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
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