Award-winning restaurant, Maki & Ramen has officially opened its door at Highcross Leicester, bringing bold, authentic Japanese flavours and a visually striking dining experience to the city centre.
Following much anticipation, the acclaimed sushi and noodle bar has now launched its very first East Midlands location, marking an exciting chapter for both the brand and Leicester’s growing food scene.
Hot off the heels of recent successful launches across Scotland and Manchester, Leicester is now home to the seventh Maki & Ramen site, spanning 3,340 sq ft in Highcross’ St. Peter’s Square.
In addition to a menu full of fan favourites, from rich Tonkotsu ramen to hand-rolled sushi, diners can also enjoy a varied drinks menu that includes the brand’s signature Makibiru larger, alongside creative cocktails and mocktails infused with authentically-inspired flavours.
True to the brand’s immersive aesthetic, diners indoors can enjoy meals beneath cascading sakura blossoms, surrounded by sleek rose gold interiors and the rhythmic sound-scape of the Taiko drum beats – a nod to Japan’s vibrant culinary culture.
Just in time for summer, alfresco dining is also available, where visitors can soak up the area’s atmosphere.
Comment on its opening, Highcross Leicester’s Centre Director, Michelle Menezes, said: “We’re thrilled to see Maki & Ramen officially open at Highcross, bringing with it an immersive dining experience that goes far beyond the plate. As well as experiential shopping, we’re seeing a growing trend toward consumers who crave immersive, meaningful experiences that connect them with different cultures and environments.
“While we’re still catering to the valuable ‘grab and go’ market with a number of our existing offerings in the centre, there’s been a big shift towards dining in curated spaces; spaces that are designed with purpose and with thought. Maki & Ramen’s setup delivers exactly that. Through its unique decor and sensory experience, we’re able to give Leicester’s shoppers a taste, and feel, of life in Japan.
“Maki & Ramen’s opening will breathe new life into St Peter’s Square; an area that has so much potential for increasing both dwell time and being a lively meeting point for so many people in our community.
“Alongside a selection of other exciting brands that we’re currently in conversations with, we’re confident that this part of town will continue to be a hub of activity and nightlife, complementing the great offering we have there already. I’m looking forward to sharing how we plan to build on this brand-new opening, and appeal to the passionate foodie crowd here in Leicester in the near future.”
Founded by Teddy Lee 10 years ago, Maki & Ramen began with a simple mission: to bring authentic, soul-warming Japanese dishes to the UK, using time-honoured techniques. The brand has grown organically thanks to a loyal following and its commitment to excellence.
Teddy Lee, founder and CEO of Maki & Ramen, added: “We’re incredibly excited to open in Leicester, a city that has such a dynamic food culture – we’re truly honoured to now be a part of it. From our house-made ramen broth to each individually rolled piece of sushi, everything we do is about celebrating the art of Japanese cuisine and creating memorable moments for our guests. I know our Leicester visitors are going to love it.”
The arrival of Maki & Ramen adds further momentum to the centre’s growing food and beverage offer, joining established names like YO! Sushi, Wagamama, Pho and Turtle Bay. This marks the 11th new occupier to open since the start of the year – an impressive milestone that reflects the strategic asset management led by NewRiver REIT. The restaurant’s launch also follows a successful rebrand, signaling a new era for Highcross.
