Located on Hanover Square in Mayfair, Akira Back London Reviews highlights how this restaurant has quickly established itself as a modern Asian culinary destination in the middle of London. Akira Back London, as the place is often referred to, sits exactly that—swish and 148 covers—on a corner of the new Mandarin Oriental hotel where wood and marble collide and soft light browns everything to silks.
Those who come here to experience global fusion cuisine for the first time will be engrossed in an ambiance that strikes a mix between striking design and cosy comfort. From the entrance to the open kitchen, every detail embodies the chef’s creativity, making this a true destination in Mayfair.
Chef Profile
Chef Akira Back has melded Japanese methods with Korean heritage to create a global brand; Born in Seoul and raised on the slopes of Aspen Back trained under stars like Masa Takayama, opened places from Seoul to Las Vegas before bringing his first UK outpost here to Mayfair.
Under his namesake brand, the culinary mind marries innovative dining concepts with dramatic plating; every plate tells a story. He carries this legacy on at his flagship London outpost, where he pushes envelopes by creating bold and unexpected combinations with sharp finishes that have earned him critical and gourmand attention alike.
Ambiance & Design
On entering the Akira Back London venue, guests are led through to an expansive dining room, the ivory marble and dark timber panelling are complemented with plush seating and private booths discreet from the eye. Here, views of lively Hanover Square are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, while faint motifs of Japanese screens imbue elegance and serenity.
The design expertly strikes the right mix of glam and cosy — from the bright open kitchen to the dimly lit bar space. A great space for intimate dinners or as a minimal venue or a lively evening with friends in full celebratory swing — the venue easily accommodates both!
Culinary Concept & Menu
On the Akira Back London menu is an elegant offering of a la carte dishes and sharing tasting experiences. Starters include sashimi and chirashi bowls, with more daring items such as Dynamite Crab Crispy Rice, while main dishes show off kalbi, misoyaki black cod and hand-rolled sushi.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed discovery, the chef’s set lunch and dinner menus showcase the signature flavours in multiple courses. Each dish showcases the use of high-quality ingredients and great technique to create a harmonious interplay of texture, temperature and flavour.
Signature Dishes to Try
One of the highlights, Dynamite Crab Crispy Rice, leads the charge with juicy crab atop crunchy rice drizzled with spicy aioli and topped with tobiko for crunch. The Wagyu Kalbi features thin, melt-in-your-mouth strips of beef, topped with house-made soy and sesame dressing.
The Black Cod Misoyaki blends rich miso flavour with tender, buttery fish. The Torched Toro Tartare is creamy tuna with a touch of truffle oil. Every mouthful showcases the skill of the Akira Back kitchen, leaving these dishes seared into your memory long after the meal is over.
Cocktails and Beyond
Even if some guests search for Akira Black, they’ll discover that the drink list here is anything but a typo. The cocktail list, crafted by award-winning mixologists, ranges from inventive spins on classics—like the AB Sakitini, Momotaro Old Fashioned and ShoChili Mango. A solid sake and shochu lineup rounds out the beverages, and the wine list is carefully curated with finds from Burgundy to Napa.
For an even more special experience, you can book one of the private rooms for individualized pairing, with each menu specially prepared to complement and mirror the strong flavours served!
Service, Reviews & Value
Reflecting the hospitality standards of Mandarin Oriental, the service at the Akira Back Restaurant is skilled and attentive. The staff maneuver through the room with subtle precision, providing sage suggestions, and pacing the evening smoothly.
Recent Akira Back London reviews praise the restaurant for delivering top-tier flavours without the pretension. Signature plates are priced from £16 to £48, and tasting menus from £145 per head, making this a splurge-worthy experience for a special occasion.
Location & Reservations
Akira Mayfair is situated at 22 Hanover Square, W1S 1JP, within the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair and is reachable via Green Park and Bond Street stations. Dinner is served Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 6 pm, with an express “Back in 40” lunch menu mid-week. Bookings are highly encouraged (necessary for weekends and private rooms) — online or via phone. The dress code is smart-casual, as the restaurant strives to ensure an elevated experience from beginning to end.
The Verdict
This Akira Back review highlights how creative pairings, flawless execution, and a beautiful yet inviting environment in Chef Akira Back’s London flagship transform modern Asian eating. Some dishes are celebrity chef-priced, but the journey as a whole — from the first sip of sake to the last bite of dessert — justify every quid.
If you’re looking for a meal you won’t forget in Akira Back Mayfair this venue is hard to beat with world-class talent running the show in an unforgettable atmosphere together ensuring a meal to be remembered.
