Origami Marsa Al Bateen

Located on the west side of Abu Dhabi Island in Marsa Al Bateen, an area that forms part of the city’s extensive western waterfront and high-end residential and retail district, this upscale Japanese restaurant with branches in Dubai and Sharjah is now opening in the United Arab Emirates’ capital. The new Abu Dhabi outpost of this homegrown popular Dubai restaurant has once again been designed by VSHD Design Dubai.

For close to a decade, this Emirati homegrown restaurant has been masterfully merging authentic Japanese and local Arabian flavors. The design of the latest Abu Dhabi branch, envisioned by VSHD, reflects the restaurant’s signature minimalist style enhanced by a rich use of natural materials and anamorphic shapes, exuding a sense of calmness, simplicity and the traditional Japanese concept of wabi sabi or finding the beautyin imperfections.

For the Abu Dhabi branch, due to open soon, VSHD set to work on the original structure, an older 15-year building. In so doing, the firm worked closely with the pre-existing building, stripped away the old finishes revealing the original plaster and its irregularities. The firm worked closely with the pre-existing structure,stripped away the old finishes revealing the original plaster and its irregularities. In the main dining area for example, walls were also maintained but enhanced. New walls were then added and are made of a thick, rough concrete to complement the original ones. Subsequently, a glossy deep red paint finish was applied to just under half the height of the walls.

What is crucial in this new branch of Origami is the idea of crafting a distinctive ambiance that invites diners to immerse themselves within the space, not just for an appreciation and love of the cuisine, but for an experiential and cultural journey. Dining at Origami Abu Dhabi not only allows one to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine but invigorates all the senses to provide a sense of calm and sanctuary. VSHD’s fusion of traditional Japanese and contemporary design has again transformed this Origami Sushi branch into a restaurant that transcends gastronomy. Through meticulous attention to detail, VSHD has created an ambiance that immerses diners on a journey of both flavors and aesthetics.

The design and architecture of Origami Marsa Al Bateen maintains a focus on minimal forms through natural materials and organic shapes that reflects the simplicity and minimalism of traditional Japanese culture and cuisine.

Inside, VSHD once again worked on the importance of crafting a distinctive atmosphere that allows guests to immediately become immersed in the space—the balance between dim and natural lighting, the rich use of earthy natural materials and the plethora of various forms and shapes that define each of the spaces that make up the restaurant. One of the inspirations for the design and feel of the space was a painting by a Belgian artist at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. In the painting, black and white quick brushstrokes blend together to create the effect of a subtle yet vibrant light—like an interior back light of a space that lights of the surroundings with richness and warmth.

The cozy yet mysterious and elegant ambiance created works to evoke the underground atmosphere found in traditional Japanese sushi bars. The surface of the walls is once again further accentuated through a play of light and shadow adding to the overall mystique and charm of the venue.

VSHD designed the long red sushi counter made of anodized stainless steel and elevated above the level of the dining area. The base of the bar seating is made from red lacquered wood.

The existing floor was then replaced with terracotta flooring to maintain the eatery’s ethnic feel. It then incorporated a mixture of one-off and furniture with irregular shaped bespoke items creates an overall ethnic yet contemporary style and feel inherent to traditional Japanese design. For example,it added traditional Fratelli Levaggi wooden chairs as well as original handmade tuareg carpets as a reinterpretation of tatami—a type of mat used as a flooring material in traditional Japanese-style rooms.

The design of the latest Origami branch in Abu Dhabi thus reflects a continuation of that used in other Origami restaurants, yet with an added ethnic Japanese touch and immersive dining experience.

VSHD Design