I can write a long glowing review here but I’d just be piling on to what other 5 star reviewers say. This place is a gem and the food is great. Go there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
SharonC
Amazing omakase experience! I enjoyed this more then the very well reputed Boston omakase, and at a fraction of the cost. So convenient to the suburbs, right in Lexington. We will definitely return!
LarlaD
This was an amazing Omasake experience in Lexington. Chef Mike prepares all of the sushi fresh in front of you. He is committed to pushing himself to create unique and different flavors. Definitely the best omakese we've had in the Boston area. Could not recommend more if you want great food with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.
Kimberly
I could avoid writing this review to gate-keep this gem, but Chef Monaco deserves the praise for what he has created. Located in Lexington, Akame Nigiri and Sake is a humble six-seater with only two time slots per night (Thurs-Sat). For $180, you can get a 15-course omakase curated with delicacies sourced directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market. You can also add a sake pairing for an additional $70. One of the reasons Chef Monaco opened in Lexington is because it is easier and cheaper to get a liquor license, so I feel like the pairing would be worth it, but I had to pass this time since I was driving.The interior is inline with the untraditional angle that Akame goes for: the simple aesthetic and the seating around the bar where you can watch Chef Monaco work his magic are reminiscent of places in Japan, but the furniture, decor, and music are not. However, I personally don't care for the ambiance so long as it does not distract from the experience because the food is what I will remember at the end of the day. Plus, those seats were so comfy even if I'll never see them in a true Japanese restaurant, so I'm not mad.I enjoyed everything that I got to taste, but the standouts for me were:- Foie Gras-Spiced Rice Crispy Ginger Yuzu Macadamia Dark Chocolate: This was my absolute favorite because of the rice crispy, which is funny because that's not even fish. But man, that rice crispy was to die for. If Chef Monaco decides to convert Akame into a store selling only these rice crispy treats, I'd be his #1 customer. The chocolate was also very good.- Uni Sea Urchin-Rice Cracker Sichuan Pepper Corn Caviar: I was surprised by how much uni and caviar we were given. The uni was refreshingly chilled and so smooth and creamy.- Ibodai Butterfish-Ginger Vinegar Apple Honey Mustard: The fish was firmer, but I really liked the sweetness of the honey mustard.- Tairagi Pen Shell-Curry Tofu Pumpkin Seeds: Curry is something that I've never had with nigiri before, but the spices in the curry worked well.- A5 Wagyu-Seared Yuzu Kosho Egg Yolk Custard Nutritional Yeast Truffle: Fatty. Melted in your mouth. Delicious truffle. The nutritional yeast was interesting (in a good way).Honorable mentions:- Yuki Masu Snow Trout-Gooseberry Kiwi Aonori: The aonori added great depth as a garnish, and I liked its flaky form.- Hotate Sea Scallop-Gochujang Beet Salad Crispy Chickpea: The horse saddle style cut was so cute. The hotate was also so soft.- Hotaru Ika Firefly Squid-Chorizo Salad Sesame Seeds: The squid was also very cute... cute enough to eat. Juicy and lemony.This was the first time I've ever had Japanese without salmon or tuna, which I believe is part of what makes this place untraditional. But I didn't find myself missing them because each fish packed a unique flavor profile and texture. I also loved that there was a nutty crunch with most of the courses.The entire experience took about 1.5 hours. The pacing between courses was consistent. The meal was mostly quiet, but Chef Monaco was very friendly when we did talk. Shout out to the chef's brother who attentively refilled my water and ginger throughout the night.Overall, it was a delightful dinner, and I would be interested in coming back once the menu changes (but please keep the rice crispy treats... they have a chokehold on me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase, A 5 Wagyu, Black Sesame
Kimberly N.
I could avoid writing this review to gate-keep this gem, but Chef Monaco deserves the praise for what he has created. Located in Lexington, Akame Nigiri and Sake is a humble six-seater with only two time slots per night (Thurs-Sat). For $180, you can get a 15-course omakase curated with delicacies sourced directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market. You can also add a sake pairing for an additional $70. One of the reasons Chef Monaco opened in Lexington is because it is easier and cheaper to get a liquor license, so I feel like the pairing would be worth it, but I had to pass this time since I was driving. The interior is inline with the untraditional angle that Akame goes for: the simple aesthetic and the seating around the bar where you can watch Chef Monaco work his magic are reminiscent of places in Japan, but the furniture, decor, and music are not. However, I personally don't care for the ambiance so long as it does not distract from the experience because the food is what I will remember at the end of the day. Plus, those seats were so comfy even if I'll never see them in a true Japanese restaurant, so I'm not mad. I enjoyed everything that I got to taste, but the standouts for me were: - Foie Gras-Spiced Rice Crispy Ginger Yuzu Macadamia Dark Chocolate: This was my absolute favorite because of the rice crispy, which is funny because that's not even fish. But man, that rice crispy was to die for. If Chef Monaco decides to convert Akame into a store selling only these rice crispy treats, I'd be his #1 customer. The chocolate was also very good. - Uni Sea Urchin-Rice Cracker Sichuan Pepper Corn Caviar: I was surprised by how much uni and caviar we were given. The uni was refreshingly chilled and so smooth and creamy. - Ibodai Butterfish-Ginger Vinegar Apple Honey Mustard: The fish was firmer, but I really liked the sweetness of the honey mustard. - Tairagi Pen Shell-Curry Tofu Pumpkin Seeds: Curry is something that I've never had with nigiri before, but the spices in the curry worked well. - A5 Wagyu-Seared Yuzu Kosho Egg Yolk Custard Nutritional Yeast Truffle: Fatty. Melted in your mouth. Delicious truffle. The nutritional yeast was interesting (in a good way). Honorable mentions: - Yuki Masu Snow Trout-Gooseberry Kiwi Aonori: The aonori added great depth as a garnish, and I liked its flaky form. - Hotate Sea Scallop-Gochujang Beet Salad Crispy Chickpea: The horse saddle style cut was so cute. The hotate was also so soft. - Hotaru Ika Firefly Squid-Chorizo Salad Sesame Seeds: The squid was also very cute... cute enough to eat. Juicy and lemony. This was the first time I've ever had Japanese without salmon or tuna, which I believe is part of what makes this place untraditional. But I didn't find myself missing them because each fish packed a unique flavor profile and texture. I also loved that there was a nutty crunch with most of the courses. The entire experience took about 1.5 hours. The pacing between courses was consistent. The meal was mostly quiet, but Chef Monaco was very friendly when we did talk. Shout out to the chef's brother who attentively refilled my water and ginger throughout the night. Overall, it was a delightful dinner, and I would be interested in coming back once the menu changes (but please keep the rice crispy treats... they have a chokehold on me).
Yutaka I.
Our second time at Akame was just as sensational as the first! At many restaurants, even the best ones, they serve the same dishes over and over. Probably makes most sense economically to do so. But Akame is a much smaller scale intimate dining experience that allows chef/itamae Mike to change the sushi offerings according to what's in season and gives him new opportunities to apply his creative genius. We are so lucky to have a special place like Akame. Looking forward to going again with the changing of the seasons.
Quite simply one of the best meals of my entire life. A masterful omakase experience that rivals and even surpasses masters in New York and even Japan. Get your reservations in early, come hungry and open minded, and experience something wonderful.
Ish55
Our second time at Akame was just as sensational as the first! At many restaurants, even the best ones, they serve the same dishes over and over. Probably makes most sense economically to do so. But Akame is a much smaller scale intimate dining experience that allows chef/itamae Mike to change the sushi offerings according to what's in season which gives him new opportunities to apply his creative genius. We are so lucky to have a special place like Akame. Looking forward to going again with the changing of the seasons.
JohnS
Second time here and will be back. Went for anniversary, came back for the food. From my experience growing up in a seafood retail/wholesale family, the quality is top. Can't wait to go back. Had Fall and Winter seasonal items and looking forward to the next season.
mark watabe
I left my phone at home to enjoy the sushi, and I'm so glad I did! Mike's flavor combinations are excellent and unique. He is getting fish you won't find at other sushi restaurants, and pairing them with non traditional toppings that work so well (broccolini was a fave).Also a rice crispy and foie gras nigiri for a light hearted ending? love it.If you are local to Lexington you know we are lacking in innovative, high end restaurants. Akame is a gem! Go visit Mike.
As always, Chef Mike did an outstanding job. His dishes were incredible and a delight. He effortlessly accommodated my severe food allergies, which I am very grateful for. Can't wait to come back! What an amazing experience.
HowieB
This is a really special meal. Michael works really hard to make every piece of sushi interesting and delicious. All the fish comes from Japan, and though many of them may be from fish you're not familiar with, they are expertly prepared, and each has unique "topping" that perfectly complements the fish.
Ish55
An outstanding dining experience! Chef/Itamae Michael is so talented. His imaginative garnishes for his sushi are perfect; delicately complementing and enhancing the flavor of the fish rather than taking center stage. He achieves a balance that is so much better than other places that we've been to that offer a modern approach to sushi. And while the approach is modern, the results take me back to some of the best sushiya in Japan. The food, Michael's personality, the small, intimate space all come together for a fun and special evening. Bravo!
Charles B.
An amazing experience. My wife took me here for my birthday dinner and it was fabulous start to finish. The food was unusual and universally excellent. The chef was friendly, interesting, and highly knowledgeable. There are only six seats, all at the counter, so there were four others sitting by us, which made for a less intimate dining experience, but this was fine. My only slight disappointment was that this was mostly nigiri, I would have enjoyed a more varied set of dishes outside of the world of sushi - but the chef's expertise is in nigiri and it shows in the stellar variety and quality offered. My wife and I shared the sake pairing, which I definitely recommend as well. This place is pricey, but for a special occasion, if you have the means, it can't be beat.
PatsyC
Amazing dinner for a special occasion. A very intimate venue of only six seats at the counter, but this gives you a front row view to the preparation of the chef's exciting and delicious creations. Primarily nigiri, he explained every one after its careful preparation. We shared the sake tasting, which I would also highly recommend.
I can write a long glowing review here but I’d just be piling on to what other 5 star reviewers say. This place is a gem and the food is great. Go there.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing omakase experience! I enjoyed this more then the very well reputed Boston omakase, and at a fraction of the cost. So convenient to the suburbs, right in Lexington. We will definitely return!
This was an amazing Omasake experience in Lexington. Chef Mike prepares all of the sushi fresh in front of you. He is committed to pushing himself to create unique and different flavors. Definitely the best omakese we've had in the Boston area. Could not recommend more if you want great food with a relaxed, cozy atmosphere.
I could avoid writing this review to gate-keep this gem, but Chef Monaco deserves the praise for what he has created. Located in Lexington, Akame Nigiri and Sake is a humble six-seater with only two time slots per night (Thurs-Sat). For $180, you can get a 15-course omakase curated with delicacies sourced directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market. You can also add a sake pairing for an additional $70. One of the reasons Chef Monaco opened in Lexington is because it is easier and cheaper to get a liquor license, so I feel like the pairing would be worth it, but I had to pass this time since I was driving.The interior is inline with the untraditional angle that Akame goes for: the simple aesthetic and the seating around the bar where you can watch Chef Monaco work his magic are reminiscent of places in Japan, but the furniture, decor, and music are not. However, I personally don't care for the ambiance so long as it does not distract from the experience because the food is what I will remember at the end of the day. Plus, those seats were so comfy even if I'll never see them in a true Japanese restaurant, so I'm not mad.I enjoyed everything that I got to taste, but the standouts for me were:- Foie Gras-Spiced Rice Crispy Ginger Yuzu Macadamia Dark Chocolate: This was my absolute favorite because of the rice crispy, which is funny because that's not even fish. But man, that rice crispy was to die for. If Chef Monaco decides to convert Akame into a store selling only these rice crispy treats, I'd be his #1 customer. The chocolate was also very good.- Uni Sea Urchin-Rice Cracker Sichuan Pepper Corn Caviar: I was surprised by how much uni and caviar we were given. The uni was refreshingly chilled and so smooth and creamy.- Ibodai Butterfish-Ginger Vinegar Apple Honey Mustard: The fish was firmer, but I really liked the sweetness of the honey mustard.- Tairagi Pen Shell-Curry Tofu Pumpkin Seeds: Curry is something that I've never had with nigiri before, but the spices in the curry worked well.- A5 Wagyu-Seared Yuzu Kosho Egg Yolk Custard Nutritional Yeast Truffle: Fatty. Melted in your mouth. Delicious truffle. The nutritional yeast was interesting (in a good way).Honorable mentions:- Yuki Masu Snow Trout-Gooseberry Kiwi Aonori: The aonori added great depth as a garnish, and I liked its flaky form.- Hotate Sea Scallop-Gochujang Beet Salad Crispy Chickpea: The horse saddle style cut was so cute. The hotate was also so soft.- Hotaru Ika Firefly Squid-Chorizo Salad Sesame Seeds: The squid was also very cute... cute enough to eat. Juicy and lemony.This was the first time I've ever had Japanese without salmon or tuna, which I believe is part of what makes this place untraditional. But I didn't find myself missing them because each fish packed a unique flavor profile and texture. I also loved that there was a nutty crunch with most of the courses.The entire experience took about 1.5 hours. The pacing between courses was consistent. The meal was mostly quiet, but Chef Monaco was very friendly when we did talk. Shout out to the chef's brother who attentively refilled my water and ginger throughout the night.Overall, it was a delightful dinner, and I would be interested in coming back once the menu changes (but please keep the rice crispy treats... they have a chokehold on me).
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase, A 5 Wagyu, Black Sesame
I could avoid writing this review to gate-keep this gem, but Chef Monaco deserves the praise for what he has created. Located in Lexington, Akame Nigiri and Sake is a humble six-seater with only two time slots per night (Thurs-Sat). For $180, you can get a 15-course omakase curated with delicacies sourced directly from Japan's Toyosu Fish Market. You can also add a sake pairing for an additional $70. One of the reasons Chef Monaco opened in Lexington is because it is easier and cheaper to get a liquor license, so I feel like the pairing would be worth it, but I had to pass this time since I was driving. The interior is inline with the untraditional angle that Akame goes for: the simple aesthetic and the seating around the bar where you can watch Chef Monaco work his magic are reminiscent of places in Japan, but the furniture, decor, and music are not. However, I personally don't care for the ambiance so long as it does not distract from the experience because the food is what I will remember at the end of the day. Plus, those seats were so comfy even if I'll never see them in a true Japanese restaurant, so I'm not mad. I enjoyed everything that I got to taste, but the standouts for me were: - Foie Gras-Spiced Rice Crispy Ginger Yuzu Macadamia Dark Chocolate: This was my absolute favorite because of the rice crispy, which is funny because that's not even fish. But man, that rice crispy was to die for. If Chef Monaco decides to convert Akame into a store selling only these rice crispy treats, I'd be his #1 customer. The chocolate was also very good. - Uni Sea Urchin-Rice Cracker Sichuan Pepper Corn Caviar: I was surprised by how much uni and caviar we were given. The uni was refreshingly chilled and so smooth and creamy. - Ibodai Butterfish-Ginger Vinegar Apple Honey Mustard: The fish was firmer, but I really liked the sweetness of the honey mustard. - Tairagi Pen Shell-Curry Tofu Pumpkin Seeds: Curry is something that I've never had with nigiri before, but the spices in the curry worked well. - A5 Wagyu-Seared Yuzu Kosho Egg Yolk Custard Nutritional Yeast Truffle: Fatty. Melted in your mouth. Delicious truffle. The nutritional yeast was interesting (in a good way). Honorable mentions: - Yuki Masu Snow Trout-Gooseberry Kiwi Aonori: The aonori added great depth as a garnish, and I liked its flaky form. - Hotate Sea Scallop-Gochujang Beet Salad Crispy Chickpea: The horse saddle style cut was so cute. The hotate was also so soft. - Hotaru Ika Firefly Squid-Chorizo Salad Sesame Seeds: The squid was also very cute... cute enough to eat. Juicy and lemony. This was the first time I've ever had Japanese without salmon or tuna, which I believe is part of what makes this place untraditional. But I didn't find myself missing them because each fish packed a unique flavor profile and texture. I also loved that there was a nutty crunch with most of the courses. The entire experience took about 1.5 hours. The pacing between courses was consistent. The meal was mostly quiet, but Chef Monaco was very friendly when we did talk. Shout out to the chef's brother who attentively refilled my water and ginger throughout the night. Overall, it was a delightful dinner, and I would be interested in coming back once the menu changes (but please keep the rice crispy treats... they have a chokehold on me).
Our second time at Akame was just as sensational as the first! At many restaurants, even the best ones, they serve the same dishes over and over. Probably makes most sense economically to do so. But Akame is a much smaller scale intimate dining experience that allows chef/itamae Mike to change the sushi offerings according to what's in season and gives him new opportunities to apply his creative genius. We are so lucky to have a special place like Akame. Looking forward to going again with the changing of the seasons.
Quite simply one of the best meals of my entire life. A masterful omakase experience that rivals and even surpasses masters in New York and even Japan. Get your reservations in early, come hungry and open minded, and experience something wonderful.
Our second time at Akame was just as sensational as the first! At many restaurants, even the best ones, they serve the same dishes over and over. Probably makes most sense economically to do so. But Akame is a much smaller scale intimate dining experience that allows chef/itamae Mike to change the sushi offerings according to what's in season which gives him new opportunities to apply his creative genius. We are so lucky to have a special place like Akame. Looking forward to going again with the changing of the seasons.
Second time here and will be back. Went for anniversary, came back for the food. From my experience growing up in a seafood retail/wholesale family, the quality is top. Can't wait to go back. Had Fall and Winter seasonal items and looking forward to the next season.
I left my phone at home to enjoy the sushi, and I'm so glad I did! Mike's flavor combinations are excellent and unique. He is getting fish you won't find at other sushi restaurants, and pairing them with non traditional toppings that work so well (broccolini was a fave).Also a rice crispy and foie gras nigiri for a light hearted ending? love it.If you are local to Lexington you know we are lacking in innovative, high end restaurants. Akame is a gem! Go visit Mike.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Omakase
Restaurantji Recommends
As always, Chef Mike did an outstanding job. His dishes were incredible and a delight. He effortlessly accommodated my severe food allergies, which I am very grateful for. Can't wait to come back! What an amazing experience.
This is a really special meal. Michael works really hard to make every piece of sushi interesting and delicious. All the fish comes from Japan, and though many of them may be from fish you're not familiar with, they are expertly prepared, and each has unique "topping" that perfectly complements the fish.
An outstanding dining experience! Chef/Itamae Michael is so talented. His imaginative garnishes for his sushi are perfect; delicately complementing and enhancing the flavor of the fish rather than taking center stage. He achieves a balance that is so much better than other places that we've been to that offer a modern approach to sushi. And while the approach is modern, the results take me back to some of the best sushiya in Japan. The food, Michael's personality, the small, intimate space all come together for a fun and special evening. Bravo!
An amazing experience. My wife took me here for my birthday dinner and it was fabulous start to finish. The food was unusual and universally excellent. The chef was friendly, interesting, and highly knowledgeable. There are only six seats, all at the counter, so there were four others sitting by us, which made for a less intimate dining experience, but this was fine. My only slight disappointment was that this was mostly nigiri, I would have enjoyed a more varied set of dishes outside of the world of sushi - but the chef's expertise is in nigiri and it shows in the stellar variety and quality offered. My wife and I shared the sake pairing, which I definitely recommend as well. This place is pricey, but for a special occasion, if you have the means, it can't be beat.
Amazing dinner for a special occasion. A very intimate venue of only six seats at the counter, but this gives you a front row view to the preparation of the chef's exciting and delicious creations. Primarily nigiri, he explained every one after its careful preparation. We shared the sake tasting, which I would also highly recommend.