Chef Jihun Kim abruptly departs Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s Michelin-starred Somssi

Chef Jihun Kim of the Michelin-starred Somssi by Jihun Kim at the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair has announced his departure from the luxury London hotel.

 

It comes just five weeks after the Korean chef’s table restaurant, loosely translated to ‘craftsmanship’, secured a Michelin star at the awards in Dublin after roughly six months of trading.

 

Mandarin Oriental Mayfair has since confirmed to The Caterer that Somssi by Jihun Kim has closed.

 

In a post on Instagram yesterday (17 March), Kim said: “Today marks my departure of the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair after an unforgettable journey—full of highs, lows, and everything in between.

 

“From opening Akira Back at DNA, to building and evolving concepts like Dosa Kitchen Table, to the pride of earning a Michelin star in 6 months… losing it shortly after, and quietly working to earn it back again in 2026 as Somssi by Jihun Kim.

 

“I often think back to a drive I once did from British Columbia to Toronto—pitch black roads, no GPS, seeing only a few meters ahead. But I kept moving forward. Every moment shaped me. Same mindset.

 

“Those who have enjoyed Somssi and been part of its journey—I hope to welcome you again, wherever that may be.”

 

A spkoesperson for Mandarin Oriental Mayfair told The Caterer: "Somssi by Jihun Kim has closed its doors at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London, following an exceptional tenure during which the restaurant successfully retained its Michelin star. It has been a privilege to collaborate with Chef Jihun Kim, whose talent, vision, and commitment to excellence have made a significant contribution to our culinary offering. We extend our sincere gratitude for his dedication and partnership, and we wish him continued success in his future endeavours.

 

"While this chapter comes to a close, it also signals the beginning of an exciting new phase for the culinary programme at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. We remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering outstanding dining experiences and upholding the highest standards of culinary excellence for our guests across Atrium Restaurant and Hanover Bar."

 

Kim had previously been the executive chef at Dosa by Akira Back, which opened in September 2024 as Mandarin Oriental Mayfair’s flagship restaurant.

 

At the time, it was lauded as one of the first fine dining Korean restaurants in London and marked Korean-American chef Back’s first UK outpost.

 

Dosa by Akira Back was awarded a Michelin star in February last year, but it closed after Back concluded all culinary operations at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in July 2025.

 

Kim subsequently opened Somssi by Jihun Kim in the former Dosa site, serving refined Korean cuisine.

 

The 50-bedroom Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, which incorporates 77 residences, was launched in June 2024, marking Mandarin Oriental Group’s second UK hotel. 

 

Mandarin Oriental Group operates over 40 hotels across 26 countries and territories.