Modern Japanese Culinary Art Arrives at The St. Regis Rome
The St. Regis Rome welcomes one of the world’s most celebrated culinary visionaries. Chef Akira Back brings his distinctive interpretation of modern Japanese cuisine, elevated by refined Korean influences. Combining theatrical artistry, revolutionary approach and vibrant energy, every evening becomes a sensory journey designed to surprise and delight.
With 29 restaurants worldwide and 10 new openings scheduled in the next 2 years, Akira Back Rome is poised to become one of the city’s most sought-after dining destinations.
Designed to appeal to both Roman residents and international visitors, the restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
“I am particularly delighted to welcome Akira Back and introduce his internationally acclaimed culinary vision to the city,” says Giuseppe De Martino, General Manager of The St. Regis Rome. “The opening of Akira Back Rome in the heart of Esquilino, one of the city’s most historic and culturally vibrant districts, represents an exciting addition to Rome’s gastronomic landscape. It enriches our guests’ culinary journey alongside Lumen, while establishing a new destination for both Romans and cosmopolitan travelers.”
Embracing the spirit of hospitality that defines The St. Regis Rome, the restaurant becomes a new destination for lovers of Japanese cuisine, where Rome continues its dialogue with global flavors through authenticity, design and luxury hospitality.
The creative and innovative menu reflects Chef Akira Back’s identity, presenting modern Japanese cuisine deeply influenced by his Korean heritage and international experiences. The culinary offering features both signature dishes and tasting menus. Guests can enjoy some of Chef Back’s most celebrated creations, including the iconic AB Tuna Pizza, featuring bluefin tuna, umami aioli, micro shiso and white truffle oil on a crisp base, alongside Wagyu Tacos, the indulgent Brother From Another Mother Roll with unagi, anago tempura, foie gras and ponzu aioli, as well as an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi and signature rolls.
For adventurous diners, the exclusive NAZO 9 experience presents a theatrical tableside showcase of nine chef-selected creations designed to surprise and delight through bold flavor combinations and unexpected ingredients. Premium products such as black truffle, Alaskan king crab and Wagyu beef are featured throughout the menu.
The restaurant remains open after dinner, as the atmosphere becomes increasingly vibrant. Guests can enjoy a curated selection of desserts and sake accompanied by ambient music, while a regal color palette of gold, powder blue, forest green and amaranth creates the perfect backdrop for an experience that embraces Rome while transporting guests on a global culinary journey.
“There are moments in life that create memories so profound they must be shared with the world,” says Chef Akira Back.“At our restaurants, we invite guests to experience those moments with us and create new ones together. Opening in Rome, a city that has inspired generations through its history, beauty and culture, marks a significant milestone for our brand.”
A Blacksheep Group project by House of Black, it creates a dialogue between Rome’s historic heritage and the immersive identity of the Akira Back brand. Inspired by the concept of “Hidden Portals within the Eternal City,” for the 72-seat restaurant
The main entrance opens directly onto Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando, adjacent to the hotel and connected through a private passageway to the iconic Fontana del Mosè, part of the Acquedotto Felice commissioned by Pope Sixtus V in 1587. A second entrance reveals the restaurant from within the hotel, creating a seamless connection between The St. Regis Rome and the dining experience. From either entrance, guests embark on a journey toward the city through a newly dedicated street-facing access framed by jasmine and the romantic atmosphere of a Roman sunset.
A sequence of interconnected spaces transforms the venue into a voyage of discovery, combining distinct yet harmonious environments. Shades of tobacco, gold and rust blend with velvet furnishings in powder blue, forest green and amaranth, creating an immersive atmosphere.
Textured glass elements inspired by the stained-glass windows of Rome’s historic cathedrals further enhance the atmosphere. Another destination within the venue is the dramatic open kitchen located on the upper level, where chefs are revealed through carefully framed views and theatrical lighting.
Custom furnishings crafted by Italian artisans, glass installations and artworks by Young Hee Back, mother of Chef Akira Back, enrich the interiors, creating a seamless fusion of contemporary luxury and Roman character.
To further strengthen the restaurant’s connection with Rome’s creative scene, staff uniforms were developed in collaboration with Katia Minniti of Coromandel, offering a contemporary interpretation of the meeting between Eastern aesthetics and local sartorial craftsmanship. Inspired by the restaurant’s interiors and atmosphere, the uniforms combine Western tailoring with details drawn from Japanese tradition, expressed through a refined palette of midnight blue, black, dark brown and burgundy; the same tones that define the restaurant’s interior design. The result is a distinctive and cohesive visual language that becomes an integral part of the Akira Back experience.
The project also reflects a thoughtful approach to preservation and sustainability, enhancing the hotel’s historic spaces through a design intervention that respects their identity while celebrating luxury craftsmanship, in keeping with the enduring legacy of The St. Regis Rome, an icon of Roman hospitality.
Akira Back
The Akira Back brand is a diverse portfolio of restaurants and lounges around the globe which pride themselves on creating innovative culinary experiences combined with a social atmosphere and elegant ambiance. The mission statement is to make unforgettable memories for our guests by revolutionizing the dining experience through one-of-a-kind dishes and gracious service.
Seoul native and former professional snowboarder, Chef Akira Back spent his early years appearing in extreme sports movies and garnering praise from the sport’s top trade publications. Back eventually retired from snowboarding and took his need for speed and desire for adventure to the kitchen.
Chef Back has since brought his culinary expertise and artistry across the globe. He currently operates 29 locations under his banner in cities such as Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, Delray Beach, Singapore, Toronto and more. He plans to open 10 more over the next 2 years including: Taipei, Manila and Red Sea for a global footprint that is unmatched. For more information, visit the company website at www.akiraback.com
The St. Regis Rome
On January 11, 1894, the Grand Hotel Rome was officially inaugurated by Cesar Ritz with a magnificent dinner for 100 distinguished guests, featuring a refined 16-course banquet prepared by Executive Chef Auguste Escoffier.
Converted into the first St. Regis property in Europe in 2000, the hotel has continuously combined its rich historical heritage with innovation and contemporary sophistication, becoming a landmark for both Romans and the international community. Having celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2024, The St. Regis Rome has embraced a new era of glamour, brilliantly capturing the city’s ever-evolving spirit while preserving its legendary allure and impeccable style.
At the heart of the hotel is Lumen, a modern Roman salon that serves as a true piazza of Bon Vivre, blending heritage and creativity on an ever-evolving stage. Here, every form of art, from gastronomy and hospitality to cinema, fashion, music, entertainment, sustainability and social responsibility, converges in a continuous dialogue between international guests and Roman tastemakers.
