Welcome to AMAKAI
At AMAKAI, nestled in the heart of Santa Clara, a heartfelt dedication to authentic Japanese cuisine shines through. The restaurant's story transcends mere food, offering a cozy ambiance perfect for gatherings or quiet moments. Diners are treated to a front-row view of skillful sushi preparation, with dishes showcasing the freshest ingredients. From the unique agedashi tofu to the vibrant Samurai roll, each plate is crafted with care. Customers rave about the welcoming service and intimate setting, despite the lively atmosphere. At AMAKAI, every meal becomes a delightful experience, forging connections over shared plates and fine sake.
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4300 Great America Pkwy #156, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Hotline: (408) 352-5361
Welcome to AMAKAI, a hidden gem nestled in Santa Clara, California, at 4300 Great America Pkwy #156. Specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine, AMAKAI invites food lovers to experience a delightful journey through taste and presentation.
A visit to AMAKAI offers a cozy ambiance, perfectly suited for intimate dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The restaurant features a notable bar area where guests can watch skilled chefs artfully slicing fresh fish, enhancing the dining experience with an interactive element that elevates the atmosphere.
Signature Dishes
- Agedashi Tofu – Priced at $9.95, this dish surprises many with its departure from the typical broth, presenting crunchy tofu with a delightful dipping sauce.
- Hamachi Kama – A must-try for seafood lovers at $16.95, expertly grilled to perfection.
- Softshell Crab – At $12.95, it’s a true delicacy that showcases the fresh, crisp flavors that Japanese cuisine is known for.
- Salmon Kama – Another highlight at $14.95, embodying the freshness inherent in each of AMAKAI’s offerings.
- Tempura – For just $12.95, enjoy a crispy assortment that pairs well with any meal.
- Gyoza (Vegetable) – At $7.95, these dumplings tantalize the taste buds, making for a great starter.
The beverage selection features classic options like Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite for $2.50 each, ensuring a refreshing complement to your meal.
AMAKAI is well-rated for its vibrant sushi rolls, notably the Samurai Roll with a spicy tuna kick, and the versatile bento options that provide flexibility in choosing your favorites. One customer noted that while a few diners were confused by the bento setup, the quality of the dishes, such as the creamy California Roll, made the experience worthwhile. Service remains a strongpoint, with attentive staff ensuring that guests leave satisfied.
Despite its popularity, AMAKAI can get lively, making it less ideal for a first date if you're seeking privacy. However, if you enjoy a vibrant atmosphere and the taste of fresh, high-quality Japanese cuisine, this restaurant will not disappoint.
In summary, AMAKAI stands out as a top choice for sushi lovers and those wishing to explore the rich flavors of Japanese culinary art. With its welcoming environment, expertly crafted dishes, and dedicated service, it's a must-visit destination in Santa Clara.
For inquiries or to make reservations, you can reach them at (408) 352-5361. Come find your new favorite sushi spot today!
Good food with cozy ambiance! Perfect for a date or a meet up with friends. They carry sake and beers as well. The bar seating is fun! You can see chef cutting fresh fish in front of you.
We started off with the agedashi tofu and orange blossom roll from the happy hour menu (all day Sunday). I'd only had agedashi tofu served in a broth, and was surprised that the pieces were dry with a dipping sauce. It came out fresh and piping hot, and the breading was flavorful. I would eat this again despite it being different from what I'm used to. I'm not a huge fan of raw salmon, but my fiancé thoroughly enjoyed the orange blossom roll. He said the fish was fresh. We also got the Samurai roll and a Saba bento with gyoza. I like spicy tuna and the roll hit the spot. The jalapeño was really spicy and went along well with the tuna. I was surprised by the options for the bento. It was either gyoza, or for an extra $3, you could get one of three other items instead. Definitely wasn't used to this setup since I've normally gotten multiple sides included when ordering a bento. We later heard another table inquire about this as well. I'm presuming they're often asked the same question since the photo on the menu for the bento seems to be misrepresented. There was only one server for six parties during our visit. We didn't feel any lack in service though, so kudos to her. We left with full tummies, and would come back to dine here again :) I wouldn't recommend this spot for a first date. It's well-lit and quiet - doesn't feel private or intimate enough to have a genuine conversation.
I stopped in for takeout. It was close to closing time, and they had started to clean up the kitchen but said they could take my order for take out. Sake roll - the salmon was fresh. California Roll - good crab mixture, creamy, and the avocado was smooth, soft, and ripe. Pretty decent roll.
Solid, generous sized sushi rolls, friendly service, and a cute, intimate interior makes this a solid 4. It can be really loud inside since the tables are crammed together in one room. If you have 4 people, you get to reserve a booth. There's only 3 booths total, so book ahead. I didn't try anything else but service was prompt, our glasses were constantly refilled, and the we left satisfied.