Akira Back

Japanese Fusion Restaurant

Address

Level 2, Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal,

Circular Quay W, The Rocks NSW

Area

1338 m2

Concept

The guiding conceptual narrative for this culinary oasis is Water. Chef Akira Back's culinary repertoire, firmly rooted in modern Japanese cuisine, pays homage to the sea's boundless treasures, with a pronounced emphasis on seafood, sashimi, and sushi. As a former professional snowboarder, Chef Akira has a unique and profound relationship with Water, embodying its transformative journey from frozen landscapes to flowing streams.

Sydney's radiant harbour and breathtaking coastline become the muse for this endeavour. The design mirrors the ebb and flow of tides. Water, in all its forms, weaves a lyrical narrative that serves as the cornerstone of the restaurant's design.

The sweeping entry walls embrace a mesmerising water feature, mirroring the graceful curve of the ocean's waves. The ceiling baffles, resembling undulating waters, cast dancing shadows thanks to subtle, indirect lighting. An alabaster bar serves as a beacon of hospitality and a source of soft, evocative illumination, contributing to the restaurant's unparalleled ambience.

Mirror ceiling panels amplify the sense of space. Gilded accents of brass instil sophistication into the restaurant's design, while the graceful shades of turquoise echo the concept of Water, invoking a poetic sense of wonder and elegance.

In every corner and curve, Akira Back Restaurant showcases a space that is stylish, elegant, and wholly inspired by the essence of Water. It is a destination where every culinary creation reflects the majestic flow of tides and an undying reverence for the sea.

Pre-design Condition

The Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) is a three-storey glass and steel structure located in Sydney's Circular Quay. Originally built as a single-storey shed in 1958, it has undergone extensive renovations and expansions. Overlooking Sydney Harbour and the Opera House, this iconic terminal hosts a variety of commercial and retail spaces, making it an ideal location for hospitality fit-outs.

Client Brief

The client, a visionary in the culinary world, is a globally renowned Michelin-starred chef, Chef Akira Back, whose masterful cuisine marries tradition with innovation. His mission is to curate a dining experience transcending the ordinary, whisking guests away on a vibrant sojourn inspired by his diverse background and global wanderings. The client's vision for Akira Back Restaurant includes: