Malta’s contemporary Japanese restaurant Aki to launch in London this September

Aki, a Malta-based contemporary Japanese dining experience, is set to open its doors in London’s Cavendish Square this September.

Following its debut in Valletta in 2020 – where it has been listed in the Michelin Guide for four consecutive years – Aki London will become the first restaurant to be launched outside of Malta by db Group.

The London venue is a Grade II-listed former bank, a stone’s throw from Oxford Circus in the heart of Marylebone.

This historic site is being transformed into an 80-cover restaurant – with cocktail bars in the original vaults, a mezzanine terrace, and a private dining area. It is being designed by renowned interior designer Francis Sultana, a UK-based Maltese creative known for blending heritage architecture with contemporary elegance.

“After years honing our craft in Malta, and with the success of Aki in Valletta, we are excited to break into one of the most competitive food capitals in the world with an unrivalled immersive guest experience,” said db Group CEO Robert Debono. 

“We are transforming an exceptional listed building into a setting that will tantalise the senses through an exquisite menu, signature cocktails and an unrivalled ambiance.”

Aki London will serve a refined selection of sushi, robata grill, kushiyaki skewers, and Japanese small plates, using premium, seasonal ingredients and artistically presented. 

The bar menu will feature high-end sake, Japanese whiskies, and standout cocktails like the Rising Sun and the Donabe Negroni.

Aki London has been featured in top UK publications, including Forbes Magazine, The London Standard, Restaurant Online, Fact London, Hot Dinners, Dine Out Magazine, and That’s Up.

The db Group has grown from a family-run business into a corporate player in the tourism, hospitality and leisure sectors.

Its portfolio includes the Seabank Resort & Spa, the San Antonio Hotel & Spa, the Melior Boutique hotel, 11 independent restaurants, including LOA, Aki, Amami and Tora, as well as all the outlets of Hard Rock Cafe, Starbucks and GROM in Malta. 

The Aki London launch signals the start of a wider global expansion for the Group, driven by the belief that Maltese-born brands can expand in the world’s most discerning markets.

Image: db Group