Akoko
Quick info
About Akoko
Akoko is a West African restaurant at 21 Berners St in London, built around a tasting menu of West African dishes with a jollof rice course. Diners can add a wine pairing or a non-alcoholic pairing to the menu, and a shorter express menu is also offered. A caviar course can be added to the tasting. A sommelier is on staff to talk guests through the wine, and the team explains each dish at the table. The bar serves cocktails, wine and beer. Reservations are required.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid street parking · Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, restroom, seating
- DietaryVegan options · Vegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention tasting menu, wine pairing, non-alcoholic pairing and jollof rice.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention tasting menu, wine pairing, non-alcoholic pairing and jollof rice.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers come for the tasting menu, which they describe as innovative yet rooted in West African tradition, with one reviewer waiting specifically for the jollof rice on a return visit. Close behind are the pairings. Diners praise the wine pairing and a non-alcoholic pairing described as just as considered, and one mentions a caviar course and the express menu as a first fine dining treat. Several single out the sommelier as knowledgeable and good fun without being intrusive, and others call the staff warm and the host's explanation of each dish a highlight. A reviewer who celebrated a birthday there calls the dessert one of the best they have had, naming the ice cream and the chocolates. Others mention a growing level of spice across the courses, and one says the cocktails and a bottle of wine were great. The one criticism comes from a diner who found the little beef a bit tough and was disappointed, though they say it would not stop a return. Several describe it as their first time eating West African food or dining at this level, and one lively table says the staff stayed good humoured.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers come for the tasting menu, which they describe as innovative yet rooted in West African tradition, with one reviewer waiting specifically for the jollof rice on a return visit. Close behind are the pairings. Diners praise the wine pairing and a non-alcoholic pairing described as just as considered, and one mentions a caviar course and the express menu as a first fine dining treat. Several single out the sommelier as knowledgeable and good fun without being intrusive, and others call the staff warm and the host's explanation of each dish a highlight. A reviewer who celebrated a birthday there calls the dessert one of the best they have had, naming the ice cream and the chocolates. Others mention a growing level of spice across the courses, and one says the cocktails and a bottle of wine were great. The one criticism comes from a diner who found the little beef a bit tough and was disappointed, though they say it would not stop a return. Several describe it as their first time eating West African food or dining at this level, and one lively table says the staff stayed good humoured.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“A truly magnificent experience from start to finish. The flavours were beautifully balanced, the cooking wonderfully creative, and every dish thoughtfully prepared. Each course felt like a different journey — an exploration of African cuisine woven with notes that echoed traditional European flavours, creating something both surprising and deeply familiar. It felt less like a meal and more like a journey through taste and memory. The staff were warm and welcoming throughout, matching the quality of the food perfectly. One of the most memorable dining experiences we’ve had — highly recommend.”
- Google user
“This is our second time at this fabulous one Michelin star restaurant and it was at good as I remember from two years ago. We started with some wine and beer and started the tasting menu journey. There were eight courses and each one was yummy. I was waiting for the jollof rice. I had thought about it from the last time we ate it. The service was impeccable and so was the food! I would highly recommend this place.”
- Google user
“An outstanding dinner experience. We thoroughly enjoyed our tasting menu at Akoko. The food, which included dishes from across West Africa, was full of flavours. The tasting menu was innovative and fun. The staff were excellent and the atmosphere comfortable. It was a great experience.”
- Google user
“Incredible dinner at Akoko, if you want a unique dinner this is the restaurant to visit. The staff are amazing and I can say they were good humoured considering how lively our table was tonight. We had two great cocktails and a great bottle of wine (thank you for letting me try a glass of red.) The tasting menu was world class and it's honestly impossible to pick a stand out course as all were fantastic. This is one for a special night out but one I would happily visit again.”
- Google user
“An exceptional dining experience at Akoko. The tasting menu was carefully put together, highlighting West African flavours in a way that felt both authentic and inventive. Each dish was beautifully presented and full of character. The wine pairing worked really well with the menu, and the non-alcoholic pairing was just as considered and enjoyable. The service was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without feeling overbearing. Every course felt thoughtfully prepared, with plenty of attention to detail. A memorable Michelin-starred restaurant in London and definitely worth a visit. Highly recommended.”
Highlights
“Elevated West African dishes are paired with international wines at this warm, upmarket restaurant.”
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Dine-in
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
Show more amenities
- Cozy
- Onsite services
- Beer
- Coffee
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Offerings· 6
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Dining options· 3
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Table service
- Popular for· 1
- Solo dining
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Planning· 3
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Highlights· 2
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Atmosphere· 3
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Parking· 1
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
Location
Restaurants near Akoko
- 0.1 miWheelchair accessible
cretan pot salad, tender lamb dishes, beef tartare
- Agrodolce London4.81,0030.2 miReservations
tiramisu, pasta cooked al dente, cacio e pepe
- 0.2 miWheelchair accessible
neapolitan sourdough pizza, margherita pizza, tiramisu
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| AkokoVegan options · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.81,010 | — | tasting menu, wine pairing, non-alcoholic pairing |
| 1905 London, Greek/Cretan RestaurantWheelchair accessible | 4.7464 | 0.1 mi | cretan pot salad, tender lamb dishes, beef tartare |
| Agrodolce LondonReservations | 4.81,003 | 0.2 mi | tiramisu, pasta cooked al dente, cacio e pepe |
| Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Tottenham Court RoadWheelchair accessible | 4.81,795 | 0.2 mi | neapolitan sourdough pizza, margherita pizza, tiramisu |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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