London’s New Restaurant Openings

"Akira Back—Michelin-starred chef and former pro-snowboarder—is opening his first UK restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. The breathtaking dining room is inspired by the elements of earth, wind, and water—which roughly translates to a triple-height sky roof and a marble, circular staircase. The menu will reflect Back’s Korean heritage, have some Japanese influences, and be inspired by his global travels. Expect kimchi croissants and peanut and mushroom porridge for breakfast, cold tuna pizza at lunch, and wagyu bulgogi tacos for dinner. We recently checked out Akira Back. Read our first thoughts here. " - sinead cranna, rianne shlebak