Complemented by sake, craft brews and a buzzy surf-town ambience, Akira's menu harnesses briny-fresh tuna, salmon, eel and shellfish for a huge variety of sushi and new-gen spins on Japanese cuisine. Bento boxes for lunch ($11.50 to $16) are good value, and there's an entire page of classic and innovative vegetarian rolls.
It's on Soquel Ave's restaurant strip. No reservations.