Akira Seabright
A laid-back Santa Cruz sushi spot with a funky street art vibe, known for its creative anime-themed rolls and extensive vegetarian options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Akira Seabright
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back Santa Cruz sushi spot with a funky street art vibe, known for its creative anime-themed rolls and extensive vegetarian options.
"Unique anime-themed menu names and creative rolls make this a must-try spot with a chill atmosphere."
Try the Fire Dragon roll
The Fire Dragon roll and Teriyaki Tofu are recommended for standout flavors.
Communicate dietary needs
Staff are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions; clearly communicate yours.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese, Sushi, Asian Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Creative Anime-Themed Rolls
Experience unique sushi rolls named after beloved anime characters and concepts, blending pop culture with culinary art.
Vibrant Street Art Ambiance
Dine amidst a kaleidoscope of colorful, funky street art adorning the walls, creating a lively and unique atmosphere.
Abundant Vegetarian Options
A dedicated vegetarian menu offers a wide array of flavorful and well-crafted vegan sushi rolls and dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try the Fire Dragon roll
The Fire Dragon roll and Teriyaki Tofu are recommended for standout flavors.
Communicate dietary needs
Staff are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions; clearly communicate yours.
Avoid tempura if celiac
Due to fryer cross-contamination, avoid tempura if you have celiac disease.
Lunch specials
Visit during lunch specials until 4pm for great deals on fresh sushi.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try the Fire Dragon roll
The Fire Dragon roll and Teriyaki Tofu are recommended for standout flavors.
Communicate dietary needs
Staff are knowledgeable about dietary restrictions; clearly communicate yours.
Avoid tempura if celiac
Due to fryer cross-contamination, avoid tempura if you have celiac disease.
Lunch specials
Visit during lunch specials until 4pm for great deals on fresh sushi.
Dine amidst the art
Enjoy the unique artwork on the walls while dining for a complete experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Akira Seabright is praised for its creative sushi rolls, extensive vegetarian options, and friendly staff. While many enjoy the unique anime-themed names and vibrant street art decor, some diners found the sushi itself to be bland or the rice texture lacking. Service is generally noted as fast and attentive, though the restaurant's layout and bright lighting may not appeal to everyone seeking a lingering dining experience.
"I ordered the dark slide roll and it looks really good but it wasn't my favorite. It had a very smokey flavor that just was kind of overpowering but my daughter got the fire dragon and it was delicious! My son got the teriyaki tofu and loved it. The menu names are very cute anime names and the staff are so nice. The blonde girl who seated us and our waitress were both awesome. The atmosphere is cool and they have really dope artwork on the wall. The dazed and confused drink was also very refreshing 😌"
Magic Dragon (themagic.dragon)
"Lovely small sushi restaurant with amazing vegetarian options and very clearly labeled, which I appreciate so much. Very tasty and flavorful. Absolutely delicious and would recommend over Shizen in SF."
Anaya Mehta
"Very fast, friendly service and generous positions at this popular spot. Pretty good with dietary restrictions: most of the menu is gluten free (or can be adjusted to be GF), although celiacs should know that the fryer does have cross contamination so avoid the tempura, etc (personally I’d label that as “low gluten” but the staff seems knowledgeable so just be sure to communicate what kind of restrictions you have). The food was a bit more mixed: really nice appetizers (salads, Akira fries, etc) and the fish is pretty fresh (the hamachi was especially tasty), but despite the rolls being very large (seriously we probably could have had 1 per person) they seemed surprisingly lacking in flavor, almost bland. Also I liked my sashimi but it came with rice that was downright bad: stuck together and overcooked. I’m half Japanese so maybe I’m picky, but people forget that “sushi” refers to rice, not fish, so it’s disappointing when a sushi place gets rice wrong. Overall a good experience, albeit with some caveats."
Luke Swartz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The menu features creative sushi rolls with names inspired by popular anime series, blending pop culture with culinary delights.
Yes, Akira Seabright is highly recommended for its extensive and clearly labeled vegetarian menu, with many items customizable as vegan.
The restaurant has a laid-back, chill atmosphere with a surfer vibe, decorated with funky street art.
While most of the menu is gluten-free or can be adjusted, those with celiac disease should avoid tempura due to potential cross-contamination in the fryer.
The Fire Dragon roll and Teriyaki Tofu are frequently mentioned as delicious options. Fresh fish like hamachi is also a highlight.
The restaurant offers generous portions and good prices, especially during lunch specials until 4pm.
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A Vegan Guide to Santa Cruz
If it’s sushi you crave, hit Akira for a robust selection of creative vegan rolls such as the Treetop (tempura broccoli, spicy macadamia, and avocado), Shiitake Crunch (shiitakes, cucumber, and basil topped with avocado and shoestring yams), and Veggie Munster (sweet tofu, avocado, beets, lemon, jalapeño, spicy macadamia, and mango topped with ponzu sauce). Come lunchtime, grab a vegan tortilla soup at Café Campesino, the rotating seasonal vegan sandwich at Café Delmarette, or The Beet sandwich at The Picnic Basket—a combination of roasted beets, pickled red onions, lemony chickpea spread, toasted almond butter, and greens.
Best Sushi Places in Santa Cruz
– tempura ebi, spicy tuna, cucumber, topped w/ shiro maguro, avocado, garlic, green onion, unagi sauce, and spicy mayo. Casual fare, but with an upgrade. Though Akira Seabright is among the most humble spots in town, you won’t remember you’re in a low-key establishment once you feast your eyes on their lengthy menu.
Where to Eat in Santa Cruz: 15 Restaurants You'll Love
Their Seabright location features local beers, sake and funky art. They have some excellent and unique appetizers: the “Akira Popper” is super delicious, as are their “Melting the Albacore” and “Gem of Akira”. Their sushi rolls are super creative and satisfying, and with over 40 options, it’s hard to choose!
Best place in town to get sandwiches? Milkshakes? Sushi? : santacruz
Maybe some folks have had good experience with Akira but I haven't been since I got food poisoning, like, 5 years ago from them. Maybe they've upped their sanitation standards since then. Naka is consistently fantastic - I've never had anything less than amazing from them.
50 Foods You Must Try in Santa Cruz Before You Die
One of these reasons is our fresh fish and our consequently amazing sushi. Not only does Akira deliver on taste (just trust the chef’s recommendation; you will not regret doing so), but their aesthetic is so on point.
A Guide to Santa Cruz Dining
Akira has the feel of a neighborhood hangout, and even if you don’t know anyone, you can be part of the scene. The extensive vegetarian menu and creative rolls are designed to please demanding sushi fans.
Green miles: A vegan roadmap to Santa Cruz
Akira: A full vegetarian sushi menu, with nearly everything customizable as vegan. The “Veggie Dragon” with tempura green beans and yam is a fun way to eat your veg.
Highest-rated Fine Dining Restaurants in Santa Cruz by Diners
- Rating: 3.9/5 (919 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 1222 Soquel Ave. Santa Cruz, California - Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese, Asian Fusion- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit