The story of AKIRA Restaurant

Trinity of cooking principles

AKIRA Restaurant closely follows its ‘trinity of cooking’ principles: food, tableware and presentation. It’s only after stepping inside the restaurant that the level of care and precision given to each of these elements becomes clear. Exquisite bento boxes see each bite topped with a different sauce, ingredient or embellishment so that a myriad of colours and flavour combinations are perfectly matched in both presentation and taste. Each dish is served with different shaped ceramics, boxes or stoneware specially sourced from Japan, creating a sensory feast on every dining table.

Distinctive tableware

The ceramics on which each dish at AKIRA is served have been sourced and handpicked from Japan. This collection includes simple and elegant Imari porcelain dishes from Saga Prefecture, on the southern island of Kyushu; Shigaraki ceramics with contemporary decorative features such as silver glaze, sourced from one of the six oldest kilns in Japan; and Yachiyo Kiriko glassware from Toyo Sasaki Glass Company which fuses ancient Japanese motifs with modern glassmaking techniques. Cocktails on the restaurant's inventive list are served in glasses which best match the theme or ingredients. One of the most iconic glasses in the AKIRA collection is the Crumple Wine Glass, designed by Makoto Komatsu for Kimura Glass Company.

Interior design and furniture

All three floors of Japan House London, including AKIRA, are designed by Masamichi Katayama, Founder and Principal of Wonderwall. The modern style of AKIRA includes an open kitchen and counter – a set up selected to allow the chef’s voices to carry into the restaurant. Shouting ‘irrashaimase’ (welcome) upon guests’ arrival, reminiscent of restaurants in Japan, AKIRA’s aim is not only to showcase the chef’s skills but to entertain guests as they dine. 

The restaurant’s chairs are designed by George Nakashima, a woodworker, architect, and furniture maker and a designated National Treasure in Japan. His chair designs are made of black walnut wood by Sakura Seisakusho, a studio surrounded by woodland in Shikoku, Japan.  

AKIRA restaurant menu and popular dishes

Each dish at AKIRA, complete with its own complementary tableware and toppings, is the result of hours of thought and hands-on work in the kitchen.

The most popular item on the menu at AKIRA is the omakase three course menu, which offers a wide array of Japanese tastes and flavours, including fresh sashimi, grilled skewers and sushi. Wagyu beef croquettes prove popular among regular AKIRA patrons, along with the matcha green tea mille crepe for dessert.

The restaurant also produces special, limited-edition dishes reflecting the themes of exhibitions running in the Japan House Gallery. Take a look at the restaurant webpage for menus and more information.