London’s Piraña restaurant combines Japanese-Peruvian fusion with lavishly moody surrounds
Piraña restaurant wraps a delicious Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu in an alluringly moody atmosphere in central London’s Mayfair

Japanese fusions are a popular twist to familiar East Asian flavours – and Piraña restaurant in London is the latest offering in this growing trend. Set in swishy Mayfair, this new restaurant serves a delicious Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu orchestrated by chef Mark Morrans (formerly at Nobu and MNKY HSE). Beyond its tasty Nikkei delights, the space also brings together modern design, a pleasingly moody atmosphere and energetic vibes, courtesy of design studio LXA.
Wallpaper* dines at Piraña
The mood: textured and immersive
The space designed by the London-based interior specialists juxtaposes Japanese cultural hints with the ‘aggressive essence of the Amazonian Piranha.’ Subtle underwater references mix with Japanese heritage’s iconic figures such as Samurais and Geishas. It all comes together in a deep, dark-coloured colour palette, craft-rich materials and details, and carefully planned lighting that adds to the overall space’s allure.
From its slightly more informal front bar and counter to its expansive two main rooms and private dining area beyond, Piraña feels textured and immersive.
The food: an irresistible Japanese-Peruvian fusion
The menu is awash with highlights. A raw section includes Seabass Ceviche with Aji Amarilo leche de tigre, sweet potato and choclo corn, Hamachi with yuzu ponzu, jalapeno and coriander and Crispy Rice with spicy salmon. Meanwhile, sushi options feature selections of Sashimi, Nigiri and Sushi Rolls. The Crunchy Wagyu Maki is a must.
More mouthwatering dishes span Rock Shrimp Tempura, Salmon Teriyaki, Udon Noodles with mixed seafood and vegetables, Steamed King Crab Leg with spicy mayonnaise and Butter Roasted Chilean Seabass with shiso.
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Piraña’s co-founders Garry Caprani and Asher Grant are deft hands in hospitality. Their past combines strategic moves in the capital’s leisure and entertainment industry, such as the popular club The London REIGN. They are aiming to expand the restaurant’s brand internationally.
Piraña is located at 7-9 St James's St, London SW1A 1EE, United Kingdom; piranalondon.com
Need more inspiration? See our reviews of the best new London restaurants
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
What to see at Frieze Seoul 2025
Don't miss this mix of contemporary and established artists at Frieze Seoul, 3-6 September; here’s our guide to the fair and what's on around the city
-
Four under-the-radar travel destinations to book in 2026 – before everyone else does
You'd be forgiven if none of these locations are on your travel bingo card – yet
-
Estudio Ome on how the goal of its landscapes ‘is to provoke, even through a subtle detail, an experience’
The Mexico City-based practice explores landscape architecture in Mexico, France and beyond, seeking to unite ‘art and ecology’
-
The Macbeth, an icon of indie sleaze, goes from grotty to gastro
An East End legend meets Portuguese small plates in Jamie Allan’s ambitious revival of a beloved Hackney watering hole
-
A complete collection of Phaidon’s ‘Contemporary Artists Series’ is on display in London
A 30-year project reaching 100 volumes is being celebrated with an exhibition at the 45 Park Lane hotel, including limited-edition works by Kaws and Dana Schutz
-
London’s best pizza restaurant gets a new home in Mayfair
Secure a slice of New York-style pizza in central London as Crisp Pizza teams up with the Devonshire pub to set up shop in the relaunched The Marlborough
-
At this east London listening bar, mezcal-fuelled cocktails hit as hard as the basslines
In Bethnal Green, Little Fires pairs vinyl grooves with mezcal margaritas and Oaxacan sharing plates
-
Harry Nuriev’s Noisy Oyster London bistro isn’t quite finished – and that’s the point
A futuristic, work-in-progress aesthetic forms a striking backdrop for a new, sustainably focused seafood bistro in Shoreditch
-
Head to Lupa for a taste of Rome in the heart of Highbury
Ed Templeton, Theo James and Naz Hassan unveil an intimate 28-seat restaurant that balances a cosy, candlelit atmosphere with Roman-style dining
-
Underground grooves and a touch of ‘controlled chaos’ make this exciting Japanese-inspired restaurant one to book
Moi, a new subterranean hotspot in London, is a feast for the senses
-
Café Kitsuné doubles down on London with a new location
Café Kitsuné continues its global expansion with a bijou two-floor venue in Covent Garden that prioritises both craft and flavour