Akara Resturant

Akara serves contemporary West African cuisine in a stylish yet relaxed setting, blending Nigerian roots with Brazilian influences. Founded by the team behind Akoko, this minimalist dining spot beneath Borough Market offers an immersive experience through inventive dishes, warm hospitality and a focus on flavour and creativity.

🍽️ Cuisine & Atmosphere

Akara’s signature dishes are thoughtfully prepared and richly nuanced:

• Stuffed Akara (Black‑eye Bean Fritters) – These fluffy fritters come artfully filled with options like BBQ tiger prawn, braised ox cheek, grilled mushrooms or seared Orkney scallop and are served with fiery scotch-bonnet sauce.
• Lagos Chicken – A spatchcock poussin glazed with Senegalese sosu kaani hot sauce—zesty, tender, and undeniably bold.
• Efik Coconut Rice – Aromatic rice simmered in coconut broth, often paired with grilled mackerel or seafood; praised as a standout side.
• Short Rib Suya – Tender short rib dusted in yaji spice, served with grilled onions and sweet pepper sauce—rich and full of depth.
• Grilled Pollock with Yassa Sauce – Charred fish served in caramelised onion and lemon sauce; light yet flavourful.
• Sides & Desserts – Notable options include plantain with octopus relish, grilled cabbage with spiced peanuts and the tamarind-date sponge cake with tonka bean cream. Cocktails like the cacao-­date negroni round out the meal.

The interior is sleek and calming, with pale oak seating, exposed brick arches, an open kitchen and a mezzanine for private dining. Afrobeats and warm lighting complete the inviting ambience.

🕒 Opening Hours

• Monday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Tuesday–Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:30 PM

🛍️ Dining Options

• Dine‑in – Table service in a refined yet accessible setting, ideal for sharing plates.
• Private Dining – A 14-seat mezzanine space is available for group events and reservations.
• Cocktails & Wine – Specialty drinks like plantain old fashioneds, Scotch bonnet cordials, and a curated wine list enhance the dining experience.

Akara offers an elevated yet relaxed West African dining experience—perfect for exploring bold flavours like stuffed akara, spiced chicken and seafood rice in a beautifully designed, convivial setting under the arches of Borough Market.