Lilli by Akira Back

Akira Back London is often mistaken for a fusion novelty, but that misreads what the restaurant actually delivers: technically grounded Japanese-Korean cooking executed with restraint. The venue's dual-cuisine identity isn't a gimmick, it reflects chef Akira Back's training across both traditions, the menu holds together better than most multi-hyphenate concepts in the city. Whether you book depends less on your appetite for novelty than on whether you value precision over pure innovation.

Japanese-Korean Execution in a London Context

The kitchen anchors its work in two distinct but complementary culinary systems. Japanese technique shows up in raw-fish handling, rice preparation, knife work; Korean flavors surface in spice application, fermentation, grill technique. That dual framework allows the menu to move between clean sashimi cuts and bolder, chile-forward dishes without losing coherence. Execution is confident, plates arrive properly balanced, temperatures are correct, seasoning doesn't overshoot. For diners familiar with Jōdo Saké Bar or Onigiri Time, the precision here will read as familiar, though the flavor palette tilts spicier and more assertive.

The room itself leans contemporary rather than traditional, dark wood, low lighting, a layout that favors groups over solo counter seating. It's louder than most izakaya-style venues but quieter than the average Mayfair grill. The space works for business dinners and celebrations without reading overly formal, though the vibe skews more energetic than meditative. If you're after the contemplative counter experience of a classic London omakase, this isn't it; if you want technically solid food with broader appeal for a mixed group, it fits.

What to Prioritize

Order around the kitchen's strengths: anything involving raw fish, anything grilled, rice-based dishes where texture matters. The menu structure allows you to build a meal that feels either Japanese-leaning or Korean-forward depending on selection, so clarity about your group's preference upfront will guide the experience. Portions are sized for sharing, which means larger parties (four or more) have more flexibility to sample across categories. Pairs and solo diners should narrow focus rather than trying to cover the full menu.

Reservations: Book one week ahead for weekend dinner; weekday slots open closer to the date. Walk-ins are possible at the bar during lunch service. Budget: Expect £60–90 per person depending on how broadly you order and whether you add premium items. Dress: Smart casual works; the room doesn't require tailoring but reads more polished than pub-casual. Best for: Groups of three to six who want a technically strong meal without committing to a single-cuisine format.

The restaurant sits in a dense competitive set, 10 Greek Street, 101 Pimlico Road, 104, and 116 at The Athenaeum all offer compelling alternatives at similar price points, but the Japanese-Korean pairing here gives it a distinct lane. If your group splits between lighter, cleaner flavors and bolder, spice-driven plates, this is one of the few venues in London that can satisfy both without compromise. For solo diners or pairs seeking a quieter, more introspective meal, look elsewhere; for parties who value technical skill and broad menu appeal, it's worth the booking.