I’m not even sure the word “wonderful” would do Akoko any justice. My wife and I visited for our anniversary dinner and to say it surpassed expectations would be an understatement. We are a young couple and often feel slightly out of place in more high end eating establishments. But the staff at Akoko made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. While the restaurant is incredibly well known and high end, it seems as though they have cultivated an environment conducive to making guests feel at home no matter who they are. The space is gorgeous. Everything is aesthetically pleasing and unique. The food was unforgettable. Each dish was unlike anything I’ve had before. Once I would taste a bite and proclaim it to be my favorite of menu, another would be served and unseat the bite beforehand as the front runner. It was an experience to say the least. The whole meal was about four hours so it is a little bit intense. But none of the time is spent in boredom. Only in anticipation for the next wonderful flavor to hit your tongue.
This place is exquisite west african food. A very fine restaurant with a set menu. All my friends recommended this place to me! Food is great but the unique point is the story telling that is accompanied with the menu. There is no main dish! You can order drinks alongside the 3rd dish. Or spend extra prior for drinks.
Staff are pleasant! The restaurant is small with a relaxed minimalist atmosphere. Its very expensive here so come for celebrations or if your curious about African fine dining and are willing.
A really interesting experience. This was my first time trying West African cuisine and I was really impressed. The soft pairing is also really good and the lunch menu quite good value in my opinion. The caviar and Rafael can be skipped though.
One of the nicest dinners we've had in a long time! London has become Europe's premier culinary destination!
This restaurant is fantastic! The dinner was simply delicious! Each meal is packed with so many levels of flavour and spice, of course!!
Armaine, our waiter, was exceedingly pleasant! Polite, prompt, and hilarious! Please allow her to serve you; she will undoubtedly enhance your experience!
Thank you very much!
Thank you for a fantastic evening!
The atmosphere, the wine, and the cuisine were all fantastic!
Very good dining experience with modern twist of origin kitchen from Western Africa. The Ox tongue is one of the best dishes I had in a very long time.
I would think how to move the desserts away from exotic to more grounded experience to be in line with the rest of the dishes.
Every dish presented was a symphony of flavors, a harmonious blend of spices and ingredients that danced on our taste buds. From the earthy warmth of jollof rice to the dessert, each plate told a story of the region's culinary heritage. The flavors were robust, inviting us to savor every morsel and explore the depths of each dish.
Amidst our gastronomic exploration, the friendly service continued to shine. We will be back!
By far the restaurant I have ever visited. There's so much flavour packed into each and every dish. The standout is, of course, the Jollof Rice! My husband and I are a huge foodies and this is our top dining experience. The staff are wonderful as well.
It is VERY expensive,but I would say the price tag is justified in the quality of food.
Easy 5* and one of the best restaurants in London. Fantastic service from Etienne and the food was exceptional. Worthy recipient of a Michelin star
Absolutely amazing. I recommend to anyone that wants to eat something they’ve probably never had before and want to taste a new cuisine. I strongly recommend the soft pairing. Every pairing fits the food so well it really elevates the experience. Service is lovely, very attentive and sweet with a relaxed and cozy atmosphere.
My favorite restaurant in London and happily recommend to foodie friends.
Stepping into the heart of Soho, my quest for an unforgettable dining experience led me to Akoko, a hidden gem teetering on the edge of the London culinary radar. Sporting an impressive 4.8-star rating, this West African restaurant beckoned, promising a taste of the exotic.
The refined design of the place immediately won me over, striking a fine balance between authenticity and modernity. The courteous, professional staff augmented the experience, with a notably astute Italian waiter, making sure to account for our dietary preferences.
Akoko embraces the tasting menu trend common to high-end eateries, serving up a spectacle of eight dishes, two more than originally promised. The menu offered a sensory assault, with the majority of the courses proving to be delectably challenging. The highlights for my palate were the luxurious Caviar on goat and cashew nut cream, the tantalisingly textured Beef Tongue Skewer with a bone marrow aioli, and a refreshing, innovative dessert - Butternut Squash ice cream paired with smoked pistachios and lemon meringue kisses.
While the Fish dishes unfortunately didn't make a splash, and the flagship Rice and Grilled Beef dish's theatrical serving was slightly let down by a familiar taste, the overall impression remained positive. As a seasoned diner, the taste was enjoyable but not novel. However, this should in no way deter those seeking to venture into new culinary territories.
The seasoning felt true to its West African roots - bold and assertive - though this might be a bit too adventurous for some. For those like myself who crave a roller coaster of flavours, it was an absolute delight.
Despite the exorbitant £350 bill for the tasting menu and cocktails for two, Akoko delivered a singular dining experience. The price tag might raise a few eyebrows but given the unforgettable journey it offers, it justifies its worth as a 'splurge-worthy' destination.
To sum up, Akoko is a refreshing gastronomic delight for those willing to pay the price. It might have a few rough edges, but the overall experience was nothing short of sensational. Therefore, my expert rating is a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars - for its bold flavours, exquisite service, and the memorable evening it delivers.
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