Ima Asa Yoru located on the ground floor of Skye House, is a Japanese-inspired restaurant that embodies the values of good food, good coffee and exceptional service, while fostering a deep sense of community within Nightingale Village.

Residents in the surrounding neighbourhood have embraced the restaurant as their second home, with many making it a regular stop for traditional Japanese breakfast and lunch during the day (asa), as well as dining on the modern izakaya dishes in the evening (yoru).

At the heart of this restaurant is a steadfast commitment to environmental consciousness. Sustainability is woven into every facet of the restaurant, from the thoughtfully crafted menu to the day-to-day operations. Relying entirely on electric power sourced from renewable energy, Ima Asa Yoru joins a growing list of hospitality businesses doing the right thing for the planet and switching from gas to electric cooking.

Breathe worked in collaboration with Ako Miura, the owner of Ima, to employ a frame and in-fill design approach within the existing tenancy, a double height concrete shell, blending the traditional and the contemporary using materials such as plywood, delicate washi paper lanterns and noren room divider fabrics that come together to form an honest, simple and inviting space. 

Ima Asa Yoru is more than just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of Japanese culinary artistry in the heart of Brunswick. It mirrors the welcoming essence of life in a small Japanese village, where a sense of belonging, support and a dedication to preserving cultural traditions thrive.