great food. great service. I'm not sure the drinks are really mixed vs premade, but you'll have to ask. the noodles, cabbage, and especially the short ribs are fantastic. we loved the place. I doubt we'll return because the menu isn't our style, as there arent steak dishes. this isn't the establishment's fault. it's just how we are. we loved the place but capital grille continues to be the best in area to us. I'm glad we tried akar as it's outstanding. the short ribs literally fall off the bone. they're absolutely amazing. drinks seemed very overly sugary and premade in our opinion from mixes.. the drink issue is minor. The food here is special. read more

After a lot of recommendations from friends I finally got the chance to check out Akar, its a really cute tiny restaurant, you definitely need to make a reservation before hand. Their dinner definitely lives up to the hype you're probably seeing here. My favorite is their cauliflower, it was amazing! Now that patio season is about to start, it's a great place to go for dinner! read more

Akar - Korean Fried Cauliflower - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

Food is very good with unique combinations that work well together and they have a nice variety of drinks. I was part of a group of 6 and was disappointed to learn that they would not do separate checks beyond 4 which wouldn't work for a group of 6, so we had to figure everything out on our own. Our group has been going out together monthly for over 30 years and have never experienced this. I would go back but not take a large group. read more

Glad I tried it, but i don't think I'll go back. Was looking for somewhere to treat ourselves after a long week, and we chose here on a whim. Malay chef, interesting sounding Asian food, and I missed Singapore. Good enough for me. The place is very small. Nothing wrong with that, but it didn't necessarily feel cozy either. It was small enough that I felt like everyone can't help but watch each other eat and overhear all the conversations, even when everyone was speaking in low volumes. The food was good, but expensive. My favorite item was the otah special, seasoned well with nice texture and a good chili - chili is everything! It was $12 for 6 bites though... I don't know if I'd pay that again. The soft shell crab and the cauliflower side dish were pretty good too. Nice balanced dishes, but nothing super memorable. Also a little overpriced. The quarter cornish hen had a good flavor, but the texture was like overbrined to the point of spongy/rubbery, and was way too salty. 1/3 of the leeks were delicious, the rest were actually still raw in the center of the thicker stalks. Could have been a delicious dish if done well. The noodles were really bad... nowhere does it say what kind of noodle it is - it's like a dry peanut sauce, but the sauce was seized and the entire dish ate dry and heavy, and was just plain bad. The mama lee's noodles I would not recommend to anyone, even if you tend to like noodles in peanut sauce - this was a terrible and overpriced version. And the menu was so vague about what it was. Seems like there were some execution faults. The highs were good, but I still don't think anything about the experience including the food justifies the price. I guess it's clayton after all... so I mean if it's going on the expense account anyway ... then ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ read more

The atmosphere is good with candle. The servers are very friendly. However, the food are a little pricy and very expensive. Also, the space is very small for one person and the table are very close to each other. read more

See all

One of my new favorite restaurants in STL! The food was phenomenal and so was the service. It was the perfect Valentine's Day dinner date. read more

Akar - Curry Gnocchi (with mushroom and roasted chickpeas) and Lamb Shank - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

So delicious and creative! This is a teeny, tiny place, so either make a reservation a month before you go OR cross your fingers and maybe you get an outdoor table if you go at 4:30. Service was great! read more

Omg! Went again last night...The menu undersells the quality/depth of flavor and character of each dish. My companion and I were going back and started with most of the appetizers, as any of them will be a highlight. The soft shell crab is a personal fave, but I'm obsessed since becoming personally familiar during college while visiting the tide water area of Virginia. (Yes, UVA is still the reigning national men's basketball champion!). The service has to be the best in town. Veteran top performers from uber gourmet establishments lend their expertise and ease of connection to make even the least knowledgeable diner feel well versed in this Asian fusion culinary neighborhood gem. This should be a regular stop for most. Prices are reasonable especially for the portions. As a couple, we split two apps and a main dish and are more than satisfied. Pick up or Eat there, Bernie and his awesome people are my favorite place in Clayton read more

I came back with another friend to try out dinner, since I loved brunch and lunch so much! Had yet another fantastic meal from Chef Bernie. Soft shell crab - perfectly crisp and lightly seasoned, the crab's natural sweet flavors and textures were highlighted! Chili and corn were a delicious warm complement to the crab. Cornish hen - juicy, tender, savory hen! Although some bits were a bit tough and dry... Otherwise had a lovely unique Asian ginger and garlic flavor accompanied by hearty sticky rice with mushrooms. Reminded me of some good dim sum! Great light, seasoned brussels on the side. Bread pudding with peach compote - Very fluffy and tender bread! But it was a bit too sweet with the peach on top. I prefer the previous version of their bread pudding with tart berry sauce that formed a less flowery and more delectable sophisticated dessert. Fantastic meal again from Chef Bernie! A must-visit for anyone in the area, just as all other reviewers have assured, and is my absolute favorite restaurant in St Louis. I love it. I'll be back!! read more

See all

What a diamond in the rough!!! We had been intending to come to the restaurant for some time, finally did last night and were sorry we hadn't found this sooner. From the service, to the cocktails, to the appetizers, entrees...the entire experience was wonderful, do not overlook this place. Well done AKAR! read more

I was able to call last minute on a Tuesday night and there was an inside table for 3 which the lady let me reserve. The patio was full but we were ok with inside. The inside is small with only 3 tables and a very small bar but it didn't feel cramped. The ambiance and decor is very nice inside. The waitress was super busy and seemed like she was doing everything herself...not sure if she was also the cook :) ? She was great, very attentive and hard working. We ordered Udon, pork potstickers, soft shelled crab, chicken meatballs for appetizers. Then the Balinese chicken and sweet potato gnocchi for our main entrees. Don't come here looking to get full as the servings were on the smaller side. An example is $12 for 3 small chicken meatballs. It's not the most expensive meal I've had but not inexpensive as well. They focus more on the plating and flavor versus the quantity. It is Asian fusion taking some traditional Asian cuisine and making it unique. Everything was very flavorful and unique tasting from other restaurants. The Udon was a little creamier, the texture reminded me of mac and cheese but of course didn't taste like it. The chicken meatballs were our least favorite but very unique with the spicy marinade and the pickled pineapple. The soft shelled crab was the very soft, tasty and well made and was my favorite. The Balinese chicken was a little salty but was my second favorite. It had rice that reminded me of a mix of uncle bens and couscous and I normally don't eat chicken skin but it added very rich flavor to the chicken. Forgive the references to every day meals :) The sweet potato gnocchi was also unique but it was a little too spicy for me and I had to brush off some of the sauce. Like I mentioned it was a little on the expensive side but not too outrageous expensive. It was a good dining experience with some flavorful unique food but I can't give it a 5 stars because it was just not suited to our taste pallets. read more

See all

Excellent, but small. They have room for about a dozen inside with another dozen it front under umbrellas. That could be considered a con but I feel they turn it into a pro given that the chef (Brian Lee) is right there and usually is interacting with folks. He also had a flexible local farm-fed menu that changes weekly, depending on what sourcing options are available to him. This makes for an awesomely fresh menu that keeps you coming back to check what he's cooking up! Onto the food! We had the bulgogi and lemongrass chicken street tacos, the bulgogi slingers and the blueberry compote bread pudding. The street tacos stand out as a wonderful plate! They are do-it-yourself. Going to give this place another go in a couple of weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed our first visit! read more

See all

Racist af waiters. Super rude. DO NOT GO. We were two Asian people trying to get seated. Came early and they were trying to sit us by the door. We politely asked for a better table. Was met with very rude response. The Asian waiters seemed racist against other Asians - not sure why. Would never hire people like this. Bad experience - never met waiters so racist in New York to be honest. read more

The atmosphere and the wait staff were great! The pickled cabbage was pretty amazing. The drinks were distinctive. I would visit again!

Absolutely stunning food! Every bite was full of flavor and perfectly cooked. It's a small restaurant with a great vibe and warm service. This is a must try in St. Louis! read more

See all

Taking a break from my dining-out hiatus and coming back into the mix with Akar was a fantastic move. The food here was fantastic. Had had their famous short rib and their amazing drunken noodles (I think this was the special??). I washed it down with the Japanese whiskey tasting. Beautiful menu and excellent service- will come again! read more

Interesting Asian fusion style! Food is well made. Korean fried cauliflower is definitely the best among all we ordered. Staff is super friendly. We like everything other than - we were sitting on the patio, where are lots of flies. read more

Akar - Udon, bread and KFC - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

See all

LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! What can I say but seriously one of the best dinners I have ever had in my life! Oh I will be back like Every. Single. Night!!!!!! Chef Bradley is the most talented and nicest guy ever! Pure genius. As a New York transplant my standards are high for restaurants and he far exceeded any fancy overpriced famous place in NYC! read more

See all

This is another new restaurant located in the Wydown area of St Louis which is very good. We were a group of four - all of us were new to this restaurant. It is very small, I believe it only has seating room for 12 inside (when it is nice outside, can use the patio). We started off with some appetizers and then each got main meals which were all generous portions and delicious. We started the gyoza and chicken meatballs. One of our friends got the side of green beans as part her main. Two others got the Mama Lee's noodles which were devoured in minutes and then I got the daily vegetarian special of the gnocchi. Great meal, got to say hi to Bernie the owner and can't wait go come back! read more

Akar - Mama Lee's noodles - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

See all

Overall: 5/5: super friendly services and solid eats-- one of our better experiences in town. Food: 4/5. all the dishes were good-- we enjoyed the short ribs the most. They were Asian inspired flavor and the pea mash was a great complement. What we ate: Appetizers: mushroom sticky rice, soft shell crab, & Rangoon ravioli. Entrées: short rips, & peanut noodles Drinks: 5/5. great local craft beer and clever cocktails. Service: 5/5 great conversion and recommendations Environment: 5/5 plenty of light-- small and intimate. Positive feelings. Plenary of outdoor seating. Note: limited indoor options-- make a reservation if you want to sit inside. read more

See all

This place is AWESOMEEE I loved the short rib and duck breast so much! The restaurant is kind of small which is perfect for an intimate date night vibe read more

Abs amazing. I had the Sea bass which was the fish of the week. My friend had the chicken and we loved them both! Ambiance is nice and calming. We had the Chocolate lava cake for dessert, also delicious. I will definitely be back! read more

Akar - Chilean Sea Bass - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

We were so excited to eat at Akar last night for our anniversary, but were not blown away. The server was attentive and approachable. Nice hot tea selection but when I was served the cauliflower appetizer with a bottled sweet chili sauce over the top, I was a little disappointed. I mean a $15 app with a bottled sauce that I could buy and make at home.....the scallop special was really good and the short rib dish was good, but was more like a roast instead of cut short ribs. The interior was nice for a St Louis restaurant. Unfortunately we will not be coming back. read more

FOOD: this was a very much hyped restaurant by our friends so we had high expectations for this Asian fusion restaurant coming in. We started w the KFC cauliflower (awesome, great balance of textures) and Udon noodle (simple creamy peanut butter udon). Then we had the sweet potato gnocchi and teriyaki chicken. Both were great and there was a clear emphasis on good vegetables and organic produce. The flavors were good but not out of this world as we were expecting. The whisky cocktail was one of the best I've had to note, very delicate chocolate notes at the end SERVICE: very nice and attentive, checked in multiple times. EXPERIENCE: the inside is cool with multiple modern designs. Unfortunately only 3 tables inside but more outside, which meant they were pretty focused on getting people turnovered VALUE: appetizers $11-15, entrees $25-38. Not cheap but definitely decent volume for leftovers by the end SUMMARY: very good new restaurant with focus on high quality ingredients and somewhat new fusion ideas. I will be returning to give the rest of the menu a try and encourage you to as well read more

One of the best restaurants I have been to. Waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and was very kind to us. Lobster Ravioli Rangoon was amazing (in the picture), as well as the KFC cauliflower, and the Balinese Chicken. I will definitely be coming back! read more

Akar - Lobster Ravioli Rangoon - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

#!!Please read this carefully before you make reservation!!# *As a Chinese, I would say each dish should worth at least 10$ less based on its quantity and ingredient. *The most ridiculous one is the potstickers(normal dumplings), 4 dumplings with normal sauce cost 15$? You can get at least a bowl of 10-15 dumplings in any Chinese restaurant for about 15$. The dumplings here even taste like the frozen one from any supermarket. *The entrees we order are also disappointing. 6 pieces duck breast cost $41??? Even the meat is not totally cooked. Again, you could get this amount of pieces in any Chinese restaurant for about 20$. *Char Siu Hen(Chicken steak): It's just like a normal lunch box which only worth no more than $20. Besides the cooked skin, the meat inside is also not fully flavored, don't think it deserves 32$... ‼WOULD NEVER COME AGAIN‼(Unless you just want to take pictures） read more

Its a cool restaurant with delicious food. Although, I was disappointed at the fact that they seem to use lots of msg.

We loved the Gnocci (veg). But the vegetarian entree Ma Po Tofu was a bit too overwhelming with the peppercorns for our taste. Mocktails all have a wierd taste to them, with the Passion Fruit a bit too sweet. I ultimately preferred a Gingerale! Lava cake Dessert - nothing too exciting, it was a routine one you may have eaten at any other place. read more

If you're looking for Malay food, look no further. There was absolutely nothing on the menu my friend and I did not enjoy. From the cocktails to the desserts. Everything was on point. Tempura soft shell chili crab. Just do it. If you've never been to Singapore for chili crab, you are in for a treat. Sticky rice. Also do it. I wish all dim sum places had this sticky rice. I could go on and on, but I think you get the point. They are very COVID friendly and as someone with a Malay heritage, they have my utmost support and blessings. read more

Hidden gem. Great food. Timely service on take out. Ambience is pleasant. Fairly priced.

Food is delicious, service is spectacular, ambiance is spot on. Started with garlic noodles, crab Rangoon ravioli style and whisky flights, entree was split between two people and was their market special fish, Chilean sea bass, and finished with chocolate lava cake and espresso martini . Will definitely come back. I have been a repeat customer. read more

Akar - Split the Chilean sea bass - Asian Fusion Near Me - St. Louis, Missouri

See all

We ordered for 4 - Udon Noodle, Rangoon Ravioli, Potstickers (incredible!), Kabocha Bisque, Risotto, Balinese Chicken, & Duck Breast. The food was all excellent quality and meticulously prepared. The noodles were especially good, and the risotto was deliciously traditional except for an interesting fusion with the added seaweed. Included with our to-go order (which was right on time) was a handwritten thank you card from the owner. Amazing! We'll be back for sure. read more

I was completely underwhelmed by Akar. I was really excited to try it out because I'd heard such good things and I booked it for a special occasion but ended up leaving disappointed. Maybe we visited on an off night but it wasn't a great experience. There are patio tables and roughly four tables inside plus a few bar seats. Because the tables are close together and butt up to the bar it was really loud, we couldn't hear each other across the table at several points when the bartender was pouring ice or shaking drinks and with the conversations at the tables next to us which was pretty frustrating. For appetizers we ordered the pork dumplings which were average but not very warm and the fried okra which was excellent but really garlicky, the taste stuck with me throughout the meal. We split a beet salad which again was average - beets on crème Fraiche with pepitas. For our main entrees my husband ordered the chicken and I had the duck special. His chicken was dry and my rice was undercooked making it hard and chewy and the duck was fine but didn't have much flavor. All in all, just very under-whelming. I'm bummed to say it but given the lackluster food and experience I wouldn't go back. read more

The food was excellent tonight. Curtis was a great server. Service good. Bernie greeted us at our table, Ambiance inviting.

Had the most delightful experience at Akar last night celebrating an anniversary, eating great food, and getting to know the staff. They provided wise recommendations to go heavy on apps and light on the entree. Lots of unique flavors to enjoy. Highly recommend the walnut spread with endives. Loved the small, intimate, and friendly atmosphere. Can't wait to come back! read more

IM OBSESSED! We had the bisque, potstickers, Rangoon raviolis, and sweet potato gnocchi. Such unique mixtures of flavors that go so well together. Mango sauce with lobster rangoon?? Unbelievable. Life changing. read more

See all

Fantastic Friday night dinner! So glad we discovered Akar! We will be ordering again and are anxious to dine in person.

I've eaten here four times. The first time we got one very good dish and one dish that was mediocre. Second time I got that very good dish. The third time was during the middle of the pandemic and it was wonderful. I lost my job so I hadn't been back for awhile, but can now afford it. Unfortunately I had a very disappointing experience this time. I ordered the scallops. The scallops were very good. But it was $45 for three scallops. I realize The prices have gone way up but I think $15 per scallop is a bit over the top I was hoping for at least five. I would not be complaining one bit if that was all, but the side dish was reprehensible. Some of the asparagus was fine but a significant amount was stringy and had to spit out some of it. I love black pepper to the extent that servers have looked at me because I want so much on my salad. But this had several very big chunks of pepper that overwhelmed the pallet such that in most bites that's all I could really taste. Seriously, most meals that I make for myself for around eight dollars I enjoy far more than this dish. I think it is great that restaurants rotate their menus but I was disappointed that they didn't have the amazing soup that they had the last time I was there. I am wondering if there's a new chef? Anyone know? Hesitant to return. read more

Why am isn't there an option for six stars. Ventured out during the great pandemic of 2020 on a much needed date night. Heard about Akar and thought we'd try. Called ahead, they said they were slow and when we got there seated quickly. Huge bonus points when they are honest on the phone. Service perfect Veggie potstickers and cabbage salad perfect Halibut special with shrimp sauce, mind blown Vegetarian sweet potato gnocchi with veggie meatball, I think I had a stroke they were so good. Vegan coconut chocolate ice cream, amazing Even the coffee was great. Love seeing other cultures represented in St. Louis without without being presented in a cliche way. Grateful Akar is in St Louis and hope it stays!! Thank you for the amazing service and amazing food. read more

Ordered a takeaway dinner last night from Akar, and was astounded by the deliciousness of the food. We went with a variety of smaller dishes, and kept them mild rather than spicy. This was simply my preference. All the dishes (tteokbokki, burrata, sticky rice, potstickers, chicken tikka masala) had deep flavor and a complexity of ingredients. They were all quite attractively presented, too, even in takeout format. The potstickers were the only ones close to a standard of what I have gotten elsewhere, and I was also sad to see that there were only four in the order. I've not had Malaysian (or Malayo-American) dishes before, so I can't compare against that. But I know what I like, and I liked this quite a bit. Looking forward to going again and exploring the menu. read more

See all