Set the Scene
Akira Back Delray Beach brings a global heavyweight to South Florida in a way that perfectly melds into the city’s laidback framework. Set within the ground floor of The Ray Hotel, an Independent Collection Hotel in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, the restaurant marks Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back’s first Florida outpost–and it lands exactly where it should.
The Ray’s sun-soaked, art-driven aesthetic mirrors Back’s own philosophy: refined, forward-thinking, and rooted in experience. Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, Back’s journey famously began on a snowboard before shifting to the kitchen, where he found the same thrill in creativity and precision.
Today, he oversees a worldwide portfolio of restaurants that reflect his modern Japanese style infused with his Korean heritage. In Delray Beach, this vision comes to life with a menu and atmosphere designed to ignite each guest’s creative spirit from the first course to the last.
What’s the Food Like?
The menu is built for sharing, pacing, and indulgence. The cult-classic AB Tuna Pizza sets the tone–silky tuna layered over a crisp base with umami aioli, micro shiso, and a fragrant hit of white truffle oil.
The AB Salmon or Tuna Tataki is a real showstopper, pairing delicately seared salmon or tuna with mustard su-miso and pickled wasabi for a clean, confident bite. On the richer end, the 48-Hour Wagyu Short Rib delivers deep comfort with serious finesse, served meltingly tender alongside root vegetables, quail egg, and a glossy braising jus. The Seared Halibut keeps things elegant and restrained, enhanced by shiitake mushrooms and a silky soy beurre blanc.
Dessert keeps the playful-meets-polished tone intact, from Chocolate in a Cup–layered with Nutella, banana foam, and vanilla bean ice cream–to the Apple Huramaki, a crisp, apple pie-inspired spring roll served warm with cinnamon ice cream and vanilla gelato.
What Can We Expect From the Drinks?
The beverage program mirrors the menu’s global sensibility, blending craft cocktails, premium spirits, and a thoughtful array of sake. Drinks are designed to complement the food rather than overpower the dishes, with balanced flavors, subtle sweetness, and clean finishes. Even the mocktails, such as the Blackberry Fizz, are just as memorable sips.
Final Thoughts
A true destination dining experience that pairs bold creativity with refined technique, Akira Back Delray Beach offers the city a fresh, globally inspired reason to linger long after the last bite (and even book a staycation at The Ray Hotel).
Fast Facts
Location: Within The Ray Hotel Delray Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton – 233 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach, FL
Cuisine: Japanese-Korean
Pricing: $$$
Takes Reservations: Yes–via OpenTable
Our Favorite Drinks and Dishes on the Menu: Don’t miss the AB Tuna Pizza, the AB Salmon Tataki, or the 48 Hour Wagyu Short Rib.
The Attire: Resort Casual
Hours: Akira Back is open Sunday - Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Friday & Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
