Akoko: a Unique Michelin Star Restaurant in London

If the first meal of a new decade sets the tone for what’s to come, then my 40s are off to a very good start. Unexpected, full of heat, and with a few surprises along the way, Akoko set exactly the right tone for what I hope the new decade will bring.

This wasn’t just any meal though because it was a birthday present from my wife, which she kept as a surprise until the last moment. I didn’t see it coming, but somehow she knew I had been wanting to try it this year. Maybe because she reads this blog sometimes? In fact, Akoko had been sitting on my list of restaurants to visit, which I shared in my first post of the year.

What's Akoko and A Bit of Their Story

African cuisine isn’t one you often hear people rave about in London. Actually, it rarely comes up in conversations with food lovers, and even when it does, it’s such a broad category that it’s hard to know where to start. For me, this was my first proper experience of West African-inspired food, and if this is how it tastes, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

Tucked away on a quiet street in Fitzrovia, Akoko has been quietly making its mark on London’s food scene. It focuses on West African cooking with bold flavours, fire and spice, served in a refined yet welcoming space. In just a short time, it has captured the attention of critics and food lovers alike. In 2024, it earned its first Michelin star and it’s easy to see why.

Founder Aji Akokomi wanted to share the food of his Nigerian upbringing but bring it to the table in a fresh, modern way. And digging a little deeper into their story, I found out that Akoko means “time” and “the first” in Yoruba, which funnily enough sums up my experience perfectly.

The Food and Atmosphere

The space itself feels relaxed, with clean lines and warm touches. At the back, the open kitchen brings a nice bit of theatre, allowing you to see the chefs working away, smoke drifting through the air, but all happening quietly in the background.

Service is attentive and friendly. They explain each dish without overcomplicating things, which I always appreciate. It makes the whole experience easy and enjoyable, rather than feeling like they are trying to sell you one. Have a look at some of their Instagram pictures, it's really something else.

And the tasting menu? It’s a delicious journey that builds slowly but finishes with a fiery grand finale. It starts with mild heat and softer flavours, a tartare for example, then gradually the spices and richness build. Each dish feels well thought through and balanced, from delicate seafood to earthy, rich meat dishes, with little twists along the way. It’s all clever but unfussy, full of flavour without ever being overwhelming. Expect Scotch bonnet warmth, smoky spice, creamy touches and probably some of the best rice you’ll have in London, or anywhere really.

Akoko isn’t flashy because it doesn’t need to be. It lets the food do the talking and delivers something genuinely different for the London food scene.

As far as birthday meals go, this one ticked every box, from the finger-licking food, something new, and a proper sense of occasion without the stiffness you would normally expect from a place like this, especially in Fitzrovia.

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If you’re curious about West African cooking and want something that feels truly special, Akoko is well worth a visit.

Here’s to many more meals that feel like a journey, and to 40 tasting better than ever.