Akira

The story

Akira London: Michelin-Recommended Japanese Omakase in Kensington

On the first floor of Japan House, Kensington High Street, Akira presents a Japanese dining experience grounded in what it calls the “trinity of cooking”: food, tableware, and presentation. Every detail—from the sushi shaped with precision to the carefully selected artisan tableware—reflects this philosophy. This commitment earned Akira a Michelin Recommended status, a fitting recognition for a restaurant that brings authentic Japanese omakase to London.

The Dining Experience

Akira’s most popular offering is the omakase menu, available in three- or five-course options. The Wagyu Omakase features a special appetiser, sashimi, and a main of Japanese Wagyu steak with grilled vegetables, sushi, and miso soup (a £45 upgrade to sirloin is available). The Sushi Omakase replaces the steak with today’s special sushi selection, and a daily dessert is included in the five-course versions. À la carte highlights include Wagyu & cheese croquettes with foie gras, Akira-style prawn tempura, and robata-grilled chicken thigh skewer with teriyaki sauce. For sharing, charcoal-grilled Wagyu rump and yuzu miso silver cod are standouts.

Japanese Afternoon Tea

Akira also offers a unique Japanese-style afternoon tea, served between 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. The set includes a pot of Japanese tea or a dessert sake alongside seasonal wagashi—traditional sweets like mochigashi, yokan, dorayaki, castella, and baumkuchen. For a more substantial experience, the Japanese Afternoon Tea Set (£70 for two) adds a selection of savoury sushi snacks.

The dining room is complemented by a Japanese bar serving sake and original cocktails made with ingredients like yuzu and shiso. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, with Sunday lunch available, Akira delivers a polished, unhurried taste of Japan in central London.