Rainer Becker Restaurants: Key Takeaways
- Rainer Becker owns 39 restaurants worldwide spanning Europe, the US, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
- His portfolio does not currently include any Michelin-starred venues but focuses on high-end Japanese and contemporary dining concepts.
- Signature brands include Zuma and ROKA, with multiple international locations and a strong presence in luxury and resort cities.
- Recent expansion highlights include new locations in Bahrain, Santorini, Mallorca, Athens, Amsterdam, Prague, Riyadh, and St. Tropez, emphasizing steady global growth.
Chef Rainer Becker is renowned for pioneering a contemporary Japanese dining experience with wide international appeal. His restaurant empire comprises nearly 40 locations worldwide, spanning fine dining and sophisticated casual environments.
This article explores Becker’s extensive restaurant portfolio, focusing on his top concepts—including Zuma and ROKA—across various continents and dining styles.
Rainer Becker Restaurants: Global Presence and Restaurant Count
Rainer Becker’s brand operates 39 restaurants worldwide as of 2025. His portfolio extends across the United Kingdom, United States, Middle East, Asia, continental Europe, and other global locations.
The collection includes primarily high-end Japanese dining concepts alongside contemporary European venues, emphasizing a consistent quality and sophisticated dining experience without franchising or licensing models—Becker owns all locations.
His establishments vary from casual to fine dining, featuring robatayaki grills and shared-plate formats popular across luxury cities and resort destinations.
Below is an approximate breakdown of restaurant counts by region with notable examples:
| Region | Approx. Number of Restaurants | Notable Examples |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 7 | Zuma (London), ROKA (London), Oblix (London), INKO NITO (London) |
| United States | 5 | Zuma (New York City, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas), ETARU (Hallandale Beach), INKO NITO (Los Angeles) |
| Middle East | 4 | Zuma (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), ROKA (Dubai, Riyadh) |
| Asia | 5 | Zuma (Hong Kong, Bangkok, Phuket), ROKA (Hong Kong) |
| Europe | 5 | Zuma (Rome, Mykonos, Bodrum, Porto Cervo, Datça Peninsula), ROKA (Mallorca, Athens, Amsterdam, Prague, St. Tropez, Santorini, Capri, Madrid) |
| Other | 13 | Includes notable expansion in luxury resort and travel destinations worldwide. |
| Total (Global) | circa 39 | (Owned and operated restaurants across multiple continents.) |
Rainer Becker’s footprint is characterized by concentrated clusters in major metropolitan and premium resort areas, with strongholds in London, New York, Dubai, and multiple European coastal destinations.
The ownership model excludes franchising, underscoring a hands-on, controlled approach to expansion through trusted partners like Arjun Waney and Sven Koch who co-manage the business operations.
Michelin-Starred Flagship Restaurants
Interestingly, Rainer Becker’s group does not currently hold any Michelin stars.
While the focus remains on high-quality contemporary Japanese dining, the brand has prioritized expanding reach and consistent upscale casual to fine dining experiences over exclusive Michelin recognition.
This approach allows Becker to focus on dynamic dining atmospheres, accessibility, and multiple locations rather than the fine-dining niche alone.
For insight on the prestige and impact of such accolades, see our detailed Michelin star restaurant statistics.
Notable Rainer Becker Restaurant Concepts and Locations
Becker’s signature brands define much of his global profile. The two major concepts, Zuma and ROKA, are complemented by smaller ventures like Oblix, INKO NITO, and ETARU—each reflecting elements of Japanese robatayaki and contemporary dining adapted for local markets.
Zuma Restaurants
Zuma is the flagship brand known for contemporary Japanese cuisine with an izakaya-style dining experience and robata grilling, delivered in sleek, modern settings appealing to an upscale clientele.
There are 16 Zuma locations worldwide, including major cities and luxury resorts such as London, Hong Kong, Dubai, New York City, Miami, Bangkok, Rome, Mykonos, and Phuket.
Zuma’s menu features robata-grilled items, sushi, and signature shared dishes aiming at a price range of approximately $100–$150 per person, establishing it as a premium option globally.
Restaurant owners interested in hiring skilled culinary staff for upscale venues like Zuma can benefit from our guide to hiring a restaurant consultant and explore strategies for efficient restaurant staff hiring.
ROKA
ROKA represents a similarly focused Japanese robatayaki restaurant concept but with a slightly lower price range ($80–$120 per person) and an emphasis on shared dining and contemporary design.
The 13 ROKA locations include London, Hong Kong, Dubai, Riyadh, Mallorca, Athens, Amsterdam, Prague, St. Tropez, Santorini, Bahrain, Madrid, and Capri.
The brand is noted for its lively atmosphere, quality robata grill items, and elegant but accessible design.
Oblix
Oblix is a unique Lounging and dining venue located in London on the 32nd floor of The Shard, with panoramic views of the city.
It features a rotisserie and grill-focused menu and modern European cuisine aimed at a fine dining audience.
This single venue complements Becker’s Japanese portfolio by adding a contemporary European element.
INKO NITO
INKO NITO is a casual Japanese restaurant concept with two locations in London and Los Angeles.
It offers robata grill dishes and fusion items in a relaxed atmosphere, catering to a more casual dining experience with pricing around $50–$80 per person.
ETARU
ETARU is solely located in Hallandale Beach and offers beachfront dining focused on Japanese robatayaki in a contemporary setting.
This venue emphasizes ambiance and location, providing a slightly more accessible price range of $60–$100 per person.
Rainer Becker Restaurant Empire: Conclusion
In conclusion, Rainer Becker currently owns and operates approximately 39 restaurants across the world, focused heavily on Japanese robatayaki-style dining and contemporary cuisine.
Although his collection lacks Michelin-starred venues, the strength of his empire lies in consistent quality, global reach, and popular premium concepts like Zuma and ROKA.
The presence of locations in high-profile cities and luxury travel destinations across the UK, US, Europe, Middle East, and Asia underscores a well-calibrated growth strategy supported by trusted partners.
His refusal to franchise or license the brand ensures tight operational control and maintains the signature dining style that patrons expect from his establishments.
Looking ahead, continued expansion in new global markets such as Bahrain, Santorini, and Prague signals that Becker’s restaurant empire is poised for further international influence in the upscale contemporary dining space.
Rainer Becker’s successful blending of authentic Japanese culinary techniques with modern aesthetics and service standards makes his global portfolio a prominent player in luxury dining without reliance on Michelin accolades.
For hospitality employers seeking effective recruitment methods and to reduce turnover in high-end restaurant operations, consider reading our spotlight on strategies to reduce restaurant employee turnover.
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