REVIEW: AKI – Modern Japanese-influenced cuisine in Valletta with Peruvian hints

AKI may just be one of Malta's trendiest dining hotspots and reminds me of when I used to go to places like Zuma and COYA back in London. It is definitely a place to be 'seen' but fortunately, their cocktails and most of the food menu makes it much more than that.

Located in Valletta, AKI specialises in modern Japanese-influenced cuisine, with a touch of Nikkei dishes too (a Japanese and Peruvian fusion).

The menu is split into several categories. A zesty and colourful  sea bream ceviche is a powerful contribution to the Crudo & Seared section. The fresh and firm pieces of sea bream are elevated further with a lemon ginger tiger milk, avocado, chilli, sweet potatoes, and coriander. Definitely a love letter to Nikkei cuisine.




Another highlight that must be on your table is the tuna tiradito, thinly-sliced raw tuna. The yellow tiger milk, ahi amarillo and ginger brought a satisfying sharpness, whilst the avocado balanced the acidity out well.




Some dishes practically jump out at you from the menu and the grilled octopus is one of them. Tastefully presented octopus skewers that were cooked on a robata grill resulting in umami and smokey flavours.

Photo Credit: Clare Galea

The mini tacos come in a portion of four, brimming with fillings such as chicken with spicy anticucho (although they should add up the spice levels), beef with sake chilli sauce, tuna with jalapeno yoghurt. Those are held together by a crispy corn shell. 




The cocktails are definitely show-stopping. Take the Geisha, a stunning and creative concoction consisting of vodka vanilla, jasmine syrup, lychee, aloe vera juice, ginger, lime juice, coconut and.... matcha foam! Order it and thank me later.

Photo Credit: AKI

AKI is definitely worth a visit and I will return to sample some of their bigger (and signature) dishes such as the miso black cod and sea bass jalapeno.

Whether you’ve never been to London and want a taste of Mayfair, a lively date night surrounded by stunning interiors or love aesthetically-pleasing creative cocktails, AKI Restaurant is definitely worth a visit. So what are you waiting for… visit!

AKI Restaurant
Corner of Strait Street
and Santa Lucia Street
Valletta
Website