Kuuru
Client: Leylaty Group
Location: Riyadh, KSA
Date: March 2024
Cuisine: Nikkei
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Kuuru is a Japanese Peruvian concept that embodies an elevated casual atmosphere and is truly unique to the Saudi Arabian market. Kuuru’s aesthetics and the F&B offering have formed a unique and dynamic causal Nikkei concept that blends both cultures innovatively.
Marina 101
Location
Dubai, UAE
Industry
Hospitality & F&B
Client
Wasl Hospitality
Redefining an established overwater restaurant to compete as a contemporary dining destination.
Marina 101 at One&Only The Palm is a long-standing venue operated in collaboration with Kerzner and Wasl, with culinary direction from the Yannick Alléno group. The refurbishment included branding, interior designand kitchen design, with the aim of repositioning the restaurant within a more competitive market while aligning it with a shellfish-led menu and Mediterranean influences.
The challenge
Updating a recognised destination without losing what made it familiar to its existing audience.
As competition increased across Dubai’s dining scene, the venue needed to feel more current and aligned with evolving guest expectations. At the same time, it had to continue operating within an existing structure that already defined its spatial possibilities. The risk was creating a disconnect between the new concept and the established perception of the venue, or making changes that did not meaningfully improve how it performs.
The APPROACH
Aligning branding, spatial design and kitchen planning with the new culinary direction from the outset.
Working closely with stakeholders and the chef group, the project focused on translating the menu concept into spatial terms, ensuring that service, presentation and guest experience were all supported by the layout. Design decisions were used to reinforce the shift in positioning while remaining within the constraints of the existing overwater structure.
HOW DID WE STRATEGIZE A PLACE THAT WORKS?
Culinary Alignment
Kitchen layout and F&B stations support the shellfish-driven concept and chef-led operations.
Spatial Clarity
The pergola and bar organisation define zones that improve usability and guest movement.
Positioning Refresh
The updated design supports a shift toward a more lifestyle-oriented, celebratory dining destination.
THE RESULT
The venue reopens with a clearer identity that reflects both its location and its updated culinary direction.
It provides a more relevant offer within the market while maintaining continuity with its history as an established destination.
