Akari @ Marina Bay Financial Centre

Yet another upmarket eatery settles in at the expansive Marina Bay Financial Centre. Where location, location, location is key, Akari is positioned closeby Marina Bay Link which is connected to Raffles Place MRT. Drawing mostly corporate diners, the newest entry by Tomo Izakaya group is furnished in warm earth tones and comfortable woody furniture. A decorative assembly of old sake pottery and traditional wood cuts contribute some rustic nostalgia to an otherwise plain space.

An exhaustive list of over 70 delectable eats cooked authentically taste as good as they look.

Shishamo Arare Age An-Kake, or deep fried smelt fish coated with deep fried rice served with sticky Japanese citrus sauce ($14), lends a twist to the original “pregnant fish” recipe. Accompanied by yuzu dip blended with fish stock, the fish’s crispy exterior explodes in delightful sweet-tangy flavours in the mouth.

Another favourite paired well with sake is Dashimaki Mentai Tamago or Japanese rolled omelette with spicy cod roe ($8). Complimented with Takikomi Gohan, or flavoured rice (from $4.50), the seemingly simple combination dish becomes a tasty and satisfying treat. The rice is sometimes steamed with seasonal ingredients which change daily. Mushrooms, sweet potato, gingko nut, lily bulb and more are mixed into the steamer, depending on what’s currently on hand.

The restaurant’s specialty that has won over many hearts and stomachs, however, is Soki Tatsuta Age or deep fried simmered tender pork soft rib-bone ($24). Fans can testify to the delicious crispy skin on the outside, and succulent rib meat that simply melts in the mouth.

Kurobuta Misoyaki, or grilled marinated black pork with miso flavour ($24), is a good choice for pork lovers to sink their teeth into. The salty soy-based miso adds to the fragrant smoky taste of the grilled dish.

For some greens and fibre, try Gobo Karaage or deep fried burdock with black sesame flavour ($7), Aigamo Hourenso Salad, simmered duck & spinach salad ($18), and Wagyu Kinoko Salad ($32).

Topping off the mouthwatering gastronomical line-up is the house dessert - Kanten Pudding Maccha, or green tea pudding with caramel sauce ($7.50). Light and smooth to taste, the pudding is the perfect finale to a fulfilling meal at the semi-formal dine-in and bar, whether for lunch, or for dinner.

Akari
8A Marina Boulevard #01-02
Singapore 018984
Tel: 6634 0100

Opening Hours : 12 noon – 3 pm; 6 pm – 10 pm (closed on Sundays)