 |
Robb Report’s annual restaurant design issue cast a wide net last year, surveying newly opened restaurants across the country where architecture, interior design, and atmosphere were treated with the same seriousness as the food. From coastal California to Manhattan, from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the editors identified twenty-one new American restaurants that stood apart for visual ambition, craftsmanship, and a clear point of view. But only 15 had complete address info at press time (and were not listed here).
Bar Issi, Palm Springs, California. Bar Issi [pictured, above), leans unapologetically into Italian-inflected 1970s glamour. Saturated colors, patterned walls, and playful furnishings create a theatrical environment that feels perfectly suited to Palm Springs’ mid-century lineage without lapsing into nostalgia. 414 N Palm Canyon Drive, Suite F, Palm Springs, CA 92262 (442) 334-2405 thebarissi.com
ABC Kitchens, DUMBO, Brooklyn, New York. Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Brooklyn outpost brings a layered, old-world sensibility to a former industrial space on the waterfront. Antique chandeliers, stained glass, and textured surfaces soften the scale of the room while preserving its architectural muscle, creating a setting that feels both elegant and grounded. 55 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 586-5027 abckitchensdumbo.com
Lilo, Carlsbad, California. Housed in a converted boogie-board factory, Lilo, above, moves fluidly between indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural light, garden views, and understated materials align the architecture closely with Southern California’s relaxed yet intentional dining culture. 2571 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (442) 303-8245 restaurantlilo.com
Cafe Zaffri, New York City. Designed as two distinct dining environments, Cafe Zaffri moves effortlessly from light-filled daytime warmth to intimate evening glow. Patterned walls, handcrafted details, and thoughtful lighting echo Levantine influences while remaining distinctly contemporary. 16 East 16th Street, New York, NY 10003 (212) 302-4040 cafezaffri.com
Crying Tiger, Chicago, Illinois. Bold Southeast Asian flavors are matched by an assertive interior design at Crying Tiger. Rich colors, custom murals, and dramatic lighting give the space energy and movement while maintaining a polished, urban edge. 51 West Hubbard Street, Chicago, IL 60654 cryingtiger.com
Cento Raw Bar, Los Angeles, California. Cento Raw Bar, above, plays with organic curves and marine references, creating the sensation of dining inside a sculpted shell. The whimsical geometry and soft lighting reinforce the restaurant’s seafood focus without drifting into coastal cliché. 4919 West Adams Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323) 795-0330 cento.group
Huso, New York City. Huso favors restraint over spectacle. Oak tones, curved banquettes, and muted colors create a calm, almost residential atmosphere that places the emphasis squarely on the tasting-menu experience and the rhythm of the meal. 323A Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10013 (917) 891-1837 husony.com
Limusina, New York City. Limusina’s interior is exuberant and celebratory, defined by saturated reds, gold accents, and dramatic chandeliers. The visual energy mirrors the restaurant’s modern Mexican menu and high-spirited approach to dining. 441 Ninth Avenue, New York, NY 10001 (212) 970-8838 limusinanyc.com
Via Aurelia, San Francisco, California. Named for the ancient Roman road, Via Aurelia (pictured, above), channels Tuscan warmth through plaster walls, stone accents, and earthy tones. The design feels timeless rather than trendy, grounding the restaurant in classical Mediterranean sensibility. 300 Toni Stone Crossing, San Francisco, CA 94158 (415) 875-9781 viaaureliasf.com
Lucia, Los Angeles, California. Lucia draws on Afro-Caribbean influences through sculptural forms, towering palm motifs, and plush textures. The immersive interior feels rhythmic and transportive, designed to engage the senses without overwhelming the table. 351 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (213) 800-0048 luciala.com
Marcus DC, Washington, D.C. Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s flagship restaurant doubles as a cultural space, featuring commissioned works from artists across the African diaspora. The layered interior feels civic, celebratory, and deeply personal, reinforcing the restaurant’s sense of place. 222 M Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 (202) 280-2288 marcusdc.com/marcus-dc
Musaafer NYC, New York City. Inspired by the historic Silk Road, Musaafer’s interiors draw from Indian architectural traditions. Ornate finishes, mirrored surfaces, and carefully curated lighting create a richly layered sense of journey throughout the space. 133 Duane Street, New York, NY 10013 (212) 605-0444 musaaferrestaurants.com/nyc
Obvio, New York City. Blending restaurant, lounge, and nightlife, Obvio embraces a neo-noir aesthetic. Dark tones, patterned fabrics, and low lighting create a cinematic mood that evolves as the evening unfolds. 3 East 28th Street, New York, NY 10016 (347) 227-2707 obvionyc.com
Yamada, New York City Yamada is built around a single Hinoki wood counter, embracing Japanese principles of simplicity and craftsmanship. The spare, quiet interior places complete focus on technique, precision, and the experience of the meal itself. 16 Elizabeth Street, New York, NY 10013 (646) 429-8759 yamadanewyork.com
Lucien, La Jolla, California. Lucien, below, is defined by contrast. Guests pass from a serene garden setting into a darker, cave-like dining room where wood, stone, and shadow create intimacy and drama that echo the precision of its tasting menu. 7863 Girard Avenue, Suite 308, La Jolla, CA 92037 (619) 786-3082 luciensd.com
No comments:
Post a Comment