We had a delightful dining experience at Akara in Borough Yards, London SE1. Nestled in a renovated railway arch adjacent to Borough Market, Akara showcases West African cuisine. The restaurant takes your taste buds on a tour through the flavours of Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria and beyond. If you’re looking for the best restaurants at Borough Yards, West African restaurants near London Bridge or where to take your clients for a business lunch in SE1, Akara awaits.
“Akara’s menu showcases upscale West African dishes with a focus on BBQ techniques and spicy sauces, all set in a relaxed yet stunning interior,” Homegirl London.
Akara West African Menu
The name ‘Akara’ refers to a traditional African dish from the Yoruba culture. It is made from peeled beans (usually black-eyed peas), blended with pepper and other seasonings and deep-fried. Akara is popular across West Africa, the Caribbean and Brazil, mainly in Bahia’s Salvador.
As you’d expect, the menu features a variety of Akara. My partner savoured the BBQ Tiger Prawn version, while I enjoyed the Roasted Pepper one, which was exquisite. Other fillings included Seared Hand Dived Orkney Scallops and Braised Ox Cheek. Akara cost £7-12.
We shared the BBQ Maitake from the Plates section with House Spice Mix and Mushroom Sauce, a delightful Mushroom feast both in appearance and taste. The Charred Vegetable Pot with vibrant Ghanaian Green Sauce, served in a beautiful pot with a wooden spoon, was equally impressive.
The menu also offered Grilled Pollock with Yassa (Caramelised Onion and Lemon Sauce) for the fish eaters. Carnivores will appreciate the Ex-Dairy Sirloin Suya with Charred Onion and Sweet Pepper Sauce. Another tempting dish is the Lagos Chicken (BBQ Poussin) with Senegalese Hot Sauce. Plates are priced at £12-34.
For Sides, my partner chose Plantain with Grilled Octopus and Pepper Relish, and I went for the tasty Vegan Rice. Other options included Efik Rice (with an option to add Mackerel) and Baby Gem with Crispy Shallots and Spiced Peanuts. Sides cost £6-20.
We also tried a couple of Desserts, which were fabulous. The Tamarind Date Cake with Tonka Bean Cream and the Dark Chocolate with Kahlua and Citrus Meringue were excellent choices. It was too cold that day for the Coconut and Lime Sorbet. Desserts are around £7.
Watch My Akara Restaurant Video
Helpful Information About Akara Restaurant Borough Yards
For more details, visit the Akara website. Located at 18 Stoney Street, Borough Yards, London SE1 9A, it’s a short walk from London Bridge or Borough Stations. The interiors, featuring calm natural tones, wooden accents and exposed brick walls within a railway arch, create a serene atmosphere. I recommend this restaurant for business lunches or cosy date nights.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Reasons To Visit Borough Yards
Brother Marcus Borough Yards Review
Ten Things To Try At Borough Market
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
