Redefining the Japanese Dining Experience through Design and Artistry
17 June 2025 – MINATO, a teppanyaki restaurant in the heart of Wanchai, Hong Kong, is a collaborative creation by Steve Leung Hospitality (SLH) and Steve Leung Lifestyle (SLL), under the Steve Leung Design Group (SLD). Nestled within the Great Eagle Centre, it offers an authentic Japanese dining experience, seamlessly blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary design. As a premier dining destination, MINATO welcomes discerning travellers, food enthusiasts, and business executives, just steps from the vibrant Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
At the core of MINATO’s design philosophy is a profound connection to the Japanese aesthetic principle of “Ma” (ま), which celebrates the harmonious interplay between individuals, their surroundings, and the natural realm. Under the visionary guidance of Design Director Ms. Hester Lau, the SLH team skillfully navigates the space through dynamic layouts, all while cultivating a minimalistic ambience that employs a restrained palette of materials. In tandem, Ms. Alison Lee, the Design Director of SLL, artfully infuses elements of decor that foster a deeper bond between individuals and nature, ultimately breathing life into MINATO.
Embracing the Japanese Aesthetic Principle
With its striking black façade, the entrance of MINATO, framed by Japanese-style lightbox panels, not only conceals the interior but also tells a visually compelling story to passersby. Two captivating art installations enhance its allure: a beautifully wrapped stone reminiscent of a precious gift, symbolising the coveted Wagyu beef in a tranquil Japanese zen garden; a wabi-sabi pine bonsai reimagined in iron, offering a striking contrast and depth to the serene setting. This tranquil scene establishes the tone for the dining experience—an invitation to pause, reflect, and embark on a culinary journey defined by elegance, mindfulness, and the quiet luxury of nature’s simplicity.
Ascend the staircase and step inside, where a vast expanse of over 4,000 square feet unfolds before you. The theme of “Ma” is elegantly expressed through four tranquil aspects of the Japanese landscape: Mountain (山), Forest (森), Stars (星), and Moon (月). These thematic elements guide guests seamlessly through various dining areas, including the sushi bar, main dining section, multiple teppanyaki rooms, and VIP dining room.
Hester shares her design concept, “We incorporated extensive wood and stone elements to cultivate a serene atmosphere, while maximising the ceiling height through thoughtful design and lighting. This approach aims to evoke a gentle and expansive natural ambience, seamlessly internalising the aesthetic essence of ‘Ma’ into a cohesive experience."
A Symphony of Simplicity and Sophistication
As visitors step into the exquisite realm of MINATO, an ambience of refined elegance envelops them, courtesy of shoji screen panels that set a stage for an exquisite culinary experience. The abundance of light maple wood against deep charcoal flooring beautifully underscores the essence of Japanese minimalism.
The journey commences in the sushi room, inspired by the majestic mountainous landscapes, where a uniquely polygonal maple wood sushi bar caters to 8 discerning guests. The entire bar is enveloped in warm, light timber that stretches from floor to the ceiling, crafting a panoramic ambience that evokes the serene feeling of being nestled within the mountains.
Transitioning into the main dining area and three teppanyaki rooms whisk guests away into an enchanting forest haven, where curated art pieces reflect nature’s beauty seamlessly blended with modern sophistication. The generous rectangular layout offers versatile seating arrangements for any occasion, with teppanyaki rooms that gracefully integrate with the dining area with sliding doors. Room 1 is exquisitely tailored for 8 guests, while rooms 2 and 3, accommodating 6 guests each, feature sliding doors that enable effortless transitions between unified or separate setups. These rooms present flexible spaces adorned with rich, dark, bamboo-inspired tiles that evoke the serene essence of a forest oasis.
At the far end of the main dining area, the two teppanyaki rooms radiate the essence of stars, an interactive yet intimate culinary spectacle. Rooms 4 and 5, each accommodating 6 guests, offer a dynamic layout with sliding doors that invite customisable dining spaces. The lighter tiles transport diners to a celestial realm, where the twinkling allure of stars promises an unforgettable culinary journey.
The pinnacle of this immersive odyssey awaits in the VIP dining room, inspired by the tranquil glow of the moon. Curve lines and warm wooden panelling grace the walls, complemented by gentle, soft lighting. At the heart of the space, a round table awaits 8 guests beneath an exquisite circular ceiling aglow with ambient lights, reminiscent of a full moon. This meticulously crafted setting invites intimate dining moments, fostering connection among guests in a peaceful and calm ambience.
Crafting Artistry Culinary Harmony
A curated selection of minimalist materials and translucent shoji screen panels crafts an immaculate sanctuary. This serene backdrop spotlights bespoke Japanese artworks by SLL, including zen gardens, wabi-sabi floral compositions, bonsai, carved stone sculptures, delicate ceramics, and pictographic calligraphy. Each piece resonates with the elements of Mountain, Forest, Stars, and Moon. Embracing the inherent beauty of natural materials, MINATO invites guests to unwind and savour their dining experience, immersed in the authentic essence of Japanese aesthetics.
Alison, SLL Design Director, adds, “We utilise the evolving seasons as a narrative thread, weaving together diverse spaces and revealing a journey of experiencing nature through the fluidity of the space.”
MINATO goes beyond being just a dining destination; it is a harmonious blend of Japanese cultural values intricately woven into both design and cuisine. Mr. Tino Kwan, one of the world’s most celebrated lighting design masters, brings his subtle yet impactful touch to MINATO. His lighting design adds a layer of artistry that enhances the overall ambience, creating a space that beautifully resonates with Japanese artistic sensibilities.
Simplicity emerges as sophistication, MINATO embodies the purity of Japanese aesthetics and envelops guests in a poetic embrace of time and nature, offering a serene yet profound start to the gastronomic journey.
