We created London's Top 10 Restaurant Taku (now Sushi Amamoto): From an empty shell to Michelin Stars

March 4, 2026

One of the fastest Michelin Stars in London.

Our partnership with the Leong family began with an introduction and a clear brief: build a 16-seat Omakase destination in Mayfair capable of operating at a Michelin-star level from day one. The chef had an exceptional track record in Paris, but the new site they’d secured needed to be thoroughly engineered to support the highest level of restaurant service, all within a very small footprint. This project marked our first collaboration with brothers Lucas and Geoff Leong, and demonstrated that our interior architecture isn't just a backdrop, it’s the foundation for world-class hospitality.

We created 16 seats in a compact footprint while maintaining an open, high-end feel.

Sushi Amamoto (formerly Taku) operates within a very tight, 926-square-foot footprint. To achieve a Michelin-grade experience without compromising on the feel of the space, we approached the design with millimetre-precision. We transformed a compact space into a 16-cover fine dining environment that mirrors the precision of Japanese cuisine.

Every square inch was calculated to balance high-spec finishes with effortless operational flow. We meticulously engineered the supporting areas, washrooms and cloakrooms, to enhance the sense of clarity. We wanted guests to feel immersed rather than crowded.

Subtle but vital details were added. Speakers were synced across the site, and climate control systems were engineered to manage heat from the open kitchen. Every design decision was a technical solution for comfort and intimacy.‍

Aligning Michelin Standards Across a Triple Language Barrier.

The project required navigating a communication gap between French, Japanese, and English. We had to rely more on visual communication, using diagrams, physical material samples, and precise technical drawings to align the client’s vision with Mayfair’s regulatory standards.

By using visual representations of natural stone, timber, and Japanese minimalism, we ensured every decision was driven by a shared visual vocabulary. We weaved the chef's heritage into the structure of the restaurant.

6-Week Deployment: Delivering a Michelin-Grade Asset in a Protected Conservation Area.

Delivering a high-spec site in a protected Mayfair conservation area usually dictates a slow, cautious timeline. We broke that standard. By pre-programming the construction phase and utilising high-quality bespoke joinery fabricated off-site, we delivered the full fitout in just 42 days. We reclaimed space by replacing an existing false ceiling, expanding the feel of the bar without increasing the footprint.

The results were immediate:

  • Michelin Star awarded in record time and retained for three consecutive years (2024–2026).
  • Ranked 2nd in London and 5th in the UK (Harden’s Top 100).
  • Sustained market dominance under the new Sushi Amamoto branding.

This project proves that at the highest level of hospitality, precision design creates a performance multiplier. When space, lighting, and materiality are engineered with this level of detail, they don't just create an experience. They build an enduring brand.

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