SINGAPORE - Japanese food lovers can look forward to a treat when Changi Airport opens its biggest restaurant in November.

To be located on the third floor of the public area in Terminal 2 - where Seafood Paradise and Fish & Co used to be - Japan Gourmet Hall Sora will be able to accommodate 300 diners.

The concept is a gourmet food market featuring several popular Japanese food and beverage brands in one collective dining space, Changi Airport Group's spokesman Ivan Tan told The Straits Times.

This is the first time that the airport has awarded a lease for two amalgamated units, making it the largest restaurant space within Changi, he said.

The lease will be for an initial period of three years with an option to extend for another three.

Japan Gourmet Hall Sora will be operated by SG Retail Pte Ltd, a joint venture between ANA Trading and Komars Group.

This is not the first time an airline is venturing into the food business at Changi.

Other such ventures include The Kitchen by Wolfgang Puck, Hudsons and Pret a Manger in the T3 transit area. These are managed by Emirates Leisure Retail.

According to the Nikkei Asian Review, the initiative by All Nippon Airways (ANA) Holdings will house six eateries, all under franchise contracts with Japanese restaurants. The investment is worth an estimated $1.8 million.

The outlet will target travellers and Singaporeans alike, and serve dishes such as fresh seafood bowls and okonomiyaki pancakes.

ANA is reportedly aiming for annual sales of 450 million yen ($5.6 million) and considering offering mileage programme perks.

ANA currently operates a Japan-themed food cluster, Eat At Seven, at Suntec City.

Eat At Seven opened in 2015 and houses seven restaurant brands specialising in Japanese spicy stews, maguro (tuna) and chicken-based ramen.