A new home in Jumeirah
After years of quietly building a loyal following, Lost in Tokyo is finally putting down roots. The cult Edomae sushi concept, which began life as an underground supper club before evolving into a seasonal pop-up at Marsa Boulevard, is set to open its first permanent restaurant this Spring 2026 at First Avenue Mall, Jumeirah.
The move marks a significant evolution for the brand. What was once an intimate, hard-to-book counter experience will now take shape as a full-service restaurant – albeit one that promises to retain the precision and restraint that defined its earlier iterations.
Step inside and the design immediately signals a shift in scale, without losing its sense of intimacy. Guests enter through traditional noren curtains, set against a vertical wood slat façade, with a small zen garden of raked gravel, dark stone and ferns creating a moment of calm before the dining room.
Inside, the aesthetic leans into understated Japanese minimalism. Pale wood dominates – from the coffered ceiling to the slatted back wall and long blonde counter – all softened by warm amber lighting. Counter stools in soft grey upholstery with walnut frames add comfort without distraction, while a Japanese maple introduces a subtle, organic focal point.
The palette is intentionally muted: blonde timber, taupe plaster and linen tones come together to create a serene, unfussy backdrop that keeps the focus firmly on the food.
Despite the expansion, the core of Lost in Tokyo remains unchanged. The restaurant will continue its Edomae-focused approach – a traditional Tokyo-style sushi craft that prioritises technique, seasonality and meticulous preparation.
A team of four chefs will work behind the counter when doors open, maintaining the close interaction between chef and diner that defined its earlier formats. While the new space allows for more covers, the emphasis on detail and craftsmanship appears firmly intact.
For those who followed Lost in Tokyo through its underground and pop-up phases, this permanent opening offers something long awaited: consistency. No more limited runs or fleeting appearances – just a refined, thoughtfully designed space dedicated to one of Dubai’s most quietly respected sushi concepts.
If the new space is anything to go by, Lost in Tokyo’s next chapter is less about scaling up – and more about settling into its own rhythm.
Image credit: @lostintokyo.ae in Instagram

Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
Contact me: zainab@nommemag.com




