Japanese fusions are a popular twist to familiar East Asian flavours – and Piraña restaurant in London is the latest offering in this growing trend. Set in swishy Mayfair, this new restaurant serves a delicious Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu orchestrated by chef Mark Morrans (formerly at Nobu and MNKY HSE). Beyond its tasty Nikkei delights, the space also brings together modern design, a pleasingly moody atmosphere and energetic vibes, courtesy of design studio LXA.
Wallpaper* dines at Piraña
The mood: textured and immersive
The space designed by the London-based interior specialists juxtaposes Japanese cultural hints with the ‘aggressive essence of the Amazonian Piranha.’ Subtle underwater references mix with Japanese heritage’s iconic figures such as Samurais and Geishas. It all comes together in a deep, dark-coloured colour palette, craft-rich materials and details, and carefully planned lighting that adds to the overall space’s allure.
From its slightly more informal front bar and counter to its expansive two main rooms and private dining area beyond, Piraña feels textured and immersive.
The food: an irresistible Japanese-Peruvian fusion
The menu is awash with highlights. A raw section includes Seabass Ceviche with Aji Amarilo leche de tigre, sweet potato and choclo corn, Hamachi with yuzu ponzu, jalapeno and coriander and Crispy Rice with spicy salmon. Meanwhile, sushi options feature selections of Sashimi, Nigiri and Sushi Rolls. The Crunchy Wagyu Maki is a must.
More mouthwatering dishes span Rock Shrimp Tempura, Salmon Teriyaki, Udon Noodles with mixed seafood and vegetables, Steamed King Crab Leg with spicy mayonnaise and Butter Roasted Chilean Seabass with shiso.
Piraña’s co-founders Garry Caprani and Asher Grant are deft hands in hospitality. Their past combines strategic moves in the capital’s leisure and entertainment industry, such as the popular club The London REIGN. They are aiming to expand the restaurant’s brand internationally.
Piraña is located at 7-9 St James's St, London SW1A 1EE, United Kingdom; piranalondon.com
Need more inspiration? See our reviews of the best new London restaurants
-
Marta Pan and André Wogenscky's legacy is alive through their modernist home in FranceFondation Marta Pan – André Wogenscky: how a creative couple’s sculptural masterpiece in France keeps its authors’ legacy alive
-
A Dubai ‘sky palace’ debuts developer Omniyat’s new Bespoke categoryOmniyat Bespoke, the developer’s new ultra-luxury arm, launches with the Luna Sky Palace penthouse at Orla, Dorchester Collection
-
Cantiere delle Marche is an Italian shipyard with a speciality: the high-end explorer yachtWe talk to Vasco Buonpensiere, CEO of Cantiere Delle Marche, about the rise of ultra-self-sufficient, multi-purpose, long distance explorer yachts
-
Now boarding Air Anya: Anya Hindmarch’s ode to aviation’s golden ageAnya Hindmarch’s new London concept store and travel accessories collection celebrate the glamour of 1970s air travel
-
‘A place for carnivores’ – Ibai is a London restaurant that celebrates Basque Country beefA Clerkenwell restaurant where unhurried steak is the star of the show
-
La Môme London finds its home at The Berkeley hotelAll the razzle-dazzle of Cannes and Monte Carlo is wrapped up in this one fabulous dining room and terrace in London
-
The new dawn of the London sandwich shopThe appeal of a quick meal between two slices of bread has long held sway in the UK. We look back on the rise of the sandwich shop and explore the new wave of London venues that are making it a more stylised experience
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designThere’s more magic to the movies at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s ‘flying’ roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
-
London's coolest design-led coffee shops for your Fashion Week fixCoffee shops are the heart of London’s neighbourhoods, discover those fusing speciality beans and stylish interiors for the perfect brew
-
Shakara is a stylish new addition to London's West African dining sceneShakara, a new Marylebone bar and dining room, adds to the city's ever-more impressive high-end West African dining scene
-
First a fishmonger then a restaurant, how Applebee’s became a Borough Market stapleIn line with the London seafood restaurant’s 25th anniversary, Applebee’s is reopening with a new menu and a new look courtesy of design studio A-nrd
