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Muzo logo, Interior Design, Walthamstow, London, restaurant design
V1 Front 2_edited.jpg

RAI

Bloomsbury, London
Japanese Omakase restaurant

Muzo conceptualised and designed RAI, a high-end Japanese omakase sushi restaurant located in the heart of Bloomsbury, London. The design was crafted to offer an immersive and intimate dining experience, transporting guests on a culinary journey through the artistry of Japanese cuisine. The space was envisioned to create a serene, exclusive environment that enhances the beauty of the traditional Japanese dining ritual.

Upon entering RAI, guests are enveloped in a tranquil ambience created by the presence of authentic zen gardens and natural materials. The design is focused on understated elegance, with every detail contributing to the sense of serenity. The restaurant features only 5 tables and 9 seats at the sushi counter, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience. Each table is carefully arranged to maximise privacy and comfort, encouraging relaxation and fostering meaningful connection.

image of a table and background at Rai, High-End Japanese Sushi Restaurant Design Project
image of the front bar and table at Rai, High-End Japanese Sushi Restaurant in London, interior design project

At the heart of the dining space stands a deep red acer, its branches extending gracefully, bringing seasonal beauty and harmony—an homage to the zen gardens of Japan. The interior design blends traditional Japanese finishes with contemporary style, using stone and wood to create a connection with nature. The zen garden features a stone lantern, silver gravel, a water fountain, and Japanese plants, emphasising the Japanese philosophy of nature and contemplation. Black-stained wood accents add warmth and sophistication, which is enhanced by soft ambient lighting filtering throughout the space.

A round mirror on the feature wall next to the acer pays homage to the ancient Japanese ritual of autumn moon viewing (Tsukimi), reflecting the ambient light and adding a layer of tranquillity and reflection to the atmosphere. This mirror serves as a meditation on the mysterious beauty of Japanese tradition, subtly woven into the overall design.

The sushi counter, a key feature of the restaurant, showcases an original wood countertop that was reclaimed, restored, and stained to bring it back to life. The bar front is clad in split-face slate tiles, providing a striking yet refined contrast to the organic feel of the space. Elegant bar stools complete the look, offering a refined yet comfortable space for guests to experience the art of sushi preparation.

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