St. Louis Hidden Gem Alert ❗️ Akar Is Simply Fantastic

A friend’s birthday brought us to this restaurant for dinner—and it was a hit! The place was bustling, so we waited about 30 minutes for a table, but the nearby neighborhood is beautiful, so we wandered around to pass the time. 🥟 Appetizers: Simple but Delicious The menu is concise (just one page), and we started with three standouts: Steamed Dumplings: Filled with chives and pork, they were a nice twist from the usual. The wrappers were thin, and the filling was fresh and flavorful—simple but satisfying. Fried Crab Dumplings: These had a creamy sauce inside, which gave them a unique, rich texture. The crab flavor came through nicely, and the crispy outer shell balanced the creaminess perfectly. Braised Pork Ribs: Absolute must-try! Each order comes with three ribs, but since we were a group of four, the staff kindly added an extra one—such a thoughtful touch. The ribs were tender, fall-off-the-bone juicy, and packed with savory flavor. We couldn’t stop raving about them! 🥩 Entrees: Every Dish Shines (with One Tiny Caveat) We ordered the first three entrees on the menu plus the “hidden” duck breast option—and each had its own distinct charm. Beyond the main proteins, every dish was paired with different grains and side veggies, making the meals well-rounded: The braised pork ribs (paired with green bean puree and carrots) were still a favorite—same amazing flavor, now complemented by the smooth puree and sweet carrots. The cod fillet was another highlight: flaky, moist, and cooked just right, with a light sauce that let the fish’s freshness shine. The only minor letdown was the black rice under the chicken dish—it was a bit too salty. But the chicken itself was tender, so we just focused on that! The hidden-menu duck breast was a pleasant surprise too: perfectly seared, with a juicy interior and a subtle herb crust. 🍰 Dessert: A Sweet, Gooey Finale We ended with the Lava Chocolate Cake—it was authentically done: warm, with a rich, oozing chocolate center and a soft, spongy cake exterior. It came with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which was creamy and smooth, plus a drizzle of tangy jam on top. The tartness of the jam cut through the chocolate’s richness, making every bite feel balanced. 💡 Final Thoughts The restaurant’s ambiance is lovely—with the recent nice weather, sitting outdoors was perfect: we enjoyed the evening breeze and watched the sunset while eating. At around $80 per person, it’s a bit of a splurge, but the quality of the food, service, and atmosphere make it worth it. If you’re in the St. Louis area (especially near Clayton), this spot comes highly recommended! 📍 Address: 7641 Wydown Blvd, Clayton, MO 63105 #ClaytonEats #StudyInUSA #StLouis #StLouisFoodRecommendations #FoodieHunt #StLouisMO #ClaytonDining