Nama Yoso, Dubai, UAE
Designed by Dubai-based TwentyOne06, Nama Yoso is a contemporary Japanese restaurant helmed by Singaporean Chef Reif Othman.
The restaurant’s color palette and brand were built around the idea of raw ingredients and materials, drawing inspiration from elements like salmon, ocean blue, and traditional Japanese cutting techniques. The material selection, including locally sourced wood, natural stone boulders, and brass accents, creates a cohesive and immersive design. Brass elements, chosen for their recyclability and durability, add an elegant touch and contribute to the design’s longevity while aligning with the project’s sustainability goals.
The entrance features the restaurant’s illuminated logo alongside blue Japanese Noren curtains. Once guests pass through the opening, a Zen Garden greets them at the entrance and features a boulder with the restaurant’s name and logo.
Inside, a central ceiling element above the main dining area features traditional Japanese drawings on linen and canvas. The wall finishes and textures serve as an integral part of the brand’s story. Bespoke concrete, top-edge brass finish, and strip lighting bring a mountain wall pattern to life above a semi-open kitchen. The kitchen wall is adorned with individual Japanese Kanji letters.
Custom furniture maximizes space utilization and elevates the overall guest experience. Circular and rectangular natural wooden tables with ocean blue leather upholstery provide comfort.
The lighting design is layered and strategic. An engraved brass box with uplighting complements the entrance facade, creating a welcoming glow. Indirect LED strip lighting in the Zen Garden showcases the boulders, adding a touch of magic. Down lighting strategically highlights Japanese printed scrolls wall art, contributing to the overall charm of the dining area.
Images courtesy of Nama Yoso
