STARTER
Oh.lala W Hotel OSAKA
Words: Eleanor Howard Photography: © Nacasa & Partners
IN A BITE Owner: Sekisui House Operator: Marriott International Architecture: Tadao Ando, Nikken Sekkei Interior Design: Concrete Architectural Associates Concept Chef: Yusuke Takada Head Chef: Kumo Ogata F&B Manager: Bracq Nicolas-Antonin Head Sommelier: Masahiro Saito www.marriott.com
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B
orn from the bold attitude and 24/7
The design concept is motivated by a Japanese
culture of New York City, W Hotels has
passion for French culture and cuisine, with the
been shaking up the hospitality sector
Breton shirt’s blue-and-white stripes forming
for over two decades, introducing its Whatever
the foundation of the scheme. The signature
Whenever philosophy to urban destinations
colours can be seen in the banquettes, dining
around the globe.
chairs and soft furnishings, which accompany
For the brand’s debut in Japan, Amsterdam-
white marble or oak table tops on copper stands.
based design studio Concrete was invited to
An installation of traditional copper pots and
bring a fresh perspective, resulting in a design
pans creates a feature over the kitchen, while
concept inspired by the sights, sounds and
stainless steel shelves in the restaurant are
flavours of Osaka. Looking to the simple beauty
styled with porcelain objects decorated with blue
of the nation’s cherry blossoms and gingko trees
dots in keeping with the hotel’s characteristic
as well as the vibrant neon streetscape, Concrete
circle motif, as seen throughout the property.
devised a scheme characterised by clean lines,
Adding sparkle from above, clouds of small
bold colours and Japanese detailing, extending
circular pendant lights are suspended at
from the 337 guestrooms to the public spaces.
different heights within waves of sheer curtains
Located on the third floor, Oh.lala is a French
that curve intimately around the booths for
bistro created in collaboration with Michelin-
privacy. Interspersed between the clouds are
starred chef Yusuke Takada of La Cime, which
copper-toned chandeliers providing subtle
reached No. 8 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
downlighting. For those who want to be at the
for 2021. At W Osaka, Takada’s cuisine ranges
heart of the action, a chef’s table facing the open
from a five-course Bordeaux tasting menu to an
kitchen provides guests with a front-row seat
eight-course extravanganza.
to watch the chefs at work.
