#FOOD: AKIRA BACK OTTAWA SET TO OPEN DOORS IN OTTAWA MARCH 21, 2026

The highly anticipated Ottawa outpost from globally renowned chef and restaurateur Akira Back will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 21, 2026 inside the Fairmont Château Laurier at 1 Rideau Street in the heart of Canada’s capital. The new dining destination will invite guests to experience Back’s signature approach to modern Japanese cuisine with global influences, served in an energetic atmosphere designed for sharing and discovery.

The Boardroom, Private Dining Room

“Opening Akira Back in Ottawa is a moment I’ve been looking forward to,” said Chef Akira Back. “As the capital of Canada, it’s a city with such a strong sense of history and culture, and I’m excited to finally welcome guests through the doors and share the flavours, creativity and spirit that define the restaurant.”

Adding a personal element to the space, the restaurant will feature bold artwork created by Young Hee Back, Chef Akira Back’s mother, bringing vibrant colour and artistic character to the dining room.

The opening menu will showcase a selection of Akira Back’s globally celebrated dishes alongside new creations developed specifically for Ottawa, blending refined technique with bold flavour combinations. Guests will be able to enjoy signature plates such as Tuna Pizza, Salmon Tataki, signature rolls like Brother from Another Mother, as well as premium mains including Wagyu Picanha and Seared Seabass. The experience will conclude with desserts like the AB Cigar and Apple Harumaki, offering a playful finish that reflects the restaurant’s signature balance of creativity and elegance.

Grilled Alaskan King Crab

The beverage program will feature a curated sake list alongside a selection of signature cocktails, including the Lychi-tini, Wise Samurai and Geisha, designed to complement the restaurant’s menu and Japanese-inspired flavours.

“We’re delighted to officially welcome guests to Akira Back Ottawa beginning March 21,” said Genevieve Dumas, General Manager of Fairmont Château Laurier. “From the menu and cocktail program to the vibrant energy of the space, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to deliver a memorable dining experience that feels elevated, dynamic, and uniquely Ottawa.”

Akira Back Ottawa will officially open to the public on Saturday, March 21 and will operate daily from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Reservations are now open. For more information or to reserve a table, visit www.akirabackottawa.com.

CONNECT

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

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

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 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 28 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: Rome, Taipei and Pensacola for a global footprint that is unmatched. For more information, visit the company website at www.akiraback.com.

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.