I’ll admit, I didn’t immediately peg Ottawa as the next move for Akira Back. But a few appetizers in, I started to understand why.
Set inside the Fairmont Château Laurier, the restaurant feels part of something bigger. The castle-like landmark, which opened in 1912, has entered a new chapter, one that blends heritage with a sharper, more contemporary edge. The timing is notable: the hotel’s Fairmont Gold experience (an exclusive “hotel-within-a-hotel” offering) earned a Michelin Key, making it the first in Ottawa to receive the honour, just as Akira Back’s namesake restaurant debuts.
Artistry and private dining come together at Akira Back Ottawa. The space is anchored by a mural painted by the chef’s mother, celebrating family, creativity and heritage in an intimate setting for up to 12 guests.
I can confirm it is a very special stay. Guests check in through a private entrance, enjoy a personalized concierge service and have access to a premium lounge serving breakfast, evening canapés, wine and desserts throughout the day. The Gold experience feels like a boutique hotel tucked inside the grand property, classic in style, but fully updated.
Inside Akira Back, the mood is dramatic yet polished, anchored by a striking sushi bar and bold artwork created by the chef’s mother. Before the first bite, you get the sense that dinner is meant to be an experience, not just a meal.
The signature AB Wagyu beef tartare, a global favourite now featured on the menu at Akira Back Ottawa.
The menu leans into Back’s signature style: Japanese cuisine that draws on Korean influences and a global perspective. The AB signature pizzas are good, but for me, the standout is the ultra-rich A5 Wagyu tartare, the best I’ve had. Other highlights include the Hokkaido scallop with kiwi, hitting a precise balance of sweet, tart and clean. I’m also still thinking about the miso eggplant, the perfect storm rolls and the sesame-laced amazu cucumber salad.
Ottawa’s storied Fairmont might not seem to be the obvious choice for a modern Korean-Japanese restaurant, but in a world-class setting like this, where history, design and serious culinary ambition come together, it makes perfect sense.
Visit chateaulaurier.com to plan your stay.
