Akira Back
Overview
Akira Back is a Korean-American chef and restaurateur known for his innovative interpretations of Japanese and Korean cuisine. He operates a global portfolio of 28 restaurants, including the Michelin-starred *Dosa* in Seoul. His cuisine blends traditional techniques with modern influences, reflecting his adventurous background as a former professional snowboarder.Restaurants
North America
Yellowtail by Akira Back – Las Vegas Akira Back – Toronto TONO by Akira Back – Toronto Akira Back – Delray Beach ABSteak – San Francisco ABSteak – Beverly Hills Lumi Rooftop by Akira Back – San Diego Salt & the Cellar by Akira Back – Orlando Norikaya – Los AngelesSouth America
Akira Back – ArubaEurope
Akira Back – Paris Akira Back – London Dosa – LondonMiddle East
Akira Back – Dubai Akira Back – Riyadh Namu – Riyadh TONO by Akira Back – Doha, QatarAsia
Akira Back – Seoul Akira Back – Singapore Akira Back – Bangkok ABar Rooftop & Lounge – Bangkok ABSteak & ABar – JakartaAfrica
Akira Back Rooftop – MarrakechEarly life
Back was born and raised in Seoul, Korea. He took a serious interest in baseball at a young age, but his baseball career ended shortly afterward when his father’s business took the family to the U.S. in 1989, eventually settling in Aspen, Colorado.At age 15, Back began his snowboarding career and spent 7 years on the professional snowboarding circuit. He appeared in various extreme sports movies. During the same period, he worked at local Japanese restaurants to supplement his earnings. This motivated him to pursue a culinary career. He enrolled at The Art Institute in Colorado to study at the International Culinary School.
Culinary career
After ending his snowboarding career, Back went on to study at the International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Colorado. In 1993, he began his first culinary job working at Kenichi in Aspen as sushi prep cook. He was later recruited to Kenichi in Austin, Texas and then in Kona, Hawaii, where he worked as the opening chef.In 2008, Back debuted Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Featured dishes include Bigeye Tuna Pizza and Maine Lobster Carpaccio.
In 2017, Back's Dosa earned a Michelin Star. He has opened restaurants under his name, Akira Back, in different countries such as the US, Canada, UAE, and South Korea.