MAYHA Restaurant by MARIAGROUP – A Contemporary Omakase & Japanese Bar Experience in London

Located on London’s Chiltern Street, MAYHA Restaurant, designed by MARIAGROUP, is a two-level dining destination that seamlessly blends Japanese craftsmanship, modern design, and immersive gastronomy. Completed in 2022, the 138 m² project redefines the dining experience through spatial storytelling, material richness, and cultural references.

Ground Floor – The Omakase Experience

The ground floor is dedicated to an intimate Omakase journey, where the chef becomes the central performer. At its heart stands a custom-designed elliptical walnut bar, inspired by the traditional Kumiki wood-joining technique. The solid walnut sections, with visible joints, create a tactile and authentic presence. Guests are seated around the bar in close dialogue with the chefs, reinforcing the immersive nature of Japanese dining.

Behind the bar, the kitchen is meticulously aligned wall-to-wall with stainless steel equipment, emphasizing precision and refinement. Above, a striking light installation made of 700 handcrafted washi paper shades floats across the ceiling, supported by branching copper tubes. The reflective stainless steel backdrop enhances the installation, doubling its impact while enriching the atmosphere with warm illumination.

The floor, finished in red travertine tiles, adds a strong visual warmth. Variations in tile color create unique textures, while a courtyard window framed with glass blocks introduces a soft play of light, offering glimpses of the urban surroundings.

Lower Ground Floor – The Japanese Bar

A restored wrought iron spiral staircase leads guests to the lower level bar, where historic brickwork contrasts with modern cement tiles in black and white. The continuity of materials into the courtyard creates a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

The centerpiece here is a bar crafted from burnt wood using the Shou Sugi Ban technique, a traditional Japanese method that enhances both durability and aesthetics. Behind it, walnut shelving integrates mirror brass boxes that reflect light and bottles, amplifying the bar’s dynamic character. A DJ turntable and professional sound system complete the setting, transforming the space into a social hub for music, drinks, and cultural encounters.

A Fusion of Tradition and Modernity

MAYHA Restaurant exemplifies how architecture, interior design, and culinary performance can merge into a unified narrative. From the tactile walnut joinery to the washi-paper lighting, from reflective stainless steel surfaces to the Shou Sugi Ban bar, every element contributes to an atmosphere of refined intimacy and contemporary Japanese elegance.

All Photographs are works of Michael Sinclair