Shimizu Akira’s journey to becoming a chef started at the age of 15 when he was inspired by a regional specialty dish of charcoal-grilled chicken in Miyazaki on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. Inspired by famous chefs and largely self-taught, Akira honed his skills with an emphasis on chicken dishes.
In 2002, Akira joined the Salt Group and went on to open their first restaurant outside of Japan at the Ham Yard Hotel in Soho, in February 2015. That same year, Akira relocated to London, opening PEN YEN under the Soho House Group. Recent endeavours include a pop-up ramen noodle bar as part of the exhibition of the sets from Wes Anderson’s film ‘Isle of Dogs’ and notable UK engagements such as a one-off luncheon with the Japanese Ambassador and VIP guests at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence.
Akira robatayaki and sushi restaurant
Akira’s trinity of cooking principles: food, tableware, and presentation, guests are offered a variety of unique charcoal-grilled dishes and sushi from a menu created by Akira himself.
Special dishes for London
Akira moved from London to Tokyo in summer 2017 and has been working on a range of dishes especially for London. These include:
– Chicken, wasabi & cheese kushiyaki skewer with soy sauce glaze (£4)
– Sea urchin, salmon & tuna egg crepe roll with truffle cream sauce (£18)
– Akira fish & chips with special tartar sauce (£18)
– Fried potato salad (£8)
– Toro (tuna belly) sushi with spicy miso sauce (£5.50)
– Wagyu beef with truffle & cheese (£6)
– Botan prawn with ponzu jelly (£4.50)
– Suzuki sea bass with shiso Genovese sauce (£3.50)
A range or rice and noodle-based dishes will be available from £15.
These include fried chicken with noodles, special wagyu beef donburi (rice bowl) and teriyaki chicken donburi.
Akira has also created a range of desserts featuring matcha green tea, including Akira tiramisu (£8) and matcha chocolate fondant (£8).
Vegetarian options are dependent upon what is in season, but could include:
– Grilled avocado & mayonnaise £8
– Teriyaki vegetable donburi £13
– Mixed vegetable sushi – 8 types £25
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday 12:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 23:00
Sunday 12:00 – 16:00
AKIRA Restaurant is currently offering £10 off bento boxes at lunchtime (Akira bento, Sushi bento and Vegetable bento). Available Tuesdays – Fridays, until 31 August 2022.