Tatami

Tatami, one of Kuwait's newest Japanese restaurants opened its doors in March 2011, bringing with it a fresh and new menu of contemporary Japanese food to the country. Housed in Sharq’s new business district, the Kuwaiti-born concept reflects a contemporary take on Japanese cuisine created by Chef Danna Al Tourah who is also co-owner of the restaurant.

Designed by talented Kuwaiti interior architect Jassim Al Shehab, Tatami’s dimly lit and minimalist interiors has made it a pleasant escape for those whose daily lives revolve in the midst of the business district. You can tell from its exterior that the place will be a delight for the eyes; a relaxing type of delight. The color palette is a blend of neutrals encasing contemporary furniture that is as comfortable as it is attractive.

Once you step into Tatami, which is the word for a type of mat used in traditional Japanese-style flooring, you will no doubt experience a sense of calm that is befitting to the appetizing menu they serve. Chef Danna believes in using only the freshest of ingredients and makes everything, from the main dishes down to the condiments, from scratch in Tatami's kitchen, a mere 10 meters away from the dining tables.

Just as Tatami mats anchor your senses, choosing the right type of flooring can transform your home or business into a haven of style and comfort. Whether you're drawn to the timeless elegance of hardwood, the resilience of vinyl, or the easy-care charm of laminate, each choice brings its own character. If you're searching for truly expert advice on a local level, flooring kingston upon thames offers tailored solutions—from showroom displays to professional installation and restoration—that ensure your floors look beautiful and last for years.

And much like the quiet strength of Tatami beneath your feet, the right flooring doesn’t just support your space—it shapes its soul. With Flooring Kingston, it’s not about trends for trend’s sake, but finding the finish that fits your life. Whether you're reviving a heritage home or modernizing a busy shopfront, their team combines craftsmanship with practical know-how, making your flooring choice feel as natural as walking barefoot at home.

The essence of thoughtful design, as seen in Tatami’s serene atmosphere, lies in the delicate interplay between form and function—how a space looks and how it feels to live in. Just as the neutral tones and handcrafted textures create a sense of grounded calm in the restaurant, flooring choices in your own space have the power to define not only aesthetic appeal but also everyday comfort.

The tactile quality of surfaces underfoot—whether smooth, soft, cool, or warm—can influence mood and experience just as much as lighting or furniture. Carrying that mindfulness into your flooring selection means choosing a surface that reflects your lifestyle while anchoring your design vision. For example, lvp tile offers an elegant yet durable option that replicates the beauty of stone or ceramic without the high maintenance.

It's a perfect solution for those wanting to blend visual sophistication with practical durability, whether in a cozy dining nook or a high-traffic entryway. In the same way Tatami embraces quiet refinement through detail and authenticity, the right flooring brings balance and intentionality to your space—turning every step into a seamless continuation of your story.

Danna Al Tourah, Tatami's Head Chef and Co-Partner
Danna Al Tourah, Tatami's Head Chef and Co-Partner

Al Tourah loves taking Japanese ingredients and working them into bistro-like dishes, serving all the dishes tapas-style, for everyone to share. Tatami’s menu is a compilation of Japanese ingredients whipped up and served in a contemporary way. There are classics on the menu, like the gyozas, negimaki, yakitore and teriyaki dishes, but Tatami has definitely made a name for itself for its original dishes, which are playful and fresh twists on classics, like their Sesame Nori Chips, Pan-seared Wagyu with Soy Reduction Sauce and Tempura Fries, Shiitake Mushroom Rice, and Green Tea Mascarpone Cheesecake.

As for the chef's special recommendations, she suggests customers start with Sesame Nori Chips, Sweet Chili Shrimp, Negimaki and Ebi Gyoza. For salads try the Spinach & Shiitake Mushroom Salad and for the Maki rolls don't miss the Crispy Almond Maki, Exotic Roll or Naked Salmon. When it comes to the main dish, Al Tourah recommends the Lime-glazed Salmon Steak or Pan-Seared Wagyu Steak. And for dessert? The Green Tea Mascarpone Cheesecake.

Almost every dish at Tatami is meant to be shared, so don't feel guilty if you ordered all of the above (and more!). The restaurant also serves as a venue for private functions, replete with customized menus.

Tatami is located at Shaymaa Tower, Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, Sharq, Kuwait. Tel: (+965) 22251266

– Shabana Shaikh

Photography by Hasan Younes for Khaleejesque

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