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AKI, Valletta, Valletta

AKI

4.5
4.5
1153 Reviews
€30 and under
Creative Japanese
Taking its name from akitsu, which means ‘dragonfly’, AKI in Valletta aims to reflect the elegance and sophistication this insect demonstrates in its sleek body and flying pattern.

Modern Japanese cuisine is prepared by our highly-trained and skilful chefs using the freshest and most seasonal ingredients. Savour our enticing selection of sushi, tapas-style dishes together with a selection of meat and fish dishes expertly grilled on our Japanese robata grill allowing you and your friends to feast on a variety of exciting dishes. Match our culinary creations with an extensive beverage list which features a diverse list of wines, cocktails and Japanese Sake.

AKI puts a distinct spin on familiar Japanese flavours, leading you onto new and exciting gastronomic journeys. Our ambience and music offer a perfect setting for our guests to relax and enjoy a lovely meal; we invite you to join us for lunch, dinner or drinks, where our team will take care to deliver a memorable experience.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Creative Japanese, International, Contemporary Asian
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–12:00 am Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Phone number
    2737 9053
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    In house catering
  • Private party facilities
    AKI is available for private events parties up to 120 people. For details please call on 0035679442718 or send us an email on rose@lifestyle-grp.com
  • Neighborhood
    Valletta
  • Cross street
    Santa Lucia Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Valetta bus stop; Mandragg bus stop; Nawfragju bus stop.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,153 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseEnergetic

Loved For

  • Malta

    Best Overall

  • Malta

    Best Food

  • Malta

    Best Service

  • Malta

    Best Ambiance

  • Malta

    Best Value

  • Malta

    Good for groups

  • Malta

    Great for creative cocktails

  • Malta

    Healthy

  • Malta

    Romantic

  • Malta

    Good for special occasions

  • Malta

    Lively

  • Malta

    Most Booked

1,153 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Munich

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Definitely recommend to go there! Sercvice & food was TOPPPPP!

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  2. psaliba

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Food was good but nothing special. We tried everything that was vegetarian, so no fish was tried. Service was spot on especially by Achraf!! Would definitely go back, even tho I think it’s slightly overpriced.

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  3. RobinStorm

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great from the food all the way to the cocktails. The Geisha cocktail was the best one without a doubt - and the sashimi was incredibly succulent and melted in your mouth. Australian Wagyu was really great, though not a direct contender to the Kobe wagyu, and was pleasantly surprised by its’ quality. Thanks for a memorable and awesome evening! 😎🤩

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  4. Baptiste

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The sound was too strong at the beginning of our arrival. The service was quiet long. Nevertheless, the food was really good, and the atmosphere nice

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  5. StephenW

    Dublin

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The setting is perfect, dimmed lights, comforting music. The girl playing the saxophone was amazing but low volume, so could still have a conversation 10/10 The waiter Andy was amazing I can stress enough how nice this guy was.

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  6. Garyc

    Aberdeen

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good food, good service and good atmosphere. Hope to get back before leaving Malta

    Is this helpful?

  7. Pagius

    Malta

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience5
    Third time being there but this time it was disappointing. Having had a booking we had to wait a further 30 minutes to be seated - no big deal here. However half way through our dinner we were asked to hurry up our starters so main courses are served as kitchen wanted to close, also telling us to order desserts asap if we wanted them. I told them that we were there in time and they delayed our table so it wasn’t my problem. Service overall disaster and let the place down. The British supervisor (?) slammed water on table, starters came without drink orders. We ordered wine twice to get it served and water 3 times to have it finally served. Cherry on the cake we were offered a drink before leaving which was a nice touch. We opted for Sake, it’s a Japanese restaurant for gods sake but where told we had to pay for it. What the hell was the point of offering a drink? At the end they did gave us sake for free but by then the whole experience had turned sour and we just wanted to leave as staff. Don’t take booking late if you can’t fulfill them. People pay for an experience in a restaurant not just to eat

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  8. Styler

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience3
    Food was not nuce, starters took forever to come out

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Manchester

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is delicious and the staff are lovely

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  10. RichardW

    Malta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow…. Having been here before and everything was brilliant, we attended again. This time it was a party of 10 for our family pre-wedding dinner. They staff and management couldn’t do enough for us. Tending to our every need and want. The music was lowered, the table was arranged as requested. The food was outstanding.. as always… It was worth every Penny and we shall return.. Thankyou AKI … you’ve made part of our wedding celebrations very memorable

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  11. LouiseA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice setting, presentation with an extra touch, open kitchen, everything very clean and fresh. Would totally recommend.

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  12. bobd

    Malta

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    a tad too loud (couldn't hear each other talk)...staff a little absent...table/menus rather aged and in need of replacement or linen covers...too crowded (next table far too close)

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  13. DanielO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best sushi, try one of the platters. Cocktails are a must

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  14. AniG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Lovely lunch and will definitely be back there soon.

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  15. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall1food2service3ambience1
    Too loud. Bad saxophone player. Bland dishes. Adequate service

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  16. NatD

    Malta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    one of the best sushis! great price & good vibes! speed / synchronization of serving to 4 pax needs some improvement but overall amazing experience! Music a bit too loud to talk.

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  17. Marlous

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience3
    The best sushi I had in a long time so if you like sushi, I would definitely recommend but the music is way too loud for normal dinner conversation which I thought was a shame.

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  18. Matt

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience2
    Food was average for a very expensive meal - I have been working in Japanese restaurants for a long time so I know what I am talking about. Sushi rice was mushy the BAO bun was stale and the mini burgers not toasted enough. The music was club music which I don’t think was fitting with the ambient. Service was average although our waiter did look after us well.

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  19. DavidM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food in a sophisticated but casual environment.

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  20. RosaliaF

    London

    5 reviews

    2.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Had high hopes for this place due to tik tok and trip advisor and was very disappointed. Service was slow, wine arrived after the food and only when asked for. Food arrived very quickly and was mediocre at best. Was expecting a taste explosion and just was meh. Rice portions were tiny and I would of had to use a microscope to find the pork belly in it. The chicken tacos tasted off and were sent back. Sushi was fine but again nothing to write home about. We sat down at 9pm and were out by 10pm. Certainly doesn’t merit the Michelin stars

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  21. Melissa

    Malta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice sushi Nice setting Busy Nice music Friendly servers

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  22. Trixy

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience5
    Place nice, good atmosphere though music very loud that can’t hear people on your same table. Food good but too expensive

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  23. sarahs

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and drinks and amazing service. Would 100% go back again.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    Service was not inuitive, the atmosphere was circus like with electronic loud music with a random roaming saxophonist. If you’re looking for a TikTok experience this is your place. Had we have been asked how are experience was we would have been happy to let them know.

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  25. ClaudineF

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was very good and the service was excellent. Great place.

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  26. ShaneO

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 29, 2023

    overall1food5service3ambience4
    Pre-booked our table, arrived some 15mins early, seated at the bar for pre dinner drinks (which we didn’t get to have but were sent to our table ) … didn’t have to wait too long at the bar when our table was ready ..table wasn’t set up … we had to ask for food menus… and we still had the wine and drinks menus that we were given at the bar … dinner plates removed before we’d had a chance to finish…e.g if you put your cutlery down for a rest the waiter was straight over to remove plates … advertised open till midnight but we were informed at 10.15 kitchen was closing in 10mins if we wanted to order more food .

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  27. Carrie

    Yorkshire

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience3
    Poor service, very chaotic. Waited nearly an hour for main course from starters and our steak requested medium rare came well done. For the price, not what you would expect.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Malta

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Il miglior ristorante di Malta ! Dall’accoglienza al servizio , dal cibo ai cocktail. Assolutamente da provare e ritornarci ancora e ancora

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  29. Callllt

    Dublin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Phenomenal food at decent prices. Weird mix of electronic music (which was good) and a jazz saxophone player (who played in a style that didn't complement the electronic music. But the food was brilliant and the servers polite, helpful and well mannered. Second time I've been and it's been fantastic both times.

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  30. ChantalB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not our first visit but once again we had a great night @ Aki. Freshly, tasty food. Good, lively ambience and attentive service.

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  31. AndrewH

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    What a fantastic place. Ibiza Cafe Mambo style music plays as you walk down the steps to the restaurant. We then realised there was a lady on the decks playing the music as a sax player walks around complimenting the tunes. Staff all greet you with a smile and are very attentive filling your glass if it gets below half full. Food was all fantastic from the ultra fresh sashimi and oysters to the excellently cooked and presented prawn tempura, beef tenderloin, duck rolls etc. we were celebrating two birthdays so had 3 bottles of Moët as well as food and for 3 people it was under €400 which we thought was excellent value. Hoping they get a Michelin star soon because it’s very well deserved if they do.

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  32. AnneM

    Sydney

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this restaurant. Food was great and vibe was great too There was a girl playing a saxophone and a dj. Food was so fresh and everything was on point.

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  33. Bxjbxbdbdb

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had an amazing night with friends. From service, food to the whole concept is a top notch. Our second time there and will come back again. Thank you

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  34. GeoA

    Malta

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were very nice and helpful. The food is amazing, healthy and tasty.

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  35. MiaM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall4food5service1ambience4
    Great sushi, but slow waitress. She forgot about us. We waited about 30 min to order and then even more to pay.

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  36. Harisabdulenjoyhotelzack

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Enjoy the portion for babies it was horrible food cold and not enough after eating I go to eat in a other restaurant enjoy malta🫨🫨

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  37. IsaV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A very nice restaurant with a nice atmosphere. The grilled salmon was delicious.

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  38. VirginiaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My daughter looked up this recommendation and it was a great night of dinner with my children who travelled from Australia. They eat sushi everywhere they go and this night they were very impressed with the presentation and the quality. Thank you for another great meal in Malta

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  39. COOKIE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved the whole experience from the food and staff this this place is great in everything in my opinion. I don't make reviews on restaurants but I have to for AKI be this dinner was a great experience from the minute we walked in and left

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  40. Sofia

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Great vibes! Main course portions could be a bit bigger. My friend found a tiny hair in her salmon! But other than that it was great. The desserts are fantastic. Highly recommend!

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from AKI using the Order Online button. AKI also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 2737 9053.

AKI is rated 4.5 stars by 1153 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for AKI

Aki, Strait Street, Valletta, Valletta VLT1455

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Santa Lucia Street
  • Neighborhood
    Valletta
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 12:00 pm–12:00 am Bar Mon–Thu, Sun 12:00 pm–12:00 am Fri, Sat 12:00 pm–2:00 am
  • Cuisines
    Creative Japanese, International, Contemporary Asian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Valetta bus stop; Mandragg bus stop; Nawfragju bus stop.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dancing, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    2737 9053
  • Catering
    In house catering
  • Private party facilities
    AKI is available for private events parties up to 120 people. For details please call on 0035679442718 or send us an email on rose@lifestyle-grp.com
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