I was invited to review Tokii and our food and drink was complimentary. I was not paid to visit and was not under contractual obligation to write this blog post or create content on any platform.
In the former location of The Arch on Great Cumberland Place now stands The Prince Akatoki, boutique hotel that promises a Japanese experience with a minimalist aesthetic, tranquil atmosphere and excellent service. And on this day, Mr S, Oscar and I were here to experience my favourite part of Japanese culture – the food. The hotel’s restaurant, Tokii, does just that.
The minimalist interior are intended so as to not distract the diner from the quality of the food but even so are rather beautiful. There’s liquid metal wall mural inspired by the ocean alongside dark timber joinery with subtle blackened cladding, natural wood and Japanese-inspired banquettes. When we visited at lunch, the restaurant was a little empty but it had only been open for a matter of days so word isn’t quite out.
The menu features many of my favourites and from the selection of cold dishes we chose yellowtail carpaccio with a delicious zingy dressing green pepper dressing, beef tataki, daikon, ponzu with Jerusalem artichoke crisps both of which were light and flavoursome. I was surprised that the tuna tartare contained raw onion but actually it was perfect balanced with avocado, ginger, miso and lotus crisps.
From the hot dishes we chose tiger prawns, chilli and lime served with miso aioli which were plump, juicy and seasoned to perfection.
The Omakase sushi and sashimi selection is prepared traditionally and it reminded me of the food we’d tasted in Japan with high grade tuna, salmon, scallop and seabass.
Robata grilling is seen many places nowadays but it is actually an old traditional form of Japanese cooking. At Tokii there’s a separate robata menu from which we chose a creamy lobster with schichimi, yuzu butter and perfectly cooked lamb cutlets.
For desserts with chose nashi pear with chocolate smothered on top along with a chocolate fondant which had the perfect molten middle.
The food at Tokii is absolutely brilliant and though the atmosphere was a little on the quiet side (which was actually ok for us as we had a sleeping baby), I think it will pick up once word gets out about the excellent quality and this striking unique hotel.
Tokii
The Prince Akatoki London
50 Great Cumberland Place,
Marble Arch,
London,
W1H 7FD
(0)207 724 4700