Leveraging on its global restaurant design footprints, Steve Leung Hospitality Ltd. (SLH), a brand of Steve Leung Design Group (SLD) presents two highly anticipated Japanese dining spaces integrating a contemporary design approach and ingenious insights into gastronomy to deliver exceptional dining experiences in Hong Kong – Akanoshou in the prime location of Causeway Bay and Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant – Café & Bar Area located inside ifc mall in Central. Each reflects a distinctive Japanese aesthetic derived from a seamless integration between nature and culture, the two new designs transform every corner of the restaurants into an absolute visual favour for tastemakers and reinforce the Group’s excellence in commercial space design. Akanoshou  Located in the heart of Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Akanoshou (赤の匠) hints at its nature with its name – literally meaning “Master of Red” in Japanese, referencing the element of fire. The restaurant roots its design inspiration from the Japanese teppanyaki cooking style and the flaming heat that comes with this delectable grilled cuisine. The bold and energetic essence of signature Japanese teppanyaki cuisine is perfectly captured, resulting in a contemporary gastronomic space where guests can relax and indulge in a vibrant dining experience. The refined interplay of contrasts between the simple, rustic vibe of the wooden floor and ceiling, and the powerful calligraphic brushstrokes of blazing fire resonating with the dancing flame on the teppan grill, painted on a silvery backdrop right behind the host counter. The bespoke artwork is designed by the award-winning Ruth Chao Studio, infusing an artistic flair into the space. Entering the main dining area, the layered ceiling enriched by the exquisite lighting designed by internationally acclaimed lighting designer Tino Kwan, accentuates the restaurant’s 3.5m high ceiling, infusing a feeling of radiant luminosity that permeates the airy space. The spatial layout is cleverly arranged to fully maximize the space capacity and to offer patrons diverse dining experiences, encompassing 5 teppanyaki areas (4 private rooms and 1 common area), a sushi bar, à la carte and bar zones, and a balcony. The thoughtful spatial arrangement ensures a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to cater to different scenarios, whether it be for patrons’ personal dining needs or social gatherings. The journey continues with a sushi bar, where patrons are encouraged to unwind in a sophisticated ambience embracing sheer design aesthetics married with clean lines and neat simplicity. Hanging from the ceiling, bronze metal meshes crafted into elaborated wavy patterns gently infuse luminous accents within the space, whilst offering guests discreet privacy. The interior design of Akanoshou artfully captures the dynamic essence of a teppanyaki restaurant. The carefully crafted space is highly flexible, seamlessly combining elegance with a warm atmosphere, enabling guests to relax and unwind while indulging in an exceptional dining experience. Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant (ifc mall) – Café & Bar Area The design renovation of the café and bar area at Shikigiku Japanese Restaurant is located on the 4th floor of the ifc mall in the buzzing neighbourhood of Central, Hong Kong. The overall setting is defined by a highly versatile design which allows guests to embark on striking contrasting experiences: in the daytime, patrons are encouraged to savour the most delicious pastries and desserts; at night-time, the coffee shop turns into a seductive bar, where visitors can gather over tantalising drinks. The design draws inspiration from “Furoshiki” – traditional Japanese wrapping cloths used to wrap or transport goods. Embracing a wide array of multiple patterns, the space reimagines ancient Japanese traditions with a contemporary flair, whilst investigating Japanese aesthetics through the modern lens. A long corridor defines sharply the spatial layout, with a neat division of the counter bar on the left separated by the cozy seating area on the right.  A warm and natural palette of wooden tones permeates the space; Aegean blue accents – subtly referencing the Furoshiki-themed design, and vibrant accents of Orange Marmalade – hinting at cakes and desserts cheerfully displayed, add a pleasantly unexpected visual contrast within the setting. Beautiful Japanese tiles in Aegean blue placed right on the front of the counter bar enhance the true Japanese spirit of the ambience; behind the bar, as another tribute to past, present, and future Japanese charm, an eye-catching feature wall is made with signature tiles in three-dimensional stone pattern with wood elements and metal details, further enriched by the stylistic ceiling which fill the space with a sense of thoughtfully tailor-made design. To highlight the practical versatility of the environment – which delivers two completely different dining experiences at day and night times, part of the counter bar can be easily transformed into a multifunctional countertop. During the day, exquisite savouries and pastries are arranged in a proud showcase; at nightfall, the display cabinet can be hidden and combined as part of the counter bar. Echoing the design inspiration, the same idea of multifaceted flexibility has also been cleverly applied to the wine cabinet next to the feature wall: equipped with practical folding doors wrapped in patterned Furoshiki fabrics, it can serve different dining purposes customized for day and night times. As a last touch of comfort and sophistication, the space features furniture pieces carefully selected from Okha and Stellar Works collections, which are beautifully paired with bespoke tables and seating arrangements to deliver a unique and diversified dining experience.

The post Innovative Japanese Dining Concepts in the Heart of Hong Kong appeared first on Asian Itinerary.