First Bite: Sushi Spot Aki

No doubt Market East residents were happy to see another sushi joint open in the old Aoi space. Although new Aki, with its red velvet booths and sleek black accents, may feel more nightclub than neighborhood sushi spot, it manages to play both roles relatively well.

The full-service bar has an impressive sake selection and a variety of specialty cocktails (they tend toward the sweet). And from the kitchen, menu highlights include a lightly battered, virtually greaseless veggie tempura appetizer (think asparagus spears and red and green bell peppers), and the Green Peace roll, an inventive combo of sun-dried tomatoes, asparagus, avocado and kiwi. Skip the teriyaki; the too-sweet sauce didn’t much help the overcooked, rubbery filets in the salmon version.

Here's an insider tip: Deals abound. There’s a $8.50 lunch special — two rolls and soup or salad — and, like its predecessor, all-you-can-eat sushi on Sundays and Wednesdays for $24.95.

1210 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107; 215-985-1838.

Help us help you: Got a favorite sushi spot in your ’hood? Dish about it in the comments section below so we keep it in mind as we put together our town-by-town Japanese restaurant guide in next week’s newsletter.