Arcadia-born AKAMI is gearing up for a Monrovia debut, eyeing a Huntington Drive storefront where it plans to serve chef-driven omakase alongside izakaya-style drinks on the busy Foothill dining strip. The move would take the brand beyond its original Arcadia location and its newer Toluca Lake outpost, bringing Monrovia an intimate counter experience built around fresh nigiri and a tight, sake-and-cocktail-focused bar program.
According to What Now Los Angeles, AKAMI Izakaya & Sushi has filed with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to take over 929 W. Huntington Dr., the space previously home to Oto-Oto Izakaya. What Now Los Angeles reports the Monrovia project would be the brand’s third Los Angeles-area location and notes that the operator had not responded to requests for an opening timeline before publication.
Who’s behind AKAMI
AKAMI was created by master sommelier and chef Jeffry Undiarto. As described on AKAMI's website, Undiarto aims to combine “Michelin-level technique and hospitality” with a more relaxed, approachable style of dining. The site identifies Arcadia as AKAMI’s first location and lists a Toluca Lake address as the latest expansion, presenting the concept as modern Japanese sushi with izakaya elements under the Iki Hospitality umbrella.
Menu and format
The brand’s online menu leans heavily into multi-course omakase offerings, with the site promoting an 18-item omakase alongside à la carte sushi and noodles. The beverage list features cocktails, sake, beer and nonalcoholic options. AKAMI’s format favors counter seating and a reservation-driven experience over large banquet-style setups, which could shift the late-night and special-occasion options on a stretch of Huntington Drive better known for casual sushi spots.
How it fits on Huntington Drive
Huntington Drive already has a healthy lineup of Japanese restaurants, and the 929 W. Huntington address has long been associated with Oto-Oto Izakaya in various directory listings. Tripadvisor and other directories place Oto-Oto at that location, so AKAMI’s arrival would effectively replace a long-running local izakaya if the lease and permitting move ahead. For Monrovia diners, a chef-focused omakase counter would add a higher-end sushi option to a corridor already packed with both casual and full-service Japanese eateries.
What Now Los Angeles also notes that the AKAMI team had not provided comment on an opening timeline before its report, and there is still no public date for when Monrovia diners might be able to book seats at the counter. This story will be updated as the operator or the city release timing details or as permitting and ABC filings move further through the public record.
