Sushi Akatora, Rustic New Japanese in Manhattan Beach

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• Photos by Frank Lee

Welcome Sushi Akatora, Michael Cardenas' (Toranoko, Lazy Ox Canteen, Taberna Arros y Vi) first foray into the South Bay that officially opened last night, July 14, along Rosecrans just steps from the beach. Named after Cardenas' grandfather's fishing boat, this rustic gem is another highly lauded eatery to hit Manhattan Beach after years of significant improvement to the local dining scene. Tapping Hideyuki Yokoyama (Jinpachi West Hollywood) and Hiroyuki Fujita (Fat Spoon, Lazy Ox Canteen), the chefs here will focus on Kappo cuisine, or face-to-face dining that allows direct interaction with diners.

As for the bill of fare, think kobe sukiyaki, rib eye steak, grilled shishito peppers and beet salads. So a bit more izakaya than sushi joint, though there's still plenty of raw fish to be ordered right from the chefs. On that latter front, think hamachi crudo and oysters smothered with uni.

Ryk Maverick from Starlingear designs the interior, which has a bit of a worn Japanese fishing village element. There's plenty of hand-painted aged wood, vintage Japanese artwork, and other points to give the place a weathered in feeling. Current hours run 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, until 11 p.m. on weekends, with a 4 p.m. start time on Sundays.
Sushi Akatora
302 Rosecrans Ave
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(310) 546 3761
· Akatora, A New Sushi Spot from Michael Cardenas [~ELA~]