Behind this heritage-listed building on Williamstown’s waterfront is a new Japanese restaurant. Name OKAMI, Japanese for ‘Great God’, there is a reception area that leads to two separate but connected restaurant areas. In contrast to the Victorian building’s ornate façade (with exquisite plaster relief) are simple and contemporary Japanese interiors. As the café is located on the mezzanine, diners can also enjoy looking through the large original arched windows of the building’s façade (only touched lightly by the architects). The brief given to AA Studio was to create two different, yet connected, ambiences – one lighter in feel and the other, to the rear, offering a slightly darker palette. So, in the front café, generally occupied by couples and smaller groups, the palette features light timbers and black laminate benches. In contrast, the rear offering which caters to larger groups, such as families, has darker ceilings and concrete rendered walls. And while there’s a sushi bar between the two, at OKAMI there’s a separate kitchen to the rear of the premises, servicing both cafes. Black stained timber furniture appears in both cafes. Screens on the walls depict fish life in the bay. As with Japanese design, where each detail is considered to the nth degree, here the main bar that forms part of the front café is thoughtfully detailed with tiered fluted glass, adding texture and depth to the interior. Fluted timber on the bar also adds a further layer. Also evocative of Japan is the wall mural of Mount Fuji as one moves to the private function room on the top level, often booked for special occasions.

Approximately 500 square metres in area, there’s a sense of intimacy rather than the feeling of eating in a large hall. As well as the food, the sense of Japanese craftsmanship can also be appreciated. AA Studio is currently working on another OKAMI in Dromana on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. And while the food offering will be comparable, the design will, like this Williamstown restaurant, capture the essence of its location.