Aglow with neon signs that bring a fun k-pop vibe to the establishment, AKIBA is a Japanese/Korean fusion with food and a vibe is as bright as its neon lights.

Waitstaff busily zip around between the communal tables, laden with platters of bao, towers of fried chicken or bowls of dumplings designed to share in an easy-going street food style.

While there is plenty of seating space inside at a communal bench or booth, or outside under the terrace, a high seat in front of the raw kitchen bar delivers a great show, as you can watch the chefs delicately prepare plates of thinly sliced sashimi, oysters or ceviche.

A seat at the drinks bar is equally as entertaining, watching the bar staff as they concoct an array of colourful cocktails and other beverages continuing on late into the night.

The extensive menu is full of items designed to share, and has multiple options for a multitude of dietary requirements. Launch straight in with something fresh, light and packed with Asian flavour and get some sashimi from the raw bar, or the popular bao buns filled with succulent pork belly and slaw, crispy tempura crab or meltingly tender pulled beef and kimchi.

Shared platters of crunchy fried chicken pieces are packed with spice and flavour, best dipped in kewpie mayo and hot sauce, while the beef short rib will have you licking every last rich drop of gelatinous tamarind caramel broth from the bowl.

Don’t expect fancy dinner. Expect fingers covered in fried chicken crumbs and faces smeared in kewpie mayo under the glow of neon lights and amongst eager chopsticks.