Fine Japanese Dining at Tokii

The restaurant at The Prince Akatoki London is well worth the visit

This Five Star Marylebone hotel is renowned for quality and luxury. Just a short walk from Oxford Street, Hyde Park and Mayfair, it celebrates the art, ritual and elegance of Japanese hospitality. Unsurprisingly its signature restaurant Tokii, is no exception to this rule.

The thing that strikes you as you enter Tokii immediately is the strong, dark and powerful minimalist décor that is so synonymous with Japanese culture. While the Japanese influence is unmistakable, the chefs are inspired by international ingredients and the endless possibilities of fusion cuisine – creating a bold and exciting menu.

One thing that is for sure, the refinement, professionalism and speed of Japanese service is engrained into each member of the team we meet along the way. The service was flawless.

There are a wide range of dining experiences you can experience at Tokii. From an elegant Omakase experience, to sushi masterclasses and Afternoon Teas with live Japanese musicians. The a la carte menu is a good place to start, allowing you a taste of multiple influences and cuisines.

The menu is split into clear and definable sections; bites; skewers; sides; cold dishes; hot dishes; signature dishes; signature hand rolls; signature nigiri; sushi and sashimi; maki rolls and desserts. If you’re a sushi fan, you’ll be blown away by the diverse range and choice.

From the bites we opted for Spiced Edamame and the Yuzu Miso Salmon Bites. The latter was one of my favourite dishes with lightly seared fresh salmon and the pop of citrussy yuzu flavour. Alongside we enjoyed soft and tender Japanese Scallops, served in seaweed butter.

I tried one of the Rock Oysters with Japanese dressing and Oscietra caviar which was perfection. The Sakura Seaweed Salad served in spicy goma ponzu is another must order, alongside the rich umami Miso Soup, filled with tofu, wakame, spring onions and enoki mushrooms.

Main dishes that captured our attention included a Teriyaki Glazed Duck Breast served with orange and pomegranate salad with hazelnuts, and a Robata Grilled Lobster served with yuzu hollandaise and shichimi. Our neighbouring table ordered the latter, and the size of portions was very generous, which is great to see from a more expensive dish.

A highlight dish for me was the Yellowtail Jalapeno, which was chopped so finely, it was almost translucent. The light spicy kick married the dish together perfectly. We were careful not to eat too much before the sushi course, and enjoyed the Spicy Tuna Hosomaki Rolls and Otoro (fatty tuna) Sashimi – both of which were delicious, fresh and crafted with specialist care.

We were very full and satiated by the end of the meal, but couldn’t resist the Chef’s Choice Mochi Selection, which rounded off the meal perfectly. Passionfruit, matcha and coconut were the flavours of the day.

There are an impressive range of Japanese-inspired cocktails available including the Yamanashi, which marries Strawberry Mancino Bianco Ambrato Vermouth, peach leaves & Suntory Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve Whisky Cordial with Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne. A wide range of sake – including hot, chilled, sparkling and yuzu – are also available to enjoy in the beautiful Japanese crockery provided. And you should be encouraged to round off the meal with a pot of loose leaf Japanese tea.

Find out more > www.theprinceakatokilondon.com/dining-bar/restaurant/