Aki Sushi & Japanese Cafe is a Christchurch Japanese cafe and takeaway that has been serving traditional, store-made Japanese flavours since taking over the small shop at the end of 2018. The kitchen covers a broad range of Japanese staples — bento boxes, donburi rice bowls, sushi rolls, Japanese curry, pan-fried dumplings, and more — with an emphasis on using high-quality New Zealand ingredients wherever possible.
The menu is designed around lunchtime trade, with the cafe open Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 5pm. Pre-ordering by phone is recommended for quick pick-up, and delivery is also available through Uber Eats. The team has also run cooking lectures, reflecting a genuine interest in sharing Japanese food culture beyond the counter.
The approach here is traditional and hands-on — flavours made in-store rather than mass-produced, and a menu that offers both familiar Japanese comfort food and some items that might be new to first-time visitors. From the Salmon Lover's bento to a warming bowl of Pork Katsu Curry, there's enough variety to keep regulars coming back through the week.
If you've ever wanted proper Japanese food at lunchtime in Christchurch — not a supermarket roll, not a conveyor belt novelty, but genuine store-made Japanese flavours — Aki Sushi & Japanese Cafe is worth knowing about.
The cafe has been running since the team took over this small shop at the end of 2018. From the beginning, the focus has been simple: share a variety of traditional Japanese tastes, made in the kitchen rather than imported pre-packed, using as many high-quality New Zealand ingredients as possible.
Bento boxes are the headline act. Available in Small and Large, the three varieties — Vegetarian, Meat Lover's, and Salmon Lover's — give regulars a reliable, complete lunch without having to think too hard. The Salmon Lover's bento in particular is a house favourite, and it's easy to see why: fresh salmon prepared well, in a format that travels comfortably for office lunches.
Donburi bowls are another strength. The range covers Oyako Don (the classic chicken and egg), Teriyaki Chicken, Karaage Chicken, Teriyaki Salmon, Ten Don with tempura assortment, Spicy Pork, and Chicken Katsu Don with egg. These are proper rice bowls with depth — not just protein thrown over plain rice.
For something lighter, the sushi rolls come in eight-piece sets across seven varieties: Fresh Vege, Avocado, Tuna & Mayo, Crispy Chicken, Salmon & Avo, Double Prawn, and Spicy Salmon & Avo. Rice balls are also on the menu in Large or Small sizes, stuffed with Fresh Vege, Tuna Mayo, or Chicken, with topping options including Avocado, Triple Veggies, and Fried Lotus.
Aki Sushi has always offered more than the obvious Japanese-cafe staples. Pan-fried dumplings — both Pork & Chive and Vege — are available by the six, ten, or full dozen, which makes them practical for groups or anyone who wants to bring something home. Japanese Curry & Rice comes with a choice of toppings including Potato Croquette, Chicken Katsu, Karaage Chicken, Crispy Prawn, and Fried Vege, or as a straight Pork Katsu Curry.
The add-on list is genuinely useful: Takoyaki, Edamame, Seaweed Salad, Vege Tempura, Kumara Chips, Tofu Salad, Karaage Chicken Box, and Crispy Prawn in two sizes. Nigiri sets and platters are also available — the range varies, so it's worth asking staff what's on.
For dessert, the menu runs to Japanese Sweet with Matcha Tea, a Fuwa-Fuwa-Strawberry-Bomb, Mochi-Mochi-Matcha-Parfait, and Wara-Wara-Warabi-Mochi — the kind of desserts that reflect genuine Japanese cafe culture rather than a token nod to it.
The team has also run cooking lectures over the years, reflecting a broader interest in helping customers engage with Japanese food beyond simply ordering it.
Ordering is available in-store, by phone for pre-order and quick pick-up, or through Uber Eats for delivery. The cafe is open Monday to Friday, 11:30am to 5pm, and closed on weekends and public holidays.