We recently had the pleasure of attending Chef Akira Back’s glitzy, star-studded launch celebration at the Mandarin Oriental in Mayfair, London. The highly anticipated restaurant, Dosa by Akira Back, officially opened its doors last fall, and has already made a remarkable impression on the culinary world — earning a Michelin star just three months after opening. The evening was a celebration of Chef Akira Back’s outstanding achievement as we raised a glass to his Michelin star win for Dosa by Akira Back and all four of his iconic venues, including Dosa, ABar Lounge, Akira Back and ABar Rooftop, all now open in the heart of Mayfair.

Guests embarked on a journey through each venue, indulging in exceptional bites, signature cocktails and soaking in the electric energy of the night. From the refined elegance of Akira Back to the skyline views at ABar Rooftop, every moment was a tribute to innovation, craftsmanship and celebration.

Dosa is the latest venture from Akira Back, the renowned chef whose original Dosa restaurant in Seoul earned a Michelin star in 2017. The name “Dosa” means “expert” in Korean, reflecting the levels of precision and artistry that define the dining experience. Helmed by Back and Executive Chef Jihun Maxime Kim — who previously worked with Back in Dubai — the restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Korean flavours through the lens of Japanese culinary techniques.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Akira Back to learn more about his journey and the inspiration behind Dosa.

“I told everybody I wanted to open in London over 16 years ago — and it finally happened, so it feels great,” Back shared exclusively with FAJO. “Dosa is Korean, Akira Back is Japanese, so they are very different. Dosa in Korean means ‘expert,’ so I always wanted to open Dosa. 

“The first Dosa I opened was in Korea, where I was born. We earned a Michelin star there, and when the opportunity came to open in London, I thought, ‘Why not challenge myself?’ I wanted to see if my taste and interpretation of Korean food could work anywhere. 

“It was a lot of pressure since we already had a Michelin star at Dosa in Korea — but we got it here too. I feel so lucky and relieved. It feels great.”

When asked about the story behind Dosa, Back reflected on his Korean roots.

“Born and raised in Korea, I grew up eating my mom’s food, and I just wanted to showcase Korean cuisine. I learned Japanese cooking techniques over the years, but I wanted to make sure people knew that I’m Korean — and that my take on Korean food is not bad.”

The restaurant’s design revolves around a chef’s table experience for 14 diners, seated at spacious, stylishly appointed countertops surrounding the kitchen. This intimate setting allows guests to observe the preparation of each dish, creating a deeper connection between the chefs and diners. The tasting menu changes daily, blending Back’s Korean heritage with modern Japanese influences — a combination that’s reflected not only in the food but also in the overall atmosphere.

Back also spoke about the energy of the opening night.

“We wanted to have an opening party to say, ‘Hey, what’s up London!’ We had more than 650 people — it was awesome. We basically brought Las Vegas to London. It was super great.”

This expansion marks a significant milestone for Back, solidifying his influence in London’s competitive dining scene.

With its refined approach to Korean and Japanese flavours, Dosa by Akira Back is already positioning itself as one of London’s premier dining destinations. The Michelin star so early in its journey is a testament to the culinary expertise and vision behind this exceptional restaurant.

This is certainly a must-visit spot if you find yourself in London and are seeking a unique culinary experience. Pro tip: the rooftop bar offers breathtaking views.

Photos by Charlotte Cumming, Dave Bennett and Tara Kirwan. All images courtesy of Akira Back.