The campaign will open on 12 September, following the final Otaku service in August. For the past two years, Posener has operated the 18-course tasting menu from his parents’ kitchen in North London.
Otaku began as Posener’s first independent venture and has since developed a following for its tasting menu, which has evolved throughout its two-year run. The permanent restaurant will mark the next stage of the project.
“I’ve cooked every Otaku service from my parents’ kitchen. They’ve been incredibly patient, but I think they’d quite like it back,” says Posener.
“Otaku started because I wanted to prove I could cook the kind of food I believed in.
“Over the last two years it’s grown into something much bigger than I expected, but I’ve always known it was a stepping stone to my first restaurant.
“A permanent restaurant is the natural progression. It’s where I want to be chasing Michelin stars, while having the time and space to keep developing the food and the experience.
“Kickstarter felt like the right way to make that happen because the people who’ve eaten at Otaku already understand what we’re trying to build.”
Posener’s professional career began after a meal at Gareth Ward’s two-Michelin-starred Ynyshir in Wales, which he has previously cited as influential in his decision to pursue cooking. He subsequently trained at Ynyshir before working in London, including at one-Michelin-starred Cycene.
The name ‘Otaku’ is taken from the Japanese term for someone with an obsessive interest in their craft. Posener says he plans to carry the same focus on detail into the permanent restaurant.
The Kickstarter campaign will offer a range of rewards at different price points. A £25 pledge will secure a place on the restaurant’s founders’ plaque, while £50 backers can receive a limited Otaku Silver Card, offering priority bookings and other benefits.
Higher-value rewards include a pre-opening launch party at £250, dinner for two during the restaurant’s first six months for £500, and a £1,000 package including dinner for two during the opening fortnight and an Otaku Black Card.
The most expensive rewards include £5,000 for a private five-course dinner cooked by Posener at the backer’s home for up to 10 guests, and £7,500 for private hire of the restaurant for 16 guests during its first year.