Japanese restaurant group Zuma set to launch in New York

Japanese restaurant group Zuma, co-founded by chef Rainer Becker and restaurateur Arjun Waney, is set to launch in New York next year, ahead of further expansion in the USA.

The group, which currently six different outposts throughout the world, including the original in London and a restaurant in Miami, will open in New York early 2014.

The restaurant, which will be a co-venture with NYC real estate developers Rotem Rosen and Alex Sapir, will be located over two floors at 261 Madison. It will include a main dining room, a bar and lounge area and private rooms.

Commenting commenting on the new venture Becker said: "New York is probably the greatest city in the world for its exceptional and diverse restaurant scene. I think every chef and restaurateur must want at some time to open in the city, I certainly have for some time now. Finally the location, our local partners and timings have all come together and I am really excited about the opportunity".

Rainer and Waney for launch Zuma in London in 2002, with a menu based on three from three kitchens - the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill.

Zuma has since opened in Hong Kong (2007), Istanbul (2008), Dubai (2008), Miami (2010) and Bangkok (2011). New York will signal further openings in the USA under the direction of executive managing director Sven Koch.

Last month Becker and Waney revealed details of teeir forthcoming restaurant Oblix, which will open on the 32nd floor of London's Shard in spring.

Chef restaurateur duo Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney reveal details of new opening >>