Before the first course arrives, staff perform a ceremonial tableside hand washing—a meaningful welcome that honors West African dining traditions. The ritual sets the tone for the meal: respectful, warm, and rooted in culture. It's the opening moment that makes Akoko unforgettable.
Tips from diners
This ritual is part of the story. Engage with it—it's meaningful, not performative.
Throughout the tasting menu, Akoko showcases deep knowledge of West African preparations of protein. Goat is cooked until tender, beef is braised with spices, and offal (liver, kidneys, tripe) is treated with respect and skill. The cooking is precise and the seasoning is bold without being aggressive.
Tips from diners
Don't shy away from the offal courses. They're some of the most interesting on the menu.
Akoko offers a 10-course tasting menu (approximately 2.5 hours) built entirely on West African ingredients and techniques. Each course is thoughtfully prepared and presented with warmth by the staff. The menu might include smoked seafood, fermented vegetables, slow-cooked meats, and refined takes on street food. The experience is creative, clever and dazzling.
Tips from diners
Arrive hungry and open-minded. The 2.5 hours flies by and every course is different.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available. The restaurant accommodates all diets with creativity and respect.
Akokomi's commitment to authentic technique shows in the fermented and smoked courses. Vegetables are fermented with intention, bringing umami and complexity. Seafood is smoked using traditional methods, adding depth. These courses honor the practical wisdom of West African cooking.
Tips from diners
Pay attention to the fermentation and smoking techniques. They're core to West African cooking and Akoko does them beautifully.
If you want to extend the experience beyond the 10-course menu, a supplementary dish is available for £35. It's a chance to go deeper into Akokomi's vision if the meal has resonated with you.
Tips from diners
If you're loving the menu, add the supplementary dish. The progression feels natural.
Opened in late 2020 by first-time restaurateur Aji Akokomi, Akoko elevates family recipes from Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal to fine-dining standard. The restaurant is an airy, elegant space with plaster-colored walls, dried foliage near the open kitchen, and a warmth that comes from Akokomi's singular vision. It earned a Michelin star in 2024 for its creative, dazzling West African tasting menu.
The entire experience is approximately 2.5 hours. Plan accordingly—this is not a quick dinner.
Book ahead—Akoko is one of London's most sought-after tables. Weekday bookings are often easier than weekends.
The wine list is carefully curated to complement the West African flavors. Ask the sommelier for pairing recommendations.
The staff are warm, knowledgeable and genuinely invested in your experience. The service is part of what makes Akoko special.
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