavor. The creamy top was too thick, and the liquid base too thin and bland, making the overall balance off. Starters: • Bluefin Tuna Tartare (€14.90) – Nicely presented with kimchi pearls and nori wafers, but the flavors didn’t quite come together as the lea shoots overpowered the taste of the tuna which was unfortunate! Pleasant but forgettable. • Sakura Blossom Noboshi Prawn Tempura (€11.90) – Beautifully plated and vibrant red prawns with daikon and ginger oroshi. The prawns were large and well-cooked, but the dish was more “good” than “great.” Sushi: • Volcano Sushi (€13.90) – The prawn tempura filling was tasty, but the presentation was odd. The rolls were cut and stacked sideways with sauce drizzled over, which caused some pieces to stick together. Again, decent but not remarkable. • Flamed Wagyu (€14.90) – Disappointing. The wagyu flavor was barely noticeable, and the dish lacked the richness we expected from the description. Main: • Prawn Gohan (€15.50) – The highlight of the meal. The rice was flavorful with just the right amount of spice, and the prawns were juicy and well-cooked. Service: Service was polite but inconsistent — staff were friendly when available, but it was sometimes difficult to get their attention. Overall: While a few dishes showed promise, the overpowering music and nightclub-style atmosphere made it a poor choice for anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed dinner and conversation. Aki might work as a trendy spot for drinks or a quick bite, but it’s not ideal for a comfortable dining experience.

AKI Malta delivered an incredible dining experience. The atmosphere and overall vibe were amazing, stylish, modern, and lively. I especially enjoyed the live DJ playing during my visit, which added a great energy to the night. The staff uniforms were sleek and elegant, giving a classy touch and setting the tone for a special evening. The food was top-notch. The salmon, in particular, was cooked to perfection. They also offer a wide variety of unique and creative cocktails. One that stood out was the "Sushi Cocktail", truly remarkable and unlike anything I’ve tried before. Would definitely visit again if I get the chance. Highly recommended!

It was a delight. Chefs take pride in what they serve, waiters attention is excellent, the overall vibe is great. Rishabh was great, I really appreciated his mannerism. As we had ordered the tasting menu we had a lot of dishes, each distinct, with unique flavours, and just quality ingredients. He never rushed us, on the contrary, he asked if he should wait a bit for the next dish, which we really did. He understands his customers. Definitely recommend Aki! And try their wild cocktails too!

A Hidden Gem of Japanese Excellence in the Heart of Malta – Aki’s Restaurant From the moment we stepped into Aki’s Restaurant, it was clear we were in for something special. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Malta, this Michelin-starred Japanese haven effortlessly blends modern elegance with traditional Japanese hospitality, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and welcoming. We began our culinary journey with the Harumaki of Salmon, a beautifully delicate dish that set the tone for the evening. The crispy spring rolls were perfectly executed, with the richness of the salmon balanced by subtle seasoning and a touch of citrus that added a refreshing zing. Next came the Rock Shrimp Tempura, which was nothing short of a revelation. Light, crispy, and incredibly moreish, each bite of shrimp was coated in a feather-light batter and served with a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that brought the whole dish to life. A must-try for any lover of Japanese cuisine. The Karaage Chicken was equally impressive. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, the chicken was marinated to perfection and fried to a golden crisp. It’s comfort food elevated to gourmet heights, and every bite was packed with savory satisfaction. Finally, we enjoyed the Gohan Prawn, a rice dish that offered a warm, hearty close to the meal. The prawns were plump and perfectly cooked, nestled atop fluffy, well-seasoned rice. It was simple, honest, and incredibly satisfying—a testament to the quality of ingredients and expert preparation. Service throughout the afternoon was impeccable—attentive yet unobtrusive—and the staff were happy to offer pairing suggestions and guide us through the menu. Aki’s Restaurant isn’t just a place to eat—it’s an experience. Whether you’re a seasoned lover of Japanese cuisine or a curious newcomer, this spot delivers on every level. A true gem in Malta’s culinary scene and deserving of every bit of its Michelin recognition.