About
Welcome to Aki Fresh Mex, a vibrant and inviting Mexican eatery nestled in the heart of Marina, California. Located at 265 Carmel Ave, this women-owned gem caters to a diverse clientele with its inclusive atmosphere and mouth-watering dishes that celebrate authentic Mexican flavors.
The moment you step into Aki Fresh Mex, you're enveloped in a warm and casual ambiance that’s perfect for gatherings with friends or a family night out. The restaurant offers a range of amenities to enhance your dining experience, including reservations, takeout, and even a drive-thru for those on the go. Whether you’re seeking a lively outdoor setting or a cozy indoor nook, Aki Fresh Mex has you covered with heated outdoor seating and a thoughtfully curated menu.
Aki Fresh Mex prides itself on a menu that satisfies a variety of dietary preferences, featuring options for vegan diners and a few vegetarian selections. Highlights include:
The quality of food at Aki Fresh Mex shines through according to countless glowing reviews. Diners praise the homemade chips that accompany the freshly prepared guacamole, a vibrant dish that combines the richness of avocados with the crunch of sesame seeds for added texture. Similarly, the grilled artichoke has been described as "amazing," showcasing the culinary care that goes into each bite.
Every plate tells a story, as seen in the Chile Verde Pork served with homemade tortillas that transport you straight to Mexico. Patrons rave about the seasoning and care infused into each dish, displaying a deep respect for authentic flavors.
Aki Fresh Mex not only pleases your palate but also caters to your lifestyle. The restaurant is equipped with wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, and even welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area. This inclusive approach ensures that anyone can enjoy the delicious offerings without compromise.
Moreover, if you’re looking to unwind with friends, take advantage of the daily happy hour specials while sipping on expertly crafted cocktails, including their famous jalapeño margarita. Meanwhile, the lively ambiance, coupled with 70s and 80s music pumping through the space, creates an unforgettable dining experience.
In conclusion, Aki Fresh Mex is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary haven that celebrates Mexican culture through food. With a strong commitment to quality and inclusivity, this charming spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in flavorful dishes and enjoy a great atmosphere.
For sweeping flavors and a delightful experience, make sure to visit Aki Fresh Mex, or give them a call at (831) 747-1074 to learn more!
“ Good atmosphere, good service and above all good food. As a local I highly recommend this little place. I recommend the stuffed zucchini and the guac 10/10!! ”
“ Wow, I can't believe this little gem has been sitting in my backyard & I had no idea. From the service, food, ambiance. I highly recommend. Jalapeño margarita Mushroom app Chicken tacos Churro dessert ”
“ Great food as always. Server was amazingly sweet and helpful. Cute little location and the inside is always super clean and cute. ”
“ Ive been wanting to come to this place for over a year and I only live 7 miles away in Castroville. Overall experience did not disappoint. All very positive parts with only a couple neutral to above average parts. Went on new years eve evening at 6:30p and had about 2-3 open tables but had a reservation. Clean place, a little dark inside for my taste but didnt effect my experience. Server promptly seated us and waited on us the appropriate amount of times during dinner. We came in looking for multiple courses and expected a bigger than normal check. Partner got a modelo chavela and i decided to not get a $4 can of soda so I got a $7 glass of jamaica agua fresca which was large and lasted past dessert. After we ordered drinks and grilled artichoke for app, The server brought our drinks and a side of guacamole and chips. We didnt order it and ended up acknowledging it and not charging us on check. Guacamole was fresh, bright, perfect mix of ingredients, pepper, lime, and added sesame seed garnish on top. Chips were homemade and perfect. Not too thin, but also the thickness didnt have the crunch of a super thick or hard chip, they were light and perfect imo. Grilled artichoke was amazing, garlic in between leaves and aioli was amazing. Super bomb items before entrees. I got the anytime chilaquiles and my partner got the chicken flautas. Chilaquiles was a big portion, they used the perfect homemade chips and hot black beans and good eggs, not your everyday grocery store eggs. The green sauce i dont get typically but wanted this plate, the only thing about this dish was the green sauce was a little too citrusy, so much where I didnt wanna finish all of it, it was yummy, but very lemony, and plated in a bowl with everything getting real soggy, if I were them id plate it on a wider plate than a bowl. Partner got the chicken flautas, everything was great but the sauce was the same as in mine, but wasnt drenched in it and could easily be taken out of it. Very yum. The dessert was beyond amazing. Literally the best churros ive had in my 48 yrs, better than disneyland or county fairs. Warm, and fresh and homemade with the bombest cinnamon sugar coating, with a scoop of super good vanilla ice cream. We knew what we would be paying for before we got there and ordered that way. We could have easily made the check Lower by getting water and no dessert and different plates. So our check was $99 didnt get charged for guac and chips. I tipped $20 which was 20%. We were there over 45 minutes. If you are playing for multiple people of course it will be more but if its yourself and/or one Other person, just order how you want to pay. Food if def worth it and want to go again to try more items. Probably will go very sporadically. Maybe even by myself. I would give it 4 1/2 stars but it only lets you do whole numbers. So i give it a 4, because of green sauce, and certain item prices. Oh and the music Pumping was super dope, it was some 70's and 80's stuff. Im a vegetarian by the way and this place has lots of stuff I can eat. ”
“ Incredible Mexican food and as a Mexican growing up with spectacular food that's saying something. We got the nachos and those chips were perfectly crispy not oily, fresh and thick. We got the street corn and that crema sauce they use is crack!! Roasted to perfection, I tasted the love. We also got the vampiros which my husband nearly dropped on the ground with how yummy it was. The meat was juicy and tender. I got the gorditas and by far the best a Gordita has been fried, again not oily but flavorful! The taquitos were not the star but the night, they did not disappoint but the other meals were just too special. To end this fantastic meal we got the churros and when I tell you these were the best damn churros...believe you me, leave room and get these you'll thank me later. You're welcome. ”
“ Absolutely loved our meal here! The staff were super friendly, and the environment was very cozy and intimate. We got the two-mole dish, which was fantastic. The mole was cooked to perfection, and the flavors were on point. I also got an horchata drink, which is some of the better horchata I've ever had. Couldn't recommend enough, will surely be back! ”
“ Wow just wow. Let's just say that we have a family of foodies who love to cook and have had the opportunity to eat at lots of good restaurants across the country and internationally. The six of decided to stay at the Sanctuary Beach resort this year instead of making our usual Thanksgiving trip to Zihuatanejo Mexico this year and spontaneously decided to try Aki The parking lot was full when we arrived as a result of the laundromat next door, but the restaurant was very quiet. Lupe, our server, greeted our family enthusiastically and she was was really outstanding. She emphatically recommended a few dishes and didn't disappoint. We had street corn, stuffed mushrooms and nachos as appetizers- all of which were super fresh, and inventively prepared. For dinner, with Lupe's help, we chose the chille relleno, dos moles with carnitas, molcajete, and birria. Each dish was better than the last. Even the rice and beans were incredibly flavorful. I can honestly say that this was one of the best Mexican style meals we have ever had. We were all blown away and are looking forward to returning for another meal on our trip. ”
“ Amazing place to meet friends for lunch or dinner. Great service, a little dark on the Ambiance, food is prepared fresh I go there as often as I can, one thing it's a bit $$$$. Most of my friends don't mind because the food is always made like everyone is special as an individual . this is a Oaxacan restaurant. ”
“ We are in town visiting and we are a tough crew to find a restaurant for. We have people who are picky, one can't do gluten, we have a vegan and a vegetarian. This place not only fit the bill with dishes for everyone, but we had the most delightful server and the food was incredible! (I didn't take photos of the enfrijoladas, which were a much needed comfort food, or of the flan. Both were tasty!) ”
“ I grew up in the San Joaquin Valley, which means I have a solid experience with GOOD Cali-Mexi food. THIIIIIS restaurant delivers! Plus I got to learn the HISTORY of some of the recipes as my waitress told me her MOM created the stuffed zucchini recipe I was eating!! How cool!! Also enjoyed the fresh air and atmosphere. Parking is the only MEH so just find a spot up the road and its so easy to get to. ”