Akira

"The hitmakers behind the innovative former Whiteaker sushi bar, Mame, have settled into a new groove with Akira. Located in a converted Mill Street house, Akira adopted a playful pan-Asian izakaya menu in 2023 featuring sashimi, hand rolls, and bao stuffed with everything from pork belly to smoked salmon and chive cream cheese. True to izakaya form, there is a full bar with sake, whiskey, and highly inventive cocktails like the Naatu Naatu with tequila, mango, lime, and some garam masala honey." - Brenna Houck, Eater Staff

"There used to be this tiny sushi restaurant in the Whit called Mame, but they’ve moved to a new place called Akira. I love going there if I have time for dinner. [Chef] Taro [Kobayashi] actually saw me the day that my mom died, and he is a really nice guy — I’ve always done the omakase, just because I really like Taro and want to put my trust in him. I like to sit at the bar and watch him work. it’s not just the top sushi for me in Eugene; I’ve eaten sushi in a lot of places, and it’s some of the top sushi I’ve eaten." - Brooke Jackson-Glidden