Katana Robata and Sushi Bar, Dubai

Comprising of 475 sqm, open dining, a bar and large panoramic terrace, the stunningly designed Katana Robata and Sushi Bar lives up to the high expectations and complements its surroundings with subtle Japanese contrasts and details unique to its LA transatlantic origins.

The open style Sushi & Robatayaki bar and kitchen with striking backdrop features of urban Japanese detailed graffiti accentuated in the adjacent bar take centre stage against the generous open plan dining areas that act as the vibrant foreground. Intelligent use of screening’s provide Intimate and diverse seating arrangements without compromising the unity or the overall dining experience.

The interior is a sensory journey of sight, touch and smell.  Upon entering your journey through the space you are exposed to the simplistic beauty of the different surface textures and visual layering, animated by suspended lotus flowers and delicate lighting features. Printed metallic screens define various spatial layers, which are ultimately complimented by the floating embroidered sheers that add to the visual dynamic.

Traditional Japanese elements and materials diversely used echo sentiment and respect to past generations and styles, yet are able to push the boundaries of natural progression into contemporary urban living, or a complimentary hybrid that could perhaps one day be described as the traditional or considered to be the bridge between two contrasting styles.

The brief from Los Angeles was to create a restaurant which was to be located facing the Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. The client requested the design of the venue to loosely follow what you would envisage as “Mad Max meets Zen Catacomb” with “lots of texture and dramatic lighting”. One of the most important elements expressed by the client during the brief and concept phase were the use of a giant redwood tree for the tables, sushi and robata bar due to its natural depth of colour and texture being unlike any other wood to help make a dramatic statement.

The concept was to focus on using raw, traditional, natural elements, textures and visual layers in dynamic geometric forms to differentiate from the brands global venues and provide an identity unique to Dubai or one that could be used as a benchmark for all future restaurants within the region; contrasting features to the natural palettes could then be delicately used through lighting, artwork and furniture to enhance the design in a more urban contemporary manor. Subtle Japanese tatami patterns deliver a cohesion and reassurance back to traditions.

Whenever considering the application of natural elements and materials as features of a design, budget comes into question very early in the project phases. The unique undulating split-faced stone hand selected from China along with the American Redwood, commissioned Graffiti artwork on the distressed brick walls, lighting features and the overhead angular geometric ceiling made with bronze dipped solid timber joists were naturally a focus of priority within the 1,000,000/USD full interior fit-out budget given by the client.