Having only just reopened in Copenhagen after an ample hiatus, you would think that Noma and owner Rene Redzepi would be ready for a break. But the team is if anything but, with the news that the famed dining destination will be opening a second permanent venue in Tokyo shortly.

Inua will open June 29 led by the head of Noma’s research and development team Thomas Frebel. The German has been with Noma for a decade and will be launching the venue in partnership with Redzepi. The name Inua originates from Inuit mythology and roughly translates to ‘the spirit that exists in all living things’. It is expected to be a far cry from the Japanese Noma pop-up of years past but offers a menu promised to overflow with Nordic dishes, paired with Japanese ingredients.

“When I was here with Noma, I felt this strong connection with Japan,” Frebel told Bloomberg of his interest in the land of the rising sun. “I was drawn to the landscape, the culture and the ingredients. When we left, I felt a sense of not being finished with my time in Japan.”

Noma is no doubt one of the world’s best restaurants, having won the lauded title four times over And while famed for its pop-ups (Australia included) this is the first time a permanent Noma-led venue has been launched outside of Denmark.

For Noma itself it means further global domination. But for Australians, it simply means a chance to have a taste of Noma a little closer to home.

Inua
9F Fujimi Building. 2-13-12 Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
inua.jp