This NC gas station is one of the South’s best sushi spots, Southern Living says
A gas station in Apex is getting national attention for serving some of the South’s top sushi.
Akami Sushi was recently recognized by Southern Living as one of the region’s best sushi spots — an unlikely honor for a restaurant tucked inside a Han-Dee Hugo’s.
“The words ‘high-end’ and ‘gas station sushi’ aren’t typically used in the same sentence,” the magazine wrote. “But in the South, some of the best eateries are found in gas stations. Akami Sushi in Apex, NC proves just that.”
Chef Birdie Owattragool opened the restaurant in 2021, transforming what was once a “crumbling gas station Subway” into an intimate sushi bar, Southern Living says.
At Akami, the focus is on quality and simplicity.
“The ingredients speak for themselves,” Southern Living wrote, noting that fish is sourced from Japan and hand-selected to ensure premium cuts.
Dishes like the lightly torched sake blue belly sashimi and the Shishito Roll, which balances rich tuna with bright, citrusy peppers, highlight that approach.
The restaurant has also built a loyal following with a unique tradition for regulars. A limited rack of 50 personalized chopstick sets is reserved for returning customers, a coveted spot that rewards repeat visits.
“The unexpected spot is redefining sushi,” Southern Living wrote, “and proving that unforgettable meals can be enjoyed in the most overlooked places, like a gas station.”
More Southern Living accolades for NC
Southern Living recently recognized Sunset Beach for its white sand and crystal clear waters, along with Boone as the one place in North Carolina everyone should visit, highlighting it for its outdoor adventures, rich history, walkable downtown, nearby High Country attractions, upgraded lodging and diverse dining scene.’
The magazine also highlighted Calabash this month, a town in the Outer Banks known as the “seafood capital of the world.”
Last year, Oak Island, Hatteras Island, Topsail Beach, Ocracoke, Duck, Beaufort, Emerald Isle, Nags Head and Wrightsville Beach were on Southern Living’s list of 50 best beach towns in the South, The Charlotte Observer reported.
North Carolina swept up several Southern Living’s 2025 South’s Best Awards, including:
- Best Classic Hotels: Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands
- Best Resorts: The Inn on Biltmore Estate and The Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa in Asheville
- Best New Hotels: The Cozy Mountain Retreat in Highlands
- Best Cities: Asheville and Wilmington
You can find the full list of the best beach towns in the South online at southernliving.com.
Portions of this story were previously published in The Charlotte Observer.
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 11:08 AM with the headline "This NC gas station is one of the South’s best sushi spots, Southern Living says."
