Published on
October 1, 2025
With the opening of the Aki London restaurant brings elevated Japanese cuisine on One Cavendish Square, the UK capital has been treated to a contemporary eastern culinary delight. Resting in a spectacular building and cooled by contemporary interiors fusing fruity Mediterranean influences with gentle rustic echoes of Kyoto, the restaurant offers outstanding and diverse farm and table dishes. Thanks to Aki London, the Alvin Sultana designed restaurant will probably become a premier restaurant location for travelers to the city.
Unique Fusion of European and Japanese Design
The restaurant is set within a Grade II-listed building, formerly a banking hall, and has undergone a £15 million transformation. The design blends the elegance of European architecture with Japanese artistry. The soaring ceilings, plaster trees, and luxurious kimono fabrics create an immersive atmosphere, while the contemporary design features bold European–Japanese fusion elements. The main dining area can accommodate 80 guests, with intimate private dining rooms offering a cozy retreat with hand-painted Japanese landscape frescoes.
A Kyoto-Inspired Farm-to-Table Menu
Aki’s menu highlights Kyoto’s farm-to-table ethos, using modern techniques like fish-to-tail cooking and in-house fermentation. The dishes showcase fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and inventive flavor pairings, ensuring a contemporary twist on traditional Japanese cuisine. Some of the standout dishes include:
Tuna Tartare with brown puffed rice, aged soy, and caviar served dramatically on an ice plateWagyu Tataki with truffle, brown butter, and crispy leeksHay-Smoked Scallop with tofu and fennel creamNatto and Yuzu-Marinated Lamb with ume boshi and house-made herb miso
Aki’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its in-house micro-farming, including aquatic farming grown in recyclable coconut husks. The restaurant cultivates rare Japanese herbs locally to minimize its carbon footprint. Notably, Aki is one of the few establishments in London licensed to serve authentic Kobe beef, a rare certification that will be prominently displayed in the restaurant.
Specialty Cocktails and Art Collection
The cocktail menu takes inspiration from Japanese craftsmanship, with ingredients like yuzu, miso, rare teas, and house-infused spirits. Signature drinks include the Hishio, a twist on the Negroni, and the Ha no Kaori, a cocktail with Sansho leaves, honey, and passion fruit. In addition, Aki’s contemporary art collection, curated by Polina Sulina, features artwork from esteemed international artists such as Yoshirotten and Ryan Gander. This immersive collection will engage visitors, further enriching the dining experience.
Kiyori: A Stylish Late-Night Bar
Aki London also introduces Kiyori, an exclusive late-night bar lounge located in the building’s former bank vaults. The intimate setting features a VIP entrance and offers expertly crafted cocktails, premium spirits, and a unique late-night energy, with regular DJ events and programming. Whether you’re looking to unwind after dinner or continue your evening into the early hours, Kiyori provides the perfect backdrop for a night out.
Aki London: A Dining Experience Like No Other
The opening of Aki London marks the first international expansion of Malta’s Lifestyle Group, known for its sophisticated hospitality offerings. With its emphasis on blending Japanese culinary traditions with Mediterranean warmth, Aki London sets a new standard for contemporary dining in the capital. Whether you’re in search of inventive cuisine, stunning design, or a vibrant late-night atmosphere, Aki London delivers it all.
Travel Guide for Visitors
Located at One Cavendish Square, W1, Aki London is easily accessible by public transport, with Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations nearby. The restaurant is the perfect spot for those seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of London’s West End. Visitors can enjoy the elegant blend of European and Japanese influences both in the design and the food.
Overview
Aki London is an extraordinary combination of cutting edge Japanese food and Mediterranean style sophistication, which works to deliver one of a kind experiences in London. The impressive design complemented by a superb menu showcasing intermingling flavors makes Aki a suitable destination for culinary enthusiasts and those after a holistic cultural experience. Aki London is a culinary journey; one can try Kyoto inspired meals while indulging in seasonal cocktails served at Kiyori or even view the art collection. Aki London is more than a simply a restaurant; it’s a work of art in which the skill, history, and elegance of The West End comes together beautifully.
Dining and Cooking