Sakura Season at AKI Restaurant: Where Cherry Blossoms Meet Umami in Valletta

omgfoodmalta
Apr 20
4 min read

Updated: Jun 6

Why is AKI Restaurant in Valletta Worth Visiting During Sakura Season?

Text promoting "Sakura Season at AKI Restaurant" with cherry blossoms in the background. Blossoms and dining ambiance highlighted.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Valletta this spring, AKI Restaurant is putting on a show. They have transformed an already charming venue to celebrate the Sakura Season. This includes a unique menu that’s worth trying.

Located under the stylish shadow of the Embassy Hotel, AKI isn’t just one of the most talked-about Japanese restaurants in Malta. It effortlessly blends elegance and playfulness, making it a prime spot for long, enjoyable meals.

Their Sakura Season menu is delightful. It features cherry blossom charm, sake-soaked cocktails, and modern Japanese dishes. Some are great, some good, and one or two just average. However, it’s a feast worth writing (or blogging) about.

First Impressions: Do You Need to Dress Up for AKI Restaurant?

You walk in, and you’ll see moody lighting and upscale interiors. It’s the kind of place that whispers “Michelin Guide Malta.” You might trip over your own feet while admiring the décor.

The atmosphere is sleek but not cold. It feels elegant without being overwhelming. It creates just enough intimacy for dates, business dinners, or “treat yourself” Tuesdays.

Cherry blossoms trail the menu design. The ambience subtly nods to the season. The clink of finely tuned cocktails sets the mood before you’ve even had a whiff of sushi.

Woman in a floral dress holds a cocktail, sitting at a wooden table with sushi, dim sum, and edamame. Pink flowers and dim lighting.

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What is Sakura Season?

Sakura Season is a cherished time in Japan when cherry blossoms bloom. Parks, streets, and riversides transform into soft-hued dreamscapes of pink and white. This season symbolizes the ephemeral beauty of life.

For centuries, people have gathered beneath the blossoms for hanami (flower viewing). They sip sake and share seasonal dishes as petals fall like gentle confetti. This fleeting moment invites pause and celebration, reminding us to savor the present.

In culinary circles, Sakura Season inspires chefs worldwide. They create menus that capture the spirit of spring. Floral infusions, pastel tones, delicate textures, and ingredients like cherry blossom and yuzu lead the way.

At AKI Restaurant, this tradition gets a contemporary Japanese twist. It's a multi-sensory celebration that finds its way into everything — from cocktails to bao buns.

Pink cherry blossoms on a black trellis under a spotlight in a modern interior with exposed pipes and a textured wall background.

What Should You Start With at AKI? Let’s Talk Cocktails

You should start with a cocktail. Trust us. We kicked off with two standout choices from the Sakura menu:

Hinami: A combination of Ketel One vodka, sake, Sakura liqueur, rhubarb bitters, hibiscus, and vanilla. It’s like a garden party in a glass!
Sakura: This flowery and fruity drink features lychee, vermouth, and blossom tea liqueur. It’s addictive, and we weren't proud of how quickly we finished it.

Mocktail lovers, don’t worry. The Mokuteru (passionfruit and apple over Sakura soda) is an absolute delight, offering a feeling of a ‘holiday in Tokyo Disney.’

Woman in a floral dress toasts with two cocktails in a vibrant, flower-decorated bar. Table has chopsticks, napkin, and a menu.

Are the Sushi Dishes at AKI Restaurant Any Good?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. If you're seeking the best sushi in Malta, AKI makes a compelling case. Their beautiful plating and consistent freshness set them apart.

We tried the Salmon Maki. It was light and delicate with just the right amount of umami from the tamago yaki. The gentle sesame finish was pleasing. While it wasn't thrilling, it was fresh, well-balanced, and undeniably pretty — sushi that you’d be proud to show off.

The Sakura Noboshi Prawn offered a joyful mouthful. Daikon oroshi added a punch to an otherwise mellow bite, making it enjoyable.

Woman holding sushi with chopsticks, smiling in a restaurant with cherry blossom decor. Cocktail with garnish on the side. Bright setting.

Tempura at AKI: Crunchy Heaven or Just Average?

The tempura? It stood out. It was lightly battered, crunchy, and delightfully juicy. It reminded us of upgraded prawn crackers with actual soul. If you appreciate texture and taste dancing together, this is a must-try.

Woman smiling at a restaurant table with sushi, tempura, and cocktails. Pink flowers in background. Napkin reads "Aki". Cozy ambiance.

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AKI’s Bao Buns: Are They Worth the Hype?

Absolutely! The Braised Beef Bao could easily win as one of the top dishes of the night. Fluffy steamed buns packed with juicy beef, layered with a spicy kick and an offset of cherry blossom curd. Dishing out sweet, tangy, and crunchy combinations, this bao checks all the boxes. It’s worthy of an award for Best Supporting Sauce.

Smiling woman in a vibrant dress holds a bun over a dim sum basket at a restaurant with pink decor. Sushi rolls and sauce on the table. Warm ambiance.

What’s the Best Main Dish on the Sakura Menu?

Now we’re discussing serious food. The Fillet of Beef, seared just right with foie gras tempura and truffle Tanaka, was captivating. This dish could render your dinner date speechless.

Jonathan, a tough critic, declared it the dish of the night. It’s rich, indulgent, and utterly delightful. If you’re looking to splash out, this is the dish to choose.

Man in a blue sweater using chopsticks to eat a colorful dish on a wooden plate. Restaurant setting with dim lighting and floral decor.

How’s the Rice? (Because Let’s Be Honest, It Matters)

The rice received a "chef’s kiss." Juicy prawns nestled in perfectly cooked grains. There was no mushiness or undercooked bits pretending to be al dente.

It’s honest, comforting, flavor-packed rice that deserves more credit than it gets. You’ll find it listed as Prawn Gohan on the main AKI Restaurant menu. Yes, it's worth every cent.

A bowl of fried rice with vegetables on a wooden table, beside a stone pot with a spoon. Vibrant colors, with a cozy dining atmosphere.

And What About Dessert?

The Cherry Blossom Brûlée was an unexpected finale. The creamy custard featured a crisp caramel shell. The yukari yuzu sorbet jolted the palate like a refreshing slap delivered by a geisha with good intentions.

Textures played off each other beautifully. It provided a refined and clever end to the meal.

Elegant dessert with red lattice garnish on a patterned plate. A person in a green floral outfit is in the background, seated at a wooden table.

What Makes AKI One of the Best Japanese Restaurants in Malta?

Let’s break it down. AKI delivers where many other sushi restaurants in Malta falter: consistency, balance, and surprise. The AKI Restaurant menu is extensive but not overwhelming. Seasonal menus like this Sakura one add playful relevance.

They aren’t afraid to innovate — foie gras tempura, anyone? Yet they also allow fresh ingredients to shine on their own terms.

A person smiles at a restaurant table with intricate dishes. Pink flowers and a colorful background create a vibrant, joyful atmosphere.

Should You Visit During Sakura Season?

Visiting during Sakura Season is more than enjoying a themed menu. It’s a seasonal celebration enhancing an already excellent dining experience. If you're a foodie, touristic, or a local celebrating spring, this is a brilliant choice.

Of course, it’s not perfect. The salmon maki didn’t blow us away, and some dishes could push the sakura flavor further. Yet, these are minor grumbles in an evening filled with culinary pleasure.

A woman in a vibrant shirt enjoys sushi at a decorated restaurant. She holds chopsticks, surrounded by colorful dishes, with "Aki" text visible.

Is AKI Restaurant on Your Must-Try List?

In bold. Underlined. Yes. AKI Restaurant combines flair with substance, showcasing one of the most stylish interiors among Valletta's restaurants.

The food flirts between traditional Japanese techniques and modern execution. The cocktails alone are worthy of their own fan club. During Sakura Season, everything feels like a beautiful dream.