Akai Lounge - Scarsdale — Restaurant in Village of Scarsdale

AKAI had a “ soft opening “ on November 6th, so my wife and I wanted to give them some business. We were happy to see that they had an awning that was opened with tables in front of the restaurant as well as seating inside. We preferred to sit outside a d even though it was raining we were comfortable and dry! We also noticed that they had installed electric heaters that were under the awnings so that they are getting maximum heat while providing more space for their guests. When we sat down, we waited a while before we realized that we could order online using the bar code that was on a little laminated paper on our table. Figuring out the menu was complicated because while the online menu stated that their lunch menu was soon to be available, it turned out that we could order from their lunch menu! As we were navigating their bizarre online ordering we were getting very hungry. Finally a waiter came and when we expressed some frustration with their hi-tech ordering, he asked if we’d like an actual menu! We were thrilled and we told him we will be ready to order in less than a minute. We looked at their menu but it was only for dinner! And after waiting for another 10 minutes, we left. I’m sure that in a few weeks, they will figure out all these kinks! There were other folks eating outside as well as inside their spacious dining area. If we weren’t so hungry, I’m sure their food would have been delicious. I’m sure we will be...

I ordered takeout from Akai today and all I can say is that I was whelmed. The food wasn’t bad per say but it wasn’t incredibly good either. I tried the Katsu Don and the Akai BBQ Short Rib and both failed to incite much positive reaction in me. The Katsu Don was rather salty but other than that wasn’t incredibly bad, it was my favored of the two dishes. The BBQ Short Rib was worse, the pieces with bone in had much more bone than meat and the meat that was there was chewy and unremarkable. Additionally, I didn’t enjoy the fried rice that came with my meal, it was too soft (although that can be put down to personal preference) and not very flavorful. As I previously stated the meal wasn’t incredibly bad but for the price I expected better. The meal was at it’s best adequate and at it’s worst disappointing. If your looking for a meal I’d recommend trying it and forming your own opinion...

I’ve been to Akai twice, once for lunch and once for dinner. Just came back from dinner yesterday and their omakase was the best I’ve had in Westchester. I haven’t found a good sushi place outside of the city and previously my go to had been Azuma and some of the places in Harrison but Akai will be the place I will go to from now on. The omakase had three appetizers and 12 pieces. I don’t remember them all but some notable ones were the king salmon with caviar and gold leaf, ikura, toro, even the mackerel which I’m never fond of was delicious. I was truly surprised by the flavors and creativity of the sushi chef. Give Akai a try - you will not be disappointed. Cannot speak to the warm food as we...