Summer? It’s all about fresh.
Summer dining calls for vibrant flavours, lighter dishes and menus designed for long afternoons and elegant evenings in Mayfair. At Lilli by Akira Back, Michelin-starred chef Akira Back blends Korean inspiration, Japanese precision and seasonal ingredients to create a menu that feels perfectly suited to the warmer months.
From refined small plates to beautifully balanced seafood and expertly crafted cocktails, here is what to order at Lilli this summer.
Start Light with Fresh Seasonal Flavours
Summer menus are best enjoyed gradually, beginning with dishes that feel fresh and delicate. Lilli’s lighter starters showcase the restaurant’s signature balance between texture, acidity and umami.
Expect elegant presentations featuring premium seafood, citrus accents and carefully layered seasoning. Dishes inspired by Korean and Japanese flavours work particularly well during summer, bringing brightness without heaviness.
For guests sharing the table, smaller plates create a more relaxed and sociable dining experience, ideal for long lunches or early evening reservations in Mayfair.
Choose Signature Sushi and Seafood
Warmer months naturally lend themselves to lighter seafood dishes, and Lilli’s menu reflects this beautifully. Signature sushi selections and seafood-focused plates offer clean flavours and refined presentation throughout the season.
Yellowtail, tuna and seasonal fish pair naturally with citrus, delicate spice and subtle Korean influences. The result is a menu that feels elegant while still delivering depth and richness.
Seafood dishes also pair effortlessly with crisp white wines, sake or lighter summer cocktails, making them particularly popular for evening dining.
Balance Richer Flavours with Korean Influence
While summer dining often focuses on lighter dishes, richer flavours still have their place when balanced carefully. Korean-inspired marinades, glazes and sauces add warmth and complexity without overwhelming seasonal ingredients.
At Lilli by Akira Back, ingredients such as gochujang, sesame and soy are used with restraint, allowing premium produce to remain the focus of each dish.
This contrast between bold flavour and refined execution defines modern Korean fine dining and creates a menu suited to both adventurous diners and those discovering Korean-inspired cuisine for the first time.
Save Room for Dessert
Summer desserts should feel refreshing rather than overly rich. Citrus, berries and lighter textures often take centre stage during the season, offering a balanced finish to the dining experience.
At Lilli, dessert presentation reflects the same precision and artistry seen throughout the wider menu. Elegant plating, seasonal ingredients and carefully considered flavour combinations bring a refined close to summer dining in Mayfair.
For guests continuing the evening, pairing dessert with a cocktail or digestif creates a more relaxed transition into late-night drinks and conversation.
Pair the Menu with Summer Cocktails
A summer menu is never complete without the right drinks pairing. Lilli’s cocktail selection complements the food menu with fresh citrus notes, balanced sweetness and refined presentation.
Signature cocktails work particularly well alongside seafood, sushi and lighter sharing plates, enhancing the overall dining experience without overpowering delicate flavours.
Whether visiting for an intimate dinner, a celebratory occasion or drinks in Mayfair before an evening out, cocktails remain central to the atmosphere at Lilli by Akira Back.
Summer Dining in Mayfair
As Mayfair moves into the height of summer, outdoor terraces fill, evenings stretch later and London’s dining scene becomes increasingly vibrant. Located within the luxurious Montcalm Mayfair, Lilli by Akira Back offers a contemporary dining experience shaped by Korean inspiration, seasonal ingredients and elegant hospitality.
Whether discovering the menu for the first time or returning for a summertime favourite, Lilli captures the atmosphere of modern luxury dining in the heart of London.
Kickstart a summer of fun, food, and fine dining experiences with a reservation at Lilli by Akira Back.
