Munich — The path to exclusivity is a laborious one: circular saws hum, cables hang from the ceiling, and laborers are working tirelessly. “We still have a lot of work ahead of us because this is a new building,” noted Moritz Haake as he ascended a ramp. “Every single socket has to be installed. But the location is simply magnificent.” The 38-year-old entrepreneur and his business partner, Johann Rappenglück, are aiming for significant success: “This is going to be a real breakthrough.”
In mid-April, the two restaurateurs will open their upscale Asian restaurant on the ground floor of the luxury Hotel Koenigshof at Stachus. The establishment is named Raya, which translates to “King.” “The hotel representatives approached us themselves,” reported award-winning chef Rappenglück. The idea to create a top-tier sushi restaurant in Munich was born during a visit to a high-end sushi bar in London.
The menu will focus heavily on sushi—including nigiri, temaki, and sashimi—but guests will also be offered a variety of other options, including hot dishes. Both partners are well-known figures in the industry: Rappenglück served as head chef at Dukatz, managed Les Deux in Munich, and oversaw the Schlossbrennerei at Lake Tegernsee. In 2025, he opened the grill house The Golden Sausage in the Old Town. Haake is recognized as the founder of Burger & Lobster Bank and for his work with establishments such as Jacob, Haxengrill, and St. Ribs.
Exclusivity Akin to the Opera
The defining feature of Raya is its structure: “The project combines three restaurant concepts,” Haake explained. The main dining room accommodates 70 guests and offers an à la carte menu. Lunch is expected to cost between 20 and 30 euros, while dinner will average around 80 euros. Separated by a curtain is the Chef’s Table, seating ten people and presided over by the head chef himself. “This is a space for celebrations or business meetings,” Rappenglück clarified. Here, set menus start at 100 euros.
The most exclusive area will be the twelve-seat Omakase zone. “This is a Japanese culinary tradition where the guest places complete trust in the chef,” said Haake. The sushi master determines the composition of every dish. “One must fully immerse themselves in the process.” Guests can book a seat for 200 euros. However, punctuality is critical: anyone who fails to arrive before the “curtain closes” will not be admitted. “It’s like the opera,” Haake added. “You can’t walk into the hall during the third act.” Or like an airplane once the doors have been locked.
Last-Minute Omakase: 16 Courses for One Euro
In such cases, guests at the Raya bar who have registered on the Last Minute Omakase waiting list while enjoying a cocktail will receive a rare opportunity. If a reserved guest fails to appear, the lucky person on standby will receive the full 16-course set for just one euro. “We don’t want to waste food,” the partners emphasized. The menu is prepared strictly for a specific number of people. But it is also about the desire to create something extraordinary. “Our goal is to win a Michelin star with this project,” Haake admitted.
Latest Posts
