RAI
Japanese Omakase restaurant
Located in Bloomsbury, London, RAI is a high-end Japanese Omakase restaurant designed to offer an immersive and exclusive dining experience. The space features only 5 tables and 9 sushi counter seats, fostering an atmosphere of understated elegance and serenity.
Zen Philosophy & Moon Viewing
Guests are greeted by an authentic zen garden featuring a stone lantern, water fountain, and silver gravel. At the heart of the space, a deep red acer brings seasonal harmony, complemented by a round mirror that pays homage to Tsukimi (autumn moon viewing)—reflecting ambient light and adding a layer of tranquillity to the design.
Reclaimed Craftsmanship & Natural Stone
The design prioritises a connection with nature, utilising a palette of stone, timber, and black-stained accents to ground the space. This material honesty is best expressed at the restaurant's heart, where an original reclaimed countertop has been restored and stained to anchor the dining room.
To contrast the organic warmth of the wood, the bar front is clad in refined split-face slate tiles. This juxtaposition between raw, textured stone and the smooth, contemporary finishes defines RAI’s sophisticated, meditative tone—ensuring the architecture supports the traditional Japanese ritual of sushi preparation.
