Restaurant operator Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini and former chef of Osteria Francescana Ivan Simeoli are bringing to life a new concept in London in which they combine Italian cuisine with traditional Japanese techniques and flavors. Itaku, which will be opened in January 2022, is inspired by the food culture of both countries.

Itaku’s kitchen, which will be opened on Great Portland Street, features Ivan Simeoli, who worked with Massimo Bottura at the three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana. Nicholas Medicamento, who previously worked at Savoy’s American Bar, is the curator of the cocktail menu.

The menu of the 60-seat restaurant includes truffle carbonara, seafood linguine, sashimi and many more. Speaking about the restaurant, Fernandez-Versini said, “Everything good takes time, which is why Chef Ivan and I have taken a while to open our first restaurant in London. We wanted to launch something distinctive and unique and hope that our customers like it as much as we do! We so look forward to welcoming them in January.”