Akara is by the same mind behind the elegant Akoko in Fitzrovia – Aji Akokomi. Akokomi has focused his attention on the humble Nigerian snack, akara and poshed it up a bit but not so much that it’s no longer traceable to it its original inspiration. Growing up, I would say I ate a more crispy, fritter style version of akara; the one at Akara is more of a bean cake vibe but I ain’t mad at that though.
The mains were all pretty decent but the akara dishes are why you’re really coming here. Nice spice level across the dishes – not too tepid but not too brash either, so accessible to most I’d say. The vibe is chill and it’s a simple elegant space. The price is reasonable too (to me).
Everybody I know drank chapman growing up in Nigeria, so it was great to see it on the menu at Akara, albeit not as intensely sweet as the chapman I remember which is no bad thing.
I think overall Akara feels balanced, both from an aesthetic and taste perspective. It’s not trying to be crazy experimental but it’s not a basic either.
Top tip? Go here for date night (sit at the bar, snack on some akara and get some drinks in ya – alcoholic or non-alcoholic, whatever tickles your fancy).
K A N N D I D 
Akara . Reimagined . Borough Market
Akara is by the same mind behind the elegant Akoko in Fitzrovia – Aji Akokomi. Akokomi has focused his attention on the humble Nigerian snack, akara and poshed it up a bit but not so much that it’s no longer traceable to it its original inspiration. Growing up, I would say I ate a more crispy, fritter style version of akara; the one at Akara is more of a bean cake vibe but I ain’t mad at that though.
The mains were all pretty decent but the akara dishes are why you’re really coming here. Nice spice level across the dishes – not too tepid but not too brash either, so accessible to most I’d say. The vibe is chill and it’s a simple elegant space. The price is reasonable too (to me).
Everybody I know drank chapman growing up in Nigeria, so it was great to see it on the menu at Akara, albeit not as intensely sweet as the chapman I remember which is no bad thing.
I think overall Akara feels balanced, both from an aesthetic and taste perspective. It’s not trying to be crazy experimental but it’s not a basic either.
Top tip? Go here for date night (sit at the bar, snack on some akara and get some drinks in ya – alcoholic or non-alcoholic, whatever tickles your fancy).
LOCATION Soho
BASIC OR BOUGIE In Between
BEST FOR Catch Ups
TRY Garlic & chilli bread with labneh
VIBE Simple and easy
SERVICE Is Professional and Efficient
GROUPS Up to 6ppl
GOOD TO KNOW c.£60
Arch 208, 18 Stoney St, London SE1 9AD
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Open Mon – Sun