Akoko Menu Prices 2026: West African Fine Dining in London (Fitzrovia)

Akoko is a West African fine-dining restaurant in Fitzrovia, London, helmed by chef Ayo Adeyemi. The name 'Akoko' means 'first' or 'dawn' in the Yoruba language of South-West Nigeria. The restaurant opened in 2021 and has since won widespread acclaim for its refined approach to the culinary traditions of Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal and Ivory Coast — presenting the flavours and ingredients of the region through a modern fine-dining lens. The tasting menu runs approximately £95-135 per person; à la carte dishes range from £12-38.

West African fine dining applies contemporary technique, precise plating and premium sourcing to the culinary traditions of countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Mali. The cuisine is built around bold, layered flavours: suya spice (peanut, ginger, chili), palm oil, fermented locust beans, uda and ehuru seeds, egusi (melon seeds), plantain, yam and leafy greens like ukazi and utazi. Unlike much European fine dining, the reference points are communal and celebratory — the food of family gatherings, jollof-rice debates, street-food stalls and pepper-soup joints — elevated through fine-dining technique without losing that essential character. Akoko is considered one of the leading examples of this approach in Europe.

Suya is a West African grilled meat dish originating with the Hausa-Fulani people of Northern Nigeria and Chad. It is made from thin-sliced beef (or chicken) marinated in a dry spice blend called yaji — ground roasted peanuts, ground ginger, smoked paprika, garlic, chili and salt — then skewered and grilled over hot coals. Suya is traditionally sold by night-market vendors (the mai suya) and served wrapped in newspaper with raw onion and tomato. At Akoko, suya is served as a refined starter at ~£18, applying fine-dining precision to one of West Africa's most beloved street foods. It is distinctly nutty, smoky, mildly spicy and deeply savoury.

Akoko is located at 21 Berners Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3LP — in the heart of central London, close to Oxford Street and the British Museum. Fitzrovia is one of London's most interesting restaurant neighbourhoods, home to a concentration of ambitious independent restaurants. The nearest tube stations are Goodge Street (Northern line) and Oxford Circus (Central, Victoria and Bakerloo lines), both a short walk away. Reservations are strongly recommended — the restaurant is popular and seats are limited.

Yes. Akoko offers a seasonal tasting menu running approximately £95-135 per person depending on the season and the number of courses. The tasting menu changes to reflect West Africa's seasonal produce and chef Adeyemi's evolving creative direction. There is also an à la carte menu for diners who prefer to choose their own dishes — starters from ~£12, mains from ~£22, desserts from ~£10. Wine pairings and a curated drinks list including Nigerian stout, palm wine and the Chapman cocktail are available alongside both formats.

Akoko has a thoughtful vegetarian offering, rooted in West African ingredients that are naturally plant-forward: jollof rice, moin moin (steamed bean pudding), plantain & bean stew (vegan), puff puff, chin chin, fried plantain, pounded yam and eba are all vegetarian or vegan. Dishes are clearly tagged; the kitchen is happy to discuss dietary requirements when booking. However, Akoko's flagship dishes — oxtail pepper soup, egusi lamb, suya beef, grilled prawns — are meat or seafood-led, so vegetarians will find good options but the menu isn't structured primarily around plant-based eating. It is worth contacting the restaurant in advance to ensure the best experience.