Founders: Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney
Cuisine: Contemporary Japanese / Izakaya
Dining Style: Upscale, à la carte, shared plates
Price Tier: $$$$ — Luxury / Fine Dining
Parent Company: Azumi Restaurant Group
Other Azumi Brands: ROKA, Oblix, ETARU
Tokyo inspiration: Rainer Becker spent six years working in Tokyo, where he developed his appreciation for Japanese cuisine and dining culture
Three kitchens: Zuma’s signature format divides preparation among a main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill

From Knightsbridge to International Recognition

Zuma was founded in London in 2002 by chef Rainer Becker and entrepreneur Arjun Waney. Becker’s six years working in Tokyo inspired the restaurant’s contemporary interpretation of Japanese izakaya dining, emphasizing shared dishes, premium ingredients, and a lively social atmosphere. The first location opened on Raphael Street in Knightsbridge, near Harrods.

The restaurant quickly established a following among London’s fashionable dining crowd, paving the way for international expansion. Today, Zuma is part of the Azumi Restaurant Group, which also operates ROKA, Oblix, and ETARU. Its restaurants have become fixtures in some of the world’s most prominent luxury dining destinations.

_{Knightsbridge, London, United Kingdom}

The Three Kitchens of Zuma

Zuma’s menu reflects a contemporary approach to Japanese izakaya cuisine, encouraging guests to share a selection of dishes throughout their meal. Its three-kitchen concept includes a sushi counter, main kitchen, and robata grill, each contributing different preparations and flavors to the dining experience.

Signature dishes include miso-marinated black cod wrapped in a hoba leaf, spicy beef tenderloin with sesame and sweet soy, and premium sushi and sashimi selections. The robata grill is particularly important to Zuma’s culinary identity, using traditional Japanese grilling techniques to prepare seafood, meats, and vegetables.

Zuma’s Signature Atmosphere

_{Zuma St. Tropez}

Zuma restaurants are designed around lively dining rooms, open kitchens, and contemporary interiors that reflect Japanese architectural influences. Natural materials, warm lighting, and carefully arranged seating create an upscale environment, while the visible sushi counters and robata grills bring a sense of activity to the dining experience.

The restaurant’s social atmosphere extends to its cocktail bars, extensive sake selections, and shared-plate service. Zuma has developed a reputation as a fashionable destination for business dinners, celebrations, and evenings out, with music and energetic dining rooms contributing to its distinctive personality.

Global Restaurant Collection

_{Zuma Cabo}

From its original London restaurant, Zuma has expanded into major international cities including New York, Miami, Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Rome, and Madrid. Each location maintains the brand’s contemporary Japanese dining concept while incorporating architectural details and design elements appropriate to its surroundings.

Zuma has also established a presence in exclusive vacation destinations through seasonal restaurants and temporary residencies. Locations in Ibiza, Mykonos, Capri, St. Tropez, and Kitzbühel introduce the brand to international travelers, while newer destinations and planned openings continue its global expansion.

From Knightsbridge to International Recognition

The Three Kitchens of Zuma

Zuma’s Signature Atmosphere

Global Restaurant Collection

Zuma Signature Dishes