Akira Back London

"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

"Akira Back is a very shiny and very expensive Japanese spot inside the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair hotel, that’s perfect for people who are partial to VIP treatment and don’t really care about what’s on their plate. The hosts wear full-length black gowns, the roomy booths are the colour of Brunello Cucinelli cashmere, and the high-end raw fish remixes tend to get upstaged by dollops of ‘dynamite mayo’ and coleslaw. The signature rolls are named things like Hot Mess and tragically, the name is pretty on point. Think mystery sashimi pieces, some crunchy bits playing the ambitious role of tempura, and liberal pours of mild ponzu aioli. If you like your big-spend sushi experiences without jaw gymnastics and the lingering whiff of truffle oil, there are definitely better options in London. That being said, the emerald spiral staircase is our personal highlight, so gleefully pose and get a cocktail at ABar Lounge, conveniently located next to the restaurant. photo credit: Heidi Lauth Beasley" - Heidi Lauth Beasley