Architectural and Interior Design studio AB Concept recently unveiled the latest chapter in the celebrated Akira Back restaurant collection – Akira Back, Hong Kong…
Nestled within The Henderson in Central Hong Kong, the building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, this venue is part of a visionary development featuring a striking, sculptural exterior, set to become the next iconic symbol in the city’s skyline. Designed by AB Concept’s Associate Rex Wang and his team, this immersive dining venue redefines gastronomy as a dramatic multisensory performance, uniting Chef Akira Back’s bold vision with AB Concept’s signature approach to emotive design storytelling.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
“For Akira Back’s Hong Kong restaurant, this project showcases what AB Concept can achieve when creativity meets storytelling,” commented Ed Ng, Co-founder of AB Concept. “With the freedom to push design boundaries, we created a space as bold and innovative as chef Back’s cuisine. More than a restaurant, it stands as a new dining landmark in the heart of Central – where design and culinary artistry merge to deliver an unforgettable experience. This milestone is especially meaningful as it reflects the close collaborative partnership we’ve enjoyed with Henderson Land over many years, and we are proud to have shaped this enchanting destination together.”
Rooted in Chef Akira Back’s cultural background and elevated through the elegance of Japanese artistry, the ‘Culinary Symphony’ concept unfolds as a bold, multisensory journey. The restaurant becomes a theatre of the present day, positioning its guests as protagonists within VIP-inspired settings that exude both refinement and theatrical intensity. The atmosphere strikes a harmonious balance between tradition and innovation, appealing to a diverse clientele.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
“Designs are inspired by chef Back’s heritage where every detail, from texture to colour tone, complement one other. My goal is to create a space that orchestrates emotion, rhythm, and refinement, elevating the dining experience to new heights. We envision this restaurant as a vibrant hub in Central, where exceptional food and captivating design converge, becoming an enduring fixture in the city’s heart” added Rex Wang, Associate of AB Concept.
The journey begins with a bold architectural statement: a swirling, hand-forged metal vortex that anchors the entrance, connecting ceiling to floor in a powerful gesture of energy and movement. This sculptural threshold serves as both a visual emblem of Akira Back’s brand and a moment of transformation, blurring the line between space and spectacle.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
Inside, the dynamic atmosphere continues, balancing vibrant modernity with refined sophistication. Bold colours and sweeping patterns inject energy, while soft, luxurious fabrics, carved wooden walls, and gold accents infuse the space with warmth and elegance. Immediately beyond the entrance, the eye is drawn to the Pink Bar, a show-stopping monolith carved from a rare, single block of pink marble with its bold brushstroke veins accentuating the space’s youthful elegance. More than just a cocktail bar, this exquisite monolith sets the tone for the experience to come, serving as a visual overture to the culinary performance that unfolds throughout the restaurant.
A symphony of gold, wood, and metal defines the main dining area, with enclosed tables set in semi-private nooks that strike a balance between intimacy and grandeur. Beneath guests’ feet, a custom-designed marble floor, laid in unique parquet patterns, flows organically across the space, injecting youthful energy and contemporary flair.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
Above, pendant lights scattered like a strand of pearls trace a random yet harmonious rhythm across the ceiling, which is further adorned with delicate gold leafing that casts a soft, ethereal glow, amplifying the sense of curated spontaneity and elevating the sensory experience.
Bespoke furniture pieces, defined by their soft curves, mirror the organic contours of the curved walls and ceilings, fostering cohesion throughout the room. Accent fabrics in shades of red, blue, and pink, drawn from classic Japanese palettes and reminiscent of rice wheat milling, offer a dual sensory experience through contrasting tactile qualities inside and out. Together, the dramatic architectural forms, artisanal materials, and carefully curated lighting tell a narrative of cultural fusion and artistic exploration, creating a vibrant yet elegant ambience that resonates with a modern audience.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
At the heart of this theatrical setting lies the signature sushi bar, offering a front-row seat to Chef Akira Back’s celebrated artistry. Crafted for intimacy and engagement, the bar invites guests into a personal dialogue with the chef, reinforcing the restaurant’s ethos of performance and participation.
A sleek pink marble counter with bold veins mirrors the entrance bar, while lacquered wood seating and plush fabric accents balance comfort with minimalist elegance. Surrounding this focal point, spoon-carved wooden accents add warmth, texture, and a subtle nod to traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist. Textiles inspired by Japanese rice-milling techniques drape the space in nuanced patterns and muted tones, embedding layers of heritage within a thoroughly contemporary aesthetic.
Image credit: Owen Raggett
The private dining room offers a captivating ‘unboxing’ experience, an immersive retreat where creativity, heritage, and elegance converge. Overhead, a sculptural ceiling inspired by the form of a soft, marshmallow-like sphere anchors the space with a sense of playful sophistication. Surrounding guests, vibrant walls come alive with a graffiti-style motif derived from a painting by Chef Akira Back’s mother, continuing the visual dialogue established in the sushi bar, where patterns inspired by her artwork also appear. This emotional tribute transforms the space into an intimate, personal extension of the chef’s heritage.
Thoughtfully curated furnishings, including polished brass chairs, plush gold-toned fabrics, and rich, bold colours, enhance the sense of intimacy and refinement. Bathed in natural light by day, the space glows from within, its striking design visible from Cotton Tree Drive, adding vibrancy and allure to The Henderson.
Main image credit: Owen Raggett
