Akoko is a fine dining West African restaurant at 21 Berners Street in Fitzrovia, London W1T 3LP, a short walk north of Oxford Street. Led by Nigerian-born chef Aji Akokomi, Akoko presents West African cooking through a modern tasting-menu lens, drawing on Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and the wider coast, and pairing each course with international wines. With a 4.8 rating across more than 480 reviews, it is one of the most closely watched African restaurants in the capital, and a natural choice for date nights, celebrations and adventurous diners.
What to Expect at Akoko
Akoko is built around a set tasting menu rather than an a la carte format. The cooking reworks traditional West African dishes and ingredients with precision plating and layered, smoky, chilli-warmed flavours. The kitchen builds on staples such as jollof rice, suya spice, plantain, yam, egusi, scotch bonnet and fermented locust bean (iru), then pushes them into more refined territory. Courses arrive in sequence with tableside explanation, so the meal doubles as an education in the region’s pantry.
The dining room is warm, intimate and upmarket, with low lighting and a design that nods to West African craft without tipping into theme-park decor. Wine is a genuine feature rather than an afterthought: the pairing programme looks beyond the usual French and Italian staples to find bottles that stand up to heat, smoke and spice. Dishes change with the seasons, so no two visits are guaranteed to match.
- Tasting menu format: A multi-course journey through West African flavours, with vegetarian and other dietary adjustments usually available when requested ahead.
- Jollof rice: A signature West African staple, treated here with the care of a fine dining main rather than a casual side.
- Suya-inspired and smoked flavours: Spice blends and char drawn from Nigerian street-food tradition, refined for the plate.
- International wine pairings: Bottles chosen to complement chilli, smoke and fermented depth, a strength noted by guests.
- Intimate Fitzrovia setting: A compact, sophisticated room suited to couples and small celebratory groups.
Akoko at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 21 Berners St, London W1T 3LP, United Kingdom |
| Neighborhood / Area | Fitzrovia, West End |
| Operating Hours | Mon closed; Tue 6-9 PM; Wed-Sat 12-2 PM and 6-9 PM; Sun closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$$ fine dining; set tasting menu, wine pairing extra |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Oxford Circus and Tottenham Court Road stations; Goodge Street on the Northern line; no on-site parking |
| Official Website & Phone | akoko.co.uk | +44 20 7323 0593 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Book ahead through the official website, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings, and mention any allergies or dietary needs when reserving so the kitchen can plan. Lunch service on Wednesday to Saturday is a calmer way to experience the menu. For transport, Oxford Circus (Central, Bakerloo, Victoria lines) and Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth lines) are each roughly a 7 to 10 minute walk, and Goodge Street (Northern line) is close by. Parking in the West End is limited and costly, so public transport or a taxi is far easier. As with many Georgian-era Fitzrovia buildings, confirm step-free access and restroom arrangements with the restaurant when booking.
Berners Street sits in the heart of Fitzrovia, so there is plenty to fill the hours around dinner. The shops and flagship stores of Oxford Street are a few minutes south, Fitzroy Square and its Georgian terraces are a short stroll north, and the British Museum is around a 10 to 15 minute walk to the east. For a pre-dinner drink, the pubs and wine bars along Charlotte Street are an easy walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Akoko’s opening hours and the best time to visit?
Akoko is closed Monday and Sunday, opens for dinner only on Tuesday (6 to 9 PM), and serves both lunch (12 to 2 PM) and dinner (6 to 9 PM) Wednesday to Saturday. Weekday lunch is typically quieter, while evenings offer the fuller atmosphere.
How much does a meal at Akoko cost and do I need a reservation?
Akoko sits in the top fine dining price tier, centred on a set tasting menu with an optional wine pairing that adds to the bill. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, and can be made via the official website or by phone on +44 20 7323 0593.
How long should I allow for dinner at Akoko?
Plan on two to three hours for a tasting menu, longer if you add the full wine pairing. Arriving punctually for the start of service keeps the pacing of the courses comfortable.
Is Akoko suitable for dietary needs, families or special occasions?
The intimate, upmarket room suits anniversaries, date nights and small celebrations best, and smart-casual attire fits the setting. Share dietary requirements when booking so the kitchen can adapt, and contact the restaurant directly about step-free access or seating for children.
When planning your London travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and fine dining restaurant in London, pair this stop with standout local spots including Pho Ta Vietnamese Street Food, Evelyn's Table, The Arcada, and Banh Mi Bay (0.1 km away).
