You’ll know which restaurant is Akiba Dori from just about anywhere and I think it’s a nice homage to the Akihabara neighborhood in Tokyo.\u00a0 Set on the corner of building 8, with neon lights, bright colors, and colorful cartoon prints, the place is buzzing for a Saturday night.\u00a0 Our waiter informs me they were packed until 2 AM the previous evening — top marks for a venue so recently opened.\u00a0 Once inside, I’m reminded of The Max, from Saved by the Bell (#deepcut).\u00a0 Although I like the soundtrack, it’s just a bit too loud for me (but I am an Old\u2122, so please take this note under consideration).\u00a0 We’re presented with a drinks menu and the cocktails lean heavily towards an Asian influence (Shochu, Yuzu, Sake, etc.).\u00a0 The Utamaro<\/em>, AED65, catches my eye.\u00a0 I mostly liked it, but I do think the inclusion of Balsamic Vinegar is a bit much and the sour finish was a bit off-putting.\u00a0 My dining partner orders the Takeji<\/em> to a much better reaction.\u00a0 The drinks are both beautifully prepared, so points awarded.<\/p>\n We tackle the menu one section at a time, starting with Wagyu Katsu Sando<\/em>, AED77 (PS, you’re going to see a lot of 7’s in this menu).\u00a0 Personally, I would prefer this street food to be served a bit warmer, and while I do understand Wagyu is a premium ingredient, AED77 still feels a bit high for the dish.\u00a0 However, the inclusion of the Lotus root chips is a nice touch, and a better offer than regular french fries.\u00a0 Next on the list is Chicken Teriyaki<\/em>, also AED77.\u00a0 We choose this because noodles are just too difficult to split, although they look interesting.\u00a0 Served with a small salad and some sticky rice, this is precisely what you expect when you order chicken teriyaki.\u00a0 We easily split the dish.\u00a0 Of course, we haven’t come all this way to not try the much-hyped\u00a0Tokyo-style Neopolitan pizza.\u00a0 We order the ‘Pizza of the Month’<\/em> which has purple potato, sausage, and cheese, AED71.\u00a0 The taste is entirely too salty for me.\u00a0 I know this style of dough is getting a lot of positive press, so I can’t tell if it’s the toppings, or the bread itself, but wow, I think I would cut whatever the sodium level is at least by half (and this is from someone who likes a dash of salt on most things).\u00a0 All this being said, the dough is baked exactly how I enjoy my bread — equal parts fluffy and crispy — so I wouldn’t rule out trying another pizza just to see if we had a one-off bad dish.<\/p>\n Before we leave, a magic Taiyaki<\/i>, AED17 appears between us, and this is the dish worth stopping in for.\u00a0 In a quirky fish shape, this crispy pastry arrives full of warm Nutella.\u00a0 I want to eat one every day.\u00a0 Ending on a high note, we stroll back to the parking lot.<\/p>\n Would I go back?\u00a0 Probably?\u00a0 A few days later and I still am not entirely sure how I feel about the venue.\u00a0 The service was fantastic and I really liked the vibe, but I’m not in a rush to order any of the dishes again.\u00a0 Still, I want to support original offers in the city, and Akiba Dori certainly qualifies.\u00a0\u00a0\u00af\\_(\u30c4)_\/\u00af<\/p>\n Who is Akiba Dori best for?\u00a0 Hipsters.\u00a0 People in their 20’s.\u00a0 A very atypical first date location.<\/p>\n What’s your favorite restaurant in D3?<\/strong><\/p>\n A to Za’atar was a guest of Akiba Dori.\u00a0 Opinions are my own, just ask my husband.<\/em><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/atozaatar.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/IMG_7516-1024x708.jpg\")
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