Dec 17, 2025

Globally acclaimed Chef Akira Back will bring his namesake restaurant to Canada’s Capital in early 2026

OTTAWA, ON — Chef Akira Back is set to introduce his newest culinary destination inside Fairmont Château Laurier at 1 Rideau Street in the heart of Ottawa. Akira Back, the namesake restaurant from the globally renowned chef and restaurateur, will enhance the capital’s dining scene with its arrival. Expected to debut in early 2026, the restaurant will blend high-end dining, elegant artistry, modern Japanese cuisine with global influences, bringing a globally celebrated culinary perspective to one of Canada’s most notable hotels.

Chef Akira Back

The menu will showcase an array of Chef Akira’s greatest hits including the international favourite AB Tuna Pizza, consisting of a wafer-thin crunchy crust, umami aioli made with ponzu sauce, tuna sashimi, micro shiso and the 48 Hour Short Ribs, Australian wagyu cooked for 48 hours in a traditional galbi jjim marinade and the Nazo 9, a mystery box experience featuring nine chef-selected dishes, revealed tableside for an element of surprise and delight.

Nazo 9

The restaurant will seat 109 guests and will draw from Akira Back’s signature elevated and moody aesthetic. Dramatic yet refined, the space will be anchored by a showpiece sushi bar that blends artistry and craft. Two private dining rooms will offer intimate settings for gatherings of 12 to 16 guests.

Dining room rendering of Akira Back at Fairmont Château Laurier

“Akira Back Ottawa will reflect the type of thoughtfully crafted experience we strive to bring to the property,” said Geneviève Dumas, General Manager of Fairmont Château Laurier. “The combination of Chef Back’s visionary approach, the Fairmont’s historic elegance, and the restaurant’s striking contemporary design will deliver an unforgettable experience for guests and locals alike.”

Born in Seoul and raised in Aspen, Colorado, Chef Back’s unconventional journey from professional snowboarder to Michelin-starred chef has shaped a culinary style rooted in creativity, energy and precision. His 28 restaurants worldwide, which span Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, London, San Francisco, Toronto, Seoul and more, are recognized for their artistic presentations, dynamic social ambiance and innovative flavours.

“I’m excited to bring my culinary vision to Ottawa. It is thrilling for me in a city so rich in culture and history while also being the nation’s capital,” said Chef Akira Back. “My goal is to create a dining experience that feels both refined and unexpected, a place where guests will discover something exciting every time they visit.”

For more information, visit www.akirabackottawa.com.

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Akira Back Ottawa
Instagram: @akirabackottawa
Web: www.akirabackottawa.com

Fairmont Château Laurier
Instagram: @fairmontlaurier
Web: www.fairmont.com/laurier-ottawa

ABOUT FAIRMONT CHÂTEAU LAURIER
Fairmont Château Laurier has been turning moments into special memories since its grand opening in 1912. The historic castle stands proudly beside Parliament Hill in the heart of downtown Ottawa and has been a symbol of Canadian elegance and hospitality for 113 years. Blending timeless grandeur with contemporary sophistication, its 426 elegantly designed guest rooms and suites offer an experience rich in character, unmistakably tied to Canada’s capital. Guests can savour refined Canadian cuisine at the newly reimagined Zoé’s, enjoy its celebrated Afternoon Tea tradition, or take in Ottawa’s most sought-after seasonal patio experience at La Terrasse. A champion of sustainability and a proud 4 Green Key–certified property, the hotel also features unparalleled access to the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal. The reimagined Fairmont Gold, offering elevated accommodations and an exclusive lounge with sweeping views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, was awarded a distinguished MICHELIN Key in 2025 for its exceptional service and design. Frequently featured in film and literature and a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide, Fairmont Château Laurier continues to embody Fairmont’s signature approach to hospitality—where engaging service and iconic spaces create meaningful, memorable experiences at the heart of every visit.

ABOUT 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 Back has brought his culinary expertise and artistry across the globe. He currently operates 28 locations under his banner in cities such as Paris, Hong Kong, Dubai, Florence, London, Toronto Singapore, San Francisco, , Seoul and more. He plans to open 10 more over the next 2 years including: Taipei, Rome and Manila for a global footprint that is unmatched. For more information, visit the company website at www.akiraback.com.