Akira Back

Akira Back is a modern Japanese restaurant with Korean touches, named after its Korean-born chef. It sits on the lower level of JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach on Beach Road. The Singapore branch belongs to a group of Akira Back restaurants in cities such as Las Vegas, Toronto, Seoul, Dubai and Bangkok.

Chef Akira Back grew up in Aspen, Colorado, and was a professional snowboarder before he turned to cooking. That playful streak shows on the plate. Classic Japanese methods meet Korean flavours such as gochujang and kimchi, along with ideas from his travels.

What to order

The menu works best for sharing. Most tables start with cold plates and rolls, then add a hot dish or a main.

• AB Tuna Pizza: a dish reviewers often single out, topped with umami aioli, micro shiso and truffle oil.
• Yellowtail jalapeño: yellowtail with yuzu soy and micro cilantro.
• AB signature tacos: small tacos with fillings such as wagyu, spicy tuna or mushroom.
• Signature rolls: playful names like Hot Mess and Perfect Storm, plus AB Seoul with crab, aged kimchi and spicy tuna.
• Mains: the 48-hour "Sanchoku" short rib and black cod with den miso are long-standing favourites.
• To finish: wagyu or kimchi fried rice, then the oolong tiramisu.

For a surprise, the Nazo 9 "mystery box" holds nine small items chosen by the chef. There are also set menus. A weekday executive set lunch runs to four courses. A dinner tasting menu features dishes such as Hanwoo ribeye. The "Greatest Hits" menu for two gathers the chef's best-known dishes in one meal.

The setting

French designer Philippe Starck designed the space. When it opened, reviewers noted marble high tables, tusk-like chandeliers and bright cushions, a long way from a plain wooden sushi room. The hotel lists the dress code as smart casual.

The restaurant's website lists a recent award: Tatler Best Spotlight Restaurant 2026.

Good to know before you go

• Book ahead, especially for dinner. You can reserve through the official website.
• The menu marks vegetarian dishes. There are vegetarian and vegan rolls, and dishes with alcohol, gluten or shellfish are flagged.
• Pork appears in several dishes, including a pork belly roll and an Iberico pork rack. Tell staff about any dietary needs.
• The weekday set lunch is the easiest way to try the kitchen without a long meal.

Nearby

Akira Back is a short walk from Raffles Hotel Singapore and Fairmont Singapore. For another special meal in the area, try Whitegrass. You can compare it with other Japanese restaurants in Singapore, or browse more restaurants in Bugis and Kampong Glam.