Ramusake at the Hilton Doubletree is the first appearance of the exciting London brand in Dubai, courtesy of the Mahiki Group. Situated at a prime location in Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina, the restaurant’s expansive terrace, offers incredible views over the Bluewater Island Development and the soon-to-be-completed observation wheel, the Ain Dubai.

Offering a specialised menu of Japanese classics with a refreshingly modern twist, the restaurant captures the ‘Isakaya” dining concept perfectly. Taking inspiration from Shōwa era, (1920’s) Tokyo, the venue’s interior design and lighting serve to accentuate and reinforce the food offering creating an encompassing, authentic dining experience.

The restaurant feels very elemental. Fire, steam, smoke, and spectacle is provided by the centrepiece Robata Grille. Ice, within the large fresh fish displays, Water in the views of the Arabian Gulf, and Air, through the entirely retractable glass façade. These elements combine with the material and finishes palette, aged concrete, charred timber, and hand-painted Japanese artworks, to transport the guest to another location and time.

From conception to final site stages, dpa lighting consultants provided creative and technical guidance throughout. The original concept brief was to create an intimate, dramatic lit environment, incorporating authentic Japanese elements through the use of traditional “Chouchin” and “Tsuri Dourou” lamps. Collaborating closely with the Interior Designer, concepts were also developed for an impressive, oversized abacus suspended at high level above the main dining space.

Working within the existing site conditions, and in collaboration with the Interior Designer, dpa implemented a strategy to provide spotlighting highlights to the dining tables and artworks, with lit emphasis and focus provided at the open show kitchen and the main Sake bar. A combination of high-level, mid-level and low-level lighting techniques were used, building up layers of accentuation to create a balanced lit environment. Ambient light levels were kept very low, to enhance the intimacy and theatre of the space. Through the specification of discreet equipment and integrated detailing, the lit effect takes centre stage, rather than the lighting equipment.

At the terrace, accentuation was sparingly provided to the central feature tree, surrounding planting dividers and artworks, ensuring that the main focus is reserved for the spectacular views out.

Overall, the Lighting Design, Interior Design and restaurant concept have combined very cohesively to create a successful and popular finished project, which stays true to the design aspirations set out within the original concept.

Owner / Operator: Mahiki Group, London
Interior Designer:  MY Studio, Dubai
M&E Consultant: Sunstar Technical Services LLC, Dubai
Project Manager: Studio International Engineering Consultants, Dubai
Photography: Taken by dpa lighting consultants FZ LLC with the kind permission of Ramusake