Chef Akira Back is really taking on London in 2023. Not only is he opening various restaurants and bars at the upcoming Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, but he's also got a side hustle in the form of AB Steak which he's working on in Soho.
The chef has already opened one in Los Angeles, so we can look at what they do there for an idea of what to expect from the London branch. The DIY Korean-style BBQ-style spot focuses on dry-aged beef which has been aged for 30 days. Customers can opt to have the meat cooked by the kitchen, or do it themselves on smokeless tabletop grills.
On the one hand, it does sound like just another big-name chef rollout, but it does seem to have its fans with Eater Los Angeles saying of the restaurant, "there might not be a more impressive place for Korean barbecue [in LA]."
On the grilling menu, you'll find cuts like Camembert cheese aged striploin, Australian wagyu brisket and marinated boneless short rib. There'll also be kimchi fried rice to go with that, alongside starters like egg souffle, seafood paejon pancakes and more.
The focus on meat extends to the cocktails with an AB Old Fashioned featuring wagyu-washed bourbon.
The London restaurant looks to be pretty big with room for more than 100 diners along with space for alfresco dining. There are also plans for an omakase bar which could be something a little different that they're trying for the London scene. Things are very much still in the planning stage, so we'll bring you more details when we get them.
More about AB Steak by Chef Akira Back
Where is it? 142-150 Wardour Street, London W1F 8ZU
When? 2024
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @absteakla
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