Akoko
5 photos
5 photos
Featured in Guides
London’s Finest Culinary Experiences: Exceptional Dining, Distinctive Flavors.
• london
Guide Commentary
Akoko in Fitzrovia offers a warm, relaxed fine-dining experience centered on elevated West African cuisine. The terracotta-toned, airy dining room with well-spaced tables and an open kitchen creates an inviting yet lively atmosphere. Service is attentive and personable, often including thoughtful explanations of dishes and traditions, such as a modern hand-washing ceremony that adds to the memorable vibe[2][3][4]. The food excels through an inventive 10-11 course tasting menu that creatively reinterprets classic West African dishes using British ingredients. Signature dishes like the smoky, peppery jollof rice with crispy puffed rice, squid abunuabunu, and deep-fried oysters showcase meticulous preparation and balanced flavors. Portions are smaller, encouraging savoring each course, beautifully plated with vibrant colors and textures[1][2][3][4]. The ingredient quality is excellent, and the kitchen’s precision shines, though a minority note occasional seasoning nuances[1]. Pricing is mid-range to premium, with the tasting menu around £120 and an optional £35 upgrade for luxurious add-ons like Exmoor caviar. This offers very good value considering the depth and creativity of the meal. Lunch can be quieter, but dinner spans nearly three hours—best for a relaxed, special occasion. Booking ahead is advised as it’s popular among couples, food lovers, and business diners seeking a unique, elegant dining adventure[2][4]. Akoko’s rising popularity stems from its fresh spotlight on West African fine dining in London, a niche few others fill except for the pricier Ikoyi. Social media buzz highlights the artistry of its plating and the uniqueness of dishes like the onion foam and compressed pineapple with tepache sauce. Recent chef changes signal ongoing evolution, keeping the menu dynamic and exciting for loyal local fans and newcomers alike[2][3][4]. In short, Akoko is the go-to for anyone curious about refined, innovative West African flavors presented with finesse in a stylish yet welcoming Fitzrovia setting.
London Dining Guide: Exceptional Culinary Experiences at Top Restaurants.
• london
Guide Commentary
Akoko in Fitzrovia is a gem for anyone curious about West African cuisine elevated to fine dining. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with terracotta-toned walls and an airy, open layout featuring an open kitchen that invites you into the culinary process. The vibe strikes a perfect balance between relaxed and sophisticated, with a lively yet intimate feel supported by attentive, personable staff who make you feel genuinely welcomed[2][3][4]. Food-wise, Akoko excels with an 11-course tasting menu that showcases bold, creative dishes inspired by traditional West African flavors but refined with high-quality British ingredients and clever techniques. Signature dishes like the smoky, peppery jollof rice topped with crispy puffed rice and the squid abunuabunu are often praised for their vibrant, complex flavors and beautiful presentation. Portions are deliberately small but thoughtfully composed to keep you engaged throughout the tasting journey[2][3][4]. The tasting menu is around £120, which strikes a fair balance for the quality and originality offered, especially compared to pricier peers like Ikoyi[2]. Some diners note the wine list is robust but pricey, and the service can feel a bit rushed at times, but overall hospitality is warm and genuine[1][4]. Reservations are recommended given its popularity and limited seating, particularly at the counter or for weekend dinners. The kitchen’s open concept and the restaurant’s calm yet lively energy make dining here memorable. Akoko suits couples looking for a unique date night, food adventurers eager to explore sophisticated West African flavors, and small groups wanting a stylish but unpretentious setting[2][3]. Its rising popularity is fueled by social media buzz around its inventive dishes and the rare focus on sub-Saharan cuisine in London’s fine dining scene. The recent chef change to Mutaro Balde, with a pedigree from Alain Ducasse, keeps excitement fresh and expectations high[4]. If you want a thoughtful meal that’s as much a cultural journey as a culinary one, Akoko is definitely worth a visit.
Family-Friendly Dining in London: 10 Welcoming Restaurants for All Ages.
• london
Guide Commentary
Akoko in London offers a refined, immersive dining experience centered on elevated West African cuisine. The interior has a warm, terracotta-toned design accented with authentic West African artwork and pottery, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Seating is thoughtfully arranged for comfort, with attentive, professional staff who balance warmth and efficiency, making the overall vibe welcoming but polished. The lighting is soft, matching the rich textures and colors of the space, and noise levels remain moderate, perfect for conversation and savoring the meal. The food quality is exceptional, showcased through a creative tasting menu that reimagines traditional dishes with modern techniques and premium ingredients. Signature plates include the iconic jollof rice—baked and smoked for depth—paired memorably with Scottish lobster and a spicy ata sauce, and the bold Beef Tongue Suya. Presentation is precise and artful, with portions designed for tasting rather than heaviness, encouraging exploration without feeling overwhelmed. Desserts like the innovative chin chin-inspired caramelized white chocolate ice cream stand out as highlights. A few dishes, such as the slow-cooked turbot, have received mixed feedback but are rare exceptions. Value-wise, Akoko sits in the mid-range to premium category, with tasting menus around £149, which matches the quality and creativity delivered. Best to book in advance, especially for dinner on popular days (Tuesday to Saturday), as the place gets busy. Lunch, available Thursday to Saturday, offers a slightly quieter, equally refined option. This spot suits couples, food adventurers, and small groups interested in a unique, multi-sensory meal but is less oriented towards families with young children or large groups, given the tasting menu format and intimate setting. Trending strongly due to its Michelin star and pioneering role in West African fine dining, Akoko has gained social media buzz for dishes like its smoked jollof and inventive cocktails such as the cacao-infused Negroni. Food bloggers and local press praise the restaurant’s ability to honor tradition while pushing culinary boundaries, fueling a loyal local and international following eager to experience its bold flavors and cultural storytelling. If you’re looking for a memorable, elegant journey into West African flavors with thoughtful service and a cozy yet vibrant setting, Akoko is a top pick in London’s evolving culinary scene. Just be sure to reserve and prepare for a menu that demands your attention and palate.
London Morning Breakfast Destinations: 10 Places for Quality Dining.
• london
Guide Commentary
Akoko in Fitzrovia offers an intimate, stylish dining experience with a warm, earthy interior featuring clay-brown tones and modern minimalism. The atmosphere balances calm with engaging energy, especially at the chef's table where interaction with the kitchen staff adds a personal touch. Service is attentive, friendly, and professional without being overbearing, making the evening feel both special and inviting[2][4]. The kitchen serves a meticulously crafted West African tasting menu focusing on bold, refined flavors. Signature dishes like the elevated suya skewer with hogget belly, sophisticated jollof rice with Lake District beef, and the coffee-based dessert featuring Senegalese café touba stand out. Ingredients are carefully sourced—British meats combined with traditional spices—and presentation is elegant though portion sizes tend to be moderate, encouraging savoring over volume[1][3][5]. The tasting menu structure, often over 10 courses, showcases delicate layering of flavors and inventive preparation techniques. Priced at a mid-range to upper-mid level (around £55 for a short lunch menu and £120 for a full tasting), Akoko offers strong value for the creativity and quality delivered, though some have noted the portions can leave you wanting more, especially at dinner[1][4]. It’s best to book in advance, as the place is popular with couples, foodies, and small groups seeking a refined, experiential meal rather than casual dining. Lunchtimes tend to be quieter and good for a relaxed visit, while evenings buzz with a more vibrant energy[2][4]. The restaurant’s rising acclaim is fueled by its fresh take on West African cuisine through refined techniques, social media buzz over dishes like the jollof rice, and consistent praise from both food critics and diners. Recent chef changes have brought new energy and innovation, keeping the menu dynamic and exciting for return visits. Akoko is a meaningful destination for anyone curious about African flavors elevated through contemporary culinary approaches in London’s competitive dining scene[1][4][5].
London's Finest Dining: Exceptional Cuisine and Quality Experiences.
• london
Guide Commentary
Akoko offers a warm, intimate experience in a terracotta-toned, airy space with an open kitchen that keeps the atmosphere lively yet relaxed. The seating is well spaced, balancing cozy and comfortable, with subtle lighting enhancing the inviting vibe. Service is attentive and friendly, often described as warm and welcoming, though a few guests note moments of rushed interaction. The noise level suits a fine dining setting—enough buzz without overpowering conversation. A unique touch is the spa-like tableside hand-washing ceremony that adds to the memorable, immersive West African journey[2][3][4]. The food is the star—an inventive 10- to 11-course tasting menu showcasing elevated West African cuisine. Signature dishes like the smoky, peppery jollof rice topped with crispy puffed rice, duck, cod with plantain fries and black pepper shito sauce, and delicate squid abunuabunu draw consistent praise. Ingredients are high quality, blending British produce with authentic West African flavors and sophisticated techniques such as foams and fermentation. The presentation is elegant and thoughtful, with small, well-balanced portions encouraging a full tasting experience without feeling overwhelmed. Must-tries include the jollof rice and the fermented rice pancake (waina) with chicken liver[1][2][3][4]. Priced mid-range around £120 for the full tasting menu (lunch options at £55), Akoko offers excellent value given its quality and originality, especially compared to pricier peers like Ikoyi. Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills quickly, particularly in evenings; lunch visits can be a bit quieter. The vibe suits couples on special occasions, curious foodies, and small groups wanting a unique culinary adventure rather than families with young children due to the tasting format and ambiance[2][4]. Akoko’s rising popularity owes much to its rare focus on refined West African cuisine in London’s fine dining scene, a gap it fills with creativity and respect for tradition. Social media buzz highlights viral dishes like the jollof rice and the hand-washing ritual. Recent changes include a new head chef from Alain Ducasse’s team, promising exciting menu evolution. The local food community regards Akoko as a beacon of culinary innovation and cultural celebration, drawing loyal regulars and first-timers alike[3][4].
Reviews (0)
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your experience with this item!