This month, Bahrain welcomed the contemporary Japanese restaurant Sumosan, enjoyed across locations from Moscow to Dubai for its innovative Asian cuisine and charming interiors. Designed by Bishop Design for The Collection of Experiences, Sumosan’s Bahrain branch blends local cultural nuances with the restaurant’s growing global identity. Guests are treated to an elevated dining experience, complete with a stylish bar lounge, an inviting balcony, a private dining room, and a refined main space.
Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by Japanese-inspired wooden columns, setting the tone for an immersive interior. Signature green tones, complemented by timber and metal accents, flow through the space, where warm wood and stone textures contrast elegantly with metallic finishes. Explaining the design philosophy, Dylan Adams, Senior Designer at Bishop Design, comments, “Our design narrative delicately balances opulence with the brand’s ethos, incorporating organic materials like wood and stone alongside polished metal claddings.”
According to Adam, the dining area’s unique features include a striking fan-shaped wall installation that serves as a sculptural centrepiece and is complemented by wave-patterned metal chains, that enhance the tactile experience for every guest. Lush greenery further enriches the space, harmonising with the green hues and adding a natural touch against the metallic elements. In contrast, the bar provides a more intimate and private atmosphere for guests.
The bar area welcomes guests into a more atmospheric setting. With sculptural timber panels on the ceiling and metallic renders, the design easily captures the light enhancing the cosy and sophisticated ambiance.
White and green lanterns fashioned like umbrellas dangle softly from the ceiling, adding a fun element to the space. Lumen Arts, a local lighting specialist, customised the lighting to transform Sumosan’s atmosphere. These lights emit a warm glow and envelop the dining area with their soft, fibrous textures, providing a welcoming ambiance. The lanterns, suspended at varied heights, offer dynamic movement and sculptural quality, resulting in a captivating visual display.
Further enhancing the natural aesthetic, precise architectural lighting from the UK brand Into is strategically embedded throughout the venue. These elements accentuate the rich materials at used in Sumosan design, from polished wood panels to seating fabrics resulting in a visual experience that elevates the dining ambiance and captures the essence of Sumosan.
Commenting on the partnership with Bishop Design, Hugo Goncalves, General Manager of The Collection of Experiences Hospitality, said, “Bahrain project. Their exceptional ability to bring our vision to life and integrate such a renowned brand into the Bahraini region has been impressive. The collaboration between The Collection of Experiences and Bishop Design has set a strong benchmark for hospitality design. This partnership has successfully captured the essence of the Sumosan brand and its innovative culinary approach, while also highlighting the artistry of Japanese cuisine through thoughtful design and architecture. As we move forward, we anticipate that Sumosan Bahrain will play a key role in shaping the local culinary scene, becoming a notable part of Bahrain’s growing food culture and setting a high standard for luxury dining.”
Photography by Adeem Media
Read more about Bishop Design here.
Read more features here.
