Maki & Ramen has officially opened its doors in Leicester, establishing its first presence in the East Midlands. Located in the heart of the city centre at Highcross, the new restaurant aims to offer authentic Japanese flavours combined with an immersive dining atmosphere.
The venue, covering 3,340 sq ft in St Peter’s Square, represents the seventh site for the brand, which has recently expanded across Scotland and Manchester. The Leicester launch follows a period of sustained growth for the company and introduces a new chapter for both Maki & Ramen and Leicester’s food scene.
Maki & Ramen delivers a menu featuring signature items such as Tonkotsu ramen and hand-rolled sushi, along with a varied drinks list that includes the brand’s own Makibiru lager. The drinks menu also offers cocktails and mocktails that incorporate traditional Japanese ingredients and flavours.
True to the aesthetic that has become synonymous with the brand, the interior of the Leicester site includes cascading sakura blossoms, rose gold décor, and an ambient soundscape inspired by Taiko drum beats, intended to reflect Japan’s culinary culture. The restaurant also provides outdoor seating, allowing diners to enjoy the atmosphere of the surrounding area.
Speaking on the opening, Michelle Menezes, Centre Director at Highcross Leicester, 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.”
She continued:
“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 a decade ago by Teddy Lee, Maki & Ramen began with the mission to bring authentic Japanese cuisine to the UK, using traditional cooking techniques. The brand has developed a loyal customer base through this approach.
Teddy Lee, Founder and CEO of Maki & Ramen, commented:
“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 launch adds to Highcross’s evolving food and drink offer, which includes names such as YO! Sushi, Wagamama, Pho, and Turtle Bay. It also marks the eleventh new occupier to open at the centre since the beginning of the year, aligning with a broader strategy led by NewRiver REIT.
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