The Japanese inspired restaurant Osaka has replaced Café Rouge brasserie which occupied a double fronted space at Oracle Shopping Centre in Reading. 

We began by completely stripping back the restaurant and bar space, only maintaining its core structure and two glazed facades which face the shopping mall on one side and River Kennet on Canalside. The rhythmic design aesthetic charms guests as soon as they enter the space. Modern Geisha illustration, epitomising a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japan, can be seen from every corner of the restaurant and bar. 

The restaurant is divided into several zones, including the main room featuring unique 6m dating table, private dining space, and bar situated on the raised level. Delicate wavy rope screen helps delineate the seating between the restaurant and bar whilst providing illumination at the same time. Inspiration for the screen came from the sinuous riverbed of Osaka’s Yodo River. 

Decorative metaphors are evident in plain seats trimmed with a single red stripe, alluding to the Japanese practice of gift wrapping with red rope – Mizuhi. 

Several of the fixtures and furnishings have been crafted by our designers specifically for the restaurant, including wooden seating pods, bespoke dating table with concrete light fixture running down the centre. Bench seating for couples were designed by the team and made in collaboration with Protocol furniture. Private dining area features delicate calligraphy ink wall-panels by Casamance situated behind banquette seating upholstered in aqua linen. 

Our designers utilised a bold and simplified palette for the scheme including traditional oak, preformed concrete panels, white marble surfaces and traditional black charred timber - Shou Sugi Ban. The restaurant is carefully lit using an eclectic mix of oversized paper lanterns by Scandinavian brand &Tradition, Ginger lights by Joan Gaspar as well as task lighting by Delta Light and few elements from Linea Light. 

The Japanese influence is subtly echoed in the restaurant's interior, where attention to detail is reflected in bespoke designed furniture and fittings. The interior result projects a contemporary, creative and confident tone in line with Osaka restaurant’s contemporary twist on classic Japanese dishes.