SHAKARA

SHAKARA brings a refined take on African cooking to London, with Chef Victor Okunowo at the helm. His approach centers on honoring traditional flavors while giving them a contemporary, fine dining treatment — the kind of cooking that feels both rooted and considered. The menu leans into West African staples done with care. The Shakara jollof rice is a signature worth knowing about, as is the plantain, and a house salad built from radicchio, fennel, baby gem, anchovies, and peanuts that reads as genuinely distinctive. These aren't afterthoughts — the dishes show a kitchen with a clear point of view. The setting carries a romantic atmosphere, making it a strong pick for smaller group dinners or occasions that call for something with a bit more intention. There's also a cocktail bar on site, and the kitchen runs late and through Sundays — useful details when you're planning an evening that doesn't need to wrap up early.