Origins & Vision
Aki takes its name from akitsu, the Japanese word for dragonfly, borrowing its spirit of precision and elegance to shape a vision that unites modern Japanese dining with the cultural resonance of an art club. Rooted in the Kyoto tradition of connecting the land to the plate, it evolves this philosophy into an immersive earth-to-table-to-canvas experience unique to the brand. Here, curated works from leading galleries and notable contemporary artists become a living frame for a cuisine that speaks of craft and culture in equal measure.
FROM MALTA TO LONDON
Since opening in Valletta, Malta, in 2020, Aki has gained
a loyal following and earned a place in the Michelin Guide
for four consecutive years. Conceived as a modern expression
of Japanese dining blended with the island’s heritage
of craftsmanship and closeness to nature, it carries subtle echoes of that origin. Golden Maltese honey lends
a delicate sweetness to selected dishes, while bluefin tuna, treasured in both Maltese and Japanese traditions, takes pride of place on the menu. These ideas are now reimagined for our London location, where the rhythm of the city meets the calm precision of considered creation. Our Marleybone home is more than a setting. Within a Grade II-listed former bank, transformed into a living work by acclaimed designer Francis Sultana, feel, taste and tradition share the same frame.
Season, Craft and Care
Our approach begins with the source. Eighty modular farms, each a miniature ecosystem, provide us with herbs and vegetables native to Japan and rooted here in London, grown in our kitchen with no need for carbon-heavy transport. Seaweed flourishes in coconut husk, tended without pesticides, while rare leaves and blossoms are nurtured in step with the seasons. The same principles guide every choice, from foraging ingredients across the UK to making pickles in-house with nukadoko, the fermented rice bran central to Japanese preservation.
ReservationAki Cocktail Bar
The drinks list follows the same philosophy. Yuzu, miso, rare teas, Awamori, and house-infused Shochu form the palette for seasonal compositions. Among them, Hishio uses centrifuge extraction to weave the complexity of fermented soy into a Negroni, while Ha no Kaori captures the lemon-bright essence of fresh sansho leaves.
Aki London is part of Lifestyle Group, a Maltese-born brand devoted to creating dining experiences where craft meets a sense of place. Lifestyle Group sits within db Group, Malta’s foremost name in tourism and hospitality, whose portfolio spans award-winning restaurants, landmark hotels, and international brands. The launch of Aki London marks the start of Lifestyle Group’s international chapter, taking its vision to one of the city’s most storied districts.
