Oju by Neuma is a 5000 sq.ft Japanese restaurant. It is co-founded by True Palate Hospitality, and illustrious Indian filmmaker & celebrity Karan Johar. It is located in the elite neighbourhood of Golf Course Road, Gurgaon. Built keeping in mind the expats and HNI residents of the neighbourhood, it provides them with their next favourite go-to dining spot. ‘Neuma’ was the first restaurant borne out of this collaboration. It is located in Colaba, Mumbai, and very quickly became a trendy and favourite spot for many. It is also often frequented by Bollywood celebrities. Building from that legacy, Oju aims to redefine Japanese cuisine by providing a fresh approach to design and dining.
This Japanese Restaurant By Karan Johar Is A Favourite Go-To Dining Spot | Aayushi Mallik Designs
When the aforesaid clients approached us with their vision for Oju—a nuanced interpretation of Japanese food and culture that intentionally diverges from the familiar “Oriental” restaurant aesthetic, we knew the space needed to offer something far more thoughtful and differentiated.
Our design direction drew from Shibui, a Japanese concept that celebrates subtlety, restraint, and a quiet beauty that unfolds over time. Instead of leaning on overt cultural motifs, we sought to create a warm, lived-in, house-like environment that felt authentic, understated, and deeply personal.
The material palette became a gentle nod to the culture. Oak wood in a dark open grain is textured over wall finishes, and a considered mix of travertine and wooden tiles. These elements not only grounded the space but also layered in warmth and character. We kept the accessories soft and unobtrusive, acting as intimate touchpoints that echoed the restaurant’s philosophy.
Art played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. We introduced hand-painted landscape murals inspired by traditional Japanese art forms across the bathroom walls. We rendered them in subtle metallic tones to add depth and richness. In the main dining area, we adorned the space with dome-shaped chandeliers with delicate, mural-inspired hand-painted details—transforming functional lighting into sculptural art pieces.
Collectively, these design interventions allowed the interiors of Oju to mirror the restaurant’s culinary philosophy: refined yet approachable, rooted in tradition yet distinctly contemporary. The space not only anchored the restaurant in its chosen cultural narrative but also amplified the novelty and intention behind its food and overall experience.
Fact File
Designed by: Aayushi Mallik Designs
Project Type: Restaurant Design
Project Name: Oju by Neuma
Location: Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
Year Built: September 2025
Principal Designer: Aayushi Malik
Design Credits: Vishakha Pundir
Photograph Courtesy: Ashish Sahi & Atharva Sharma
Firm’s Website Link: Aayushi Mallik Designs
Firm’s Instagram Link: Aayushi Mallik Designs
For Similar Project >>> This Heritage Restaurant In Trafalgar Square Blends Heritage With Modern Elegance
Project 774 House is a thoughtful exploration of how compact spaces can feel layered, immersive, and deeply personal. Designed as a seamless blend of warmth, functionality, and character, the home balances aesthetics with practicality while ensuring every space carries its own identity within a cohesive design language. The Compact Spaces In This Home Are Designed […]
Crafted by Studio Imagine under the thoughtful direction of Principal Architect Ar. Ajal Shah, this 5bhk home design unfolds as a seamless interplay of light, texture, and refined materiality. Each space balances warmth with contemporary precision, weaving sculptural details, muted palettes, and bespoke elements into a home that feels both elevated and intimately personal. Studio […]
Sophisticated Serenity reflects House of Lalittya’s signature design philosophy. It expresses quiet luxury through Japanese minimalism, Scandinavian warmth, architectural comfort, and refined materiality. Conceived as an expansive open-plan residence, the 4,500 sq. ft. home is located at DLF Magnolias on Golf Course Road, Gurugram. Thoughtfully transformed into a serene urban sanctuary, it balances clean lines, […]
In the pulsating heart of Gujarat, India, where the shimmer of the ‘Diamond City’ meets the rich tapestry of the ‘Silk City’, Surat has preserved its legacy of craftsmanship across generations. Amidst the precision of diamond cutters and the rhythmic hum of textile looms, the homeowners’ story began. They were not merely entrepreneurs but inheritors […]
Perched on the ninth floor of a high-rise apartment in Pune, this 1,600 sq. ft. apartment opens to sweeping views of the city’s tekdi, the tree-lined hills that define its horizon. For its owners, a lawyer couple with demanding careers and a shared love for travel, the view was the home’s greatest luxury. For the […]
This home is a thoughtful expression of the modern interior design style, infused with creative and personalised touches that make it both distinctive and inviting. Every material, colour, and finish has been carefully curated to achieve a sense of timelessness, with a clear emphasis on balance and harmony. The muted colour palette seamlessly extended across […]
When it comes to enhancing the kitchen window over the sink, various design ideas are possible to decorate Indian homes. From rooted in tradition to Western-style modular kitchens offer both functionality and attractive aesthetics. Apart from the sleek profile and raised breakfast counter, the kitchen window over sink is another spot to add appeal and […]
Indian homes place equal importance on pooja room door designs as they do on main door designs. With diverse and unique ethnic backgrounds, every family strives to reflect their personalities and identities in their designs. These identities can encompass religious or spiritual interests, local contexts, or other personal elements. This series of blogs, featuring 50 […]
Let’s dive into a brand new topic – sliding wardrobe design, where functionality meets modern style! Whether you want to add a sleek, contemporary touch to your room or an Indo-fusion design aesthetic, sliding wardrobe can make a perfect choice to optimize space. In this post, we’ll delve into the latest trends on sliding wardrobe […]
The door design for main door is a defining feature of any Indian home, embodying both style and cultural significance. In a country rich with diverse architectural traditions, the entrance to your home reflects not only personal taste but also cultural heritage. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate carvings of traditional Indian door designs or […]