About Ayllu: London's Nikkei Restaurant In Paddington
The Ayllu Concept
Ayllu is a word from the Quechua language of the Inca Empire. It describes the community — the group of families who shared land, food and time together. Not a transaction. A gathering.
That idea sits at the heart of everything here. The restaurant is in Paddington Central, tucked beneath Smith's Bar & Grill on Sheldon Square, a short walk from the canal. The space is dark-walled, low-lit, built for evenings that take their time. Plush banquettes, deliberate service, a room that earns its energy as the night moves forward.
The menu is built to share. The table is the point.
What Is Nikkei Cuisine?
Nikkei cuisine was born when Japanese immigrants arrived in Peru in the late 19th century and brought their techniques with them. Two food cultures — both built on a deep respect for freshness, fish, and precision — found each other and created something new. Japanese restraint meeting Peruvian fire. Sashimi technique applied to Peruvian ingredients. Leche de tigre sharpened with yuzu. Aji amarillo heat balanced against the clean acidity of citrus.
It is one of the most compelling culinary fusions in the world. At Ayllu, it is the only thing on the menu.
The food is not designed to impress on first glance. It is designed to be eaten — and remembered.
The Kitchen: Igor Pereira & Sandesh Baral
Head Chef Igor Pereira
Igor Pereira leads the kitchen at Ayllu, responsible for the Nikkei sharing plates, tasting menus and the broader direction of the food. His cooking draws on the full range of Nikkei technique — bold Peruvian flavours executed with Japanese precision. The black cod, the beef tataki, the anticuchos: dishes that are straightforward to describe and difficult to replicate.
Head Sushi Chef Sandesh Baral
Sandesh Baral oversees all sushi at Ayllu — the rolls, nigiris, sashimi and Sushi Platters. The approach is ingredient-first: high-quality fish, seasoned rice, sauces that enhance rather than mask. The chu-toro is cut to order. The truffle roll is one of the most-ordered dishes on the menu. The bluefin tuna — whether roll, nigiri or sashimi — is the reason regulars come back.
Together, they run a kitchen that On In London described as delivering "fine dining principles in a relaxed, contemporary approach" — food that is "polished and considered, yet refreshingly unpretentious.”
Finding Us: Paddington Central, London
Ayllu sits at 25 Sheldon Square, Paddington Central — W2 6EY. Few minutes from Paddington Station on foot, directly accessible via the Elizabeth line, Bakerloo line and the Heathrow Express.
The entrance is through Smith's Bar & Grill. Follow the staircase down. The room opens up — dark walls, plush banquettes, a space that feels set apart from the city above it.
Reservations are advised, particularly for Friday and Saturday evenings and weekend brunch. Walk-ins are welcome subject to availability.
Open Monday to Thursday 12pm–11pm, Friday 12pm–midnight, Saturday 11am–midnight, Sunday 12pm–10:30pm.
Nikkei Tasting Menus • Bottomless Brunch • Private Dining
Book Your Table
Whether you're coming for the Nikkei menus, the weekend Samba brunch, or a private dining event — the table is ready.