Akoko, which translates as ‘time’ and also ’the first’ in Yoruba, a language spoken in West Africa, takes inspiration from the family recipes and travels of British Nigerian restaurateur Aji Akokomi, who opened the restaurant back in 2020.
Akoko has been led by a number of different chefs over the years, and the kitchen is currently under the stewardship of Mutaro Balde, who also oversees the menu at its sister restaurant Akara.
Serving a tasting menu for lunch and dinner - as well as a shorter lunch option - Akoko's cooking primarily draws influences from the cuisines of Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia and Senegal. The three cornerstones of Akoko’s culinary ethos are fire, umami, and spice and most dishes incorporate an element of live-fire cooking, courtesy of the custom wood fire grill that dominates the kitchen space. Plating, meanwhile, retains a minimalist style, intended to keep the focus on the punchy flavours of each dish.
There’s more to Akoko than the food alone, though. The entire restaurant experience has been curated to give an expression of West Africa. Its interiors, inspired by the natural beauty of rural West Africa, feature walls covered in terracotta clay and contemporary African art while every dish is served in a bespoke piece of handmade crockery. It’s smart, relaxing and immersive.
