Ayllu in Paddington delivers one of the most impressive showcases of Nikkei dining in the capital, where Japanese precision meets Peruvian fire next to the Grand Union Canal. The restaurant has quickly established itself as one of W2’s best-kept secrets, driven by bold flavours, late-night energy, and a menu that captures the core principles of Nikkei both in terms of its sharing-plate design and its spectacular fusion flavours that have won over regular diners and critics alike.
Born from Japanese migration to Peru, Nikkei cuisine balances spice, citrus, and heat with remarkable precision. That delicacy runs through everything at Ayllu, from fresh sashimi to punchy ceviches, with dishes shaped by clarity, contrast, and absolute balance.
The menu confidently swings between raw, grilled, and indulgent plates. Bluefin Tuna Tartare is layered with wasabi soy, caviar and crispy rice; Karaage Chicken is lifted with a hot rocoto; Beef Tequeños sit beside a cool ocopa sauce. Ceviche and Tiradito are core to the menu, from yellowfin tuna with raspberry ponzu and tomato condiment to umami-rich beef tataki with ponzu salsa.
Larger plates include Slow-cooked Short Beef Rib with chipotle, shiso and pineapple relish, Black Cod with orange dashi butter and panca oil, and a full Peruvian Steak BBQ, each designed for sharing at the table.
The tasting menus are a great way to explore the breadth of the offering. The Cuzco menu brings nine sharing dishes at £45 per person, spanning edamame, uramaki rolls, ceviche and skewers with a choice of main. At the higher end, the Machu Picchu menu at £59 provides an elevated experience with bluefin tuna roll, beef tataki and Peruvian barbecue plates. And for something shorter, the £29 weekday lunch menu includes five of the key dishes, served between midday and early evening.
Ayllu transforms into the ultimate place to be on weekends, with its Samba bottomless brunch taking centre stage in West London. Running Saturdays and Sundays, guests are treated to unlimited Nikkei plates with free-flowing drinks, live DJs and three separate Samba performances across the session. From £37 per person, guests can work through ceviches, sushi rolls, mains and desserts, with an optional £55 package adding prosecco, wine or cocktails.
Behind it all, Head Chef Igor Pereira and Head Sushi Chef Sandesh Baral bring their abundant experience, strong personalities, and precision they are well known for to the menu. Pereira drives the kitchen’s bold, fire-led Nikkei plates, while Baral oversees sushi with an ingredient-first approach that has made dishes like the truffle roll and bluefin tuna a regular draw. Together, they serve up Nikkei dining at its finest, with a rhythm, flavour, and atmosphere that have kept Ayllu on the foodie map as an absolute must-try.
You can find Ayllu at 25 Sheldon Square, London W2 6EY. Book your table, reserve your space for the Samba brunch, and explore the full menus right here.
