13 restaurants with architecture projects that are eye-catching

Visiting good restaurants is one of the favorite activities of those who appreciate discovering new flavors and cultures. However, the experience is only complete with a projects aligned with the concept of the place and capable of reproducing a welcoming atmosphere. Below, check out a selection of restaurant projects that enchant as much as the chefs' creations.

Manioca JK Iguatemi

Located on the third floor of Shopping JK Iguatemi in São Paulo, the Manioca Restaurant, created by chef Helena Rizzo, draws attention for its unique architecture inspired by a large greenhouse, with plenty of light and filled with plants. The iron structure responsible for the charm of the place creates a connection between the interior and the exterior. The architecture and landscaping's main characteristic is the use of sustainable materials and resource reuse, such as iron frames repurposed from an industrial warehouse in Barra Funda. Additionally, the bar's cladding is made of rammed earth, the woods are from demolition or certified, the tables are made of granilite made from oyster shells, and the light poles and fixtures are reused. "Nowadays, design takes into account the process, where it came from and where it's going," explains Vitor Penha from Belezas Imperfeitas, who signs the architectural project. "We understand the project as a regenerative cell, which always has a function to create a gradient with the surroundings," he concludes.

Camélia Òdòdó

Aiô Restaurant

Guided by the roots and memories of Taiwan, the restaurant Aiô, in São Paulo, features an architectural project created by Pianca Arquitetura, based on three elements: a new roof and ceiling, a counter for the bar and pastry shop, and a new façade. The zetaflex-style roof was chosen to characterize a more regular and delicate environment, accompanied by a ceiling made of blue pieces. Taking advantage of the height difference at the front of the property, the bar was configured to be lower. The façade gained a bi-color metal frame associated with a waiting bench. Regarding the materials, the architects mixed ordinary elements with more sophisticated ones. The bar counter, for example, is made of brushed imperial coffee granite, and the ceiling was made from unusual market ceiling tiles. A highlight of the project, the frame displays two colors and three types of glass textures: hammered, smooth, and dotted.

Restaurante Elena

[caption id="attachment_187191" align="alignnone" width="1000"][/caption> Designed by Bernardes Arquitetura, the Elena restaurant is located in front of the Jardim Botânico Park in Rio de Janeiro. The space was installed in an old house that is part of the Chácara do Algodão complex. Therefore, the project aimed to enhance the historical façade, recover the original characteristics, and create neutral architecture. The landscaping also plays an important role in integrating the new construction with the neighborhood. Additionally, the selection of materials was designed to enhance the greenery and the relaxed atmosphere characteristic of the neighborhood, highlighting the wooden floor, hanging vegetation, and the old peeling walls.

La Boulangerie 306 Sul

With a design signed by Bloco Arquitetos, the bakery La Boulangerie 306 Sul, in Brasília, is located in a corner store. The proposal takes advantage of the public covered veranda as a table area, creating an experience similar to traditional sidewalk tables in large cities. The internal space houses the kitchens, bathrooms, a playroom, an event room, and a showcase. The façade was clad with a layer of cast concrete in loco, fixed to the back walls. The resulting texture of this artisanal process refers back to the bakery's own artisanal production. Inside, two materials predominated: natural wood in doors, frames, and furniture, and exposed concrete present on the floor and in the façade finishes.

Padaria Martoca

The project of Padaria Martoca, in São Paulo, created a space that reflects the artisanal character of the place and can be defined by three molded concrete elements in loco: counter, bench, and shelves, all receiving the same cladding as the floor, the pigmented polymer cement. From this material, the color palette was defined. The floor features sprinkled hydraulic tiles. The counter is the main element that spans the space from end to end. The project is signed by AIA Estúdio in partnership with Raphael Tepedino.

Cozinha São Pedro

The project of the restaurant Cozinha São Pedro, created by the office Vaga Arquitetura, transformed an old warehouse located inside the FAMA Museum in Itu (SP), into a restaurant that dialogues with different eras through a subtle intervention. Many of the original features of the space were preserved, such as the exposed clay bricks walls. As this was an important issue during the renovation, the architects worked together with the museum's restoration team to identify and recover historical elements, enhancing the architecture that was already there.

Cuscuz da Irina

By chef Irina Cordeira, the restaurant Cuscuz da Irina, in São Paulo, arose to share the cuisine and creative power of the northeast. The architectural project, created by the office Sertão Arquitetos, followed this concept. To do this, the architects preserved original elements of the property that refer to the affective memory of grandmother's house. "The gate with a metal grille, the wooden windows, and the pitched roof were characteristics that matched the restaurant's atmosphere," summarize Julio and Raquel, architects and partners. For the old garage, a transformation into a porch was proposed, including community benches and a polished pebble floor reminiscent of beach sand. The walls gained an intervention of cobogós to organize the entrance, a small order window, and electrical and gas infrastructure. The tall, tropical vegetation completed the typical Brazilian house porch.

J.A.P.A

Located in Caraíva, in southern Bahia, the J.A.P.A. restaurant is the result of a partnership between architects Daniel Fromer and Kika Camasmie. In this project, the duo brought forth the union of two cultures: Japanese minimalism and the welcoming informality of Bahia. On a 300 m² plot of land, within the Outeiro das Brisas condominium, the restaurant is surrounded by local trees, and the architecture integrates harmoniously with the natural environment. The duo maximized the use of natural materials, highlighting ebonized wood, which adds elegance and durability, and is an essential element in both construction and furniture.

Alameda Restaurant

The Alameda restaurant, located inside the Esporte Clube Pinheiros in São Paulo, has an architectural design signed by the offices Biselli Katchborian Architects and Zanatta Figueiredo Architects Associates. The proposal aimed to enhance the integration of the construction with the rich and abundant landscape heritage found there. The design is based on a modular structural grid in a space with abundant adult vegetation, with a program where the dining and service areas harmonize with the surrounding trees and are integrated into the structure itself.

deBetti Ibirapuera

[caption id="attachment_187198" align="alignnone" width="6627"][/caption> The office Superlimão is responsible for the architecture of deBetti Ibirapuera — a specialized restaurant and market in aged meats — in São Paulo. Neighboring Ibirapuera Park, the venue was inspired by the trees and the breadth of the surrounding green area. Thus, the view of the park directed the project to ensure that the space was pleasant for both long gatherings around the tables and quick purchases. Tubular arches allowed for large spans and brought lightness. Interestingly, these arches recall the tree branches in the region, and their canopies are formed by solar panels that generate energy for the restaurant and create shaded areas on the external deck. "Beneath the panels, climbing plants take over the structures, improving protection, humidifying the area, and creating a pleasant microclimate without energy expenditure," says Lula Gouveia, partner and architect at Superlimão.

Osso Restaurant

[caption id="attachment_187204" align="alignnone" width="7197"][/caption> With a capacity for 250 people, the Osso restaurant in Belo Horizonte has the signature of architect Gustavo Penna. The project blends contemporary and rustic elements, using iron, glass, leather, and wireframes. The parrilla, framed by a glass panel, is the main space and dictated the concept for all the elements that make up the place.

Flairs Coquetelaria

The Flairs Coquetelaria, located in Ribeirão Preto, is a space where contemporary architecture intertwines with nature. Basking in natural light, the project, created by Nati Minas and Gabriela Mestriner, balances spaciousness and intimacy, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The exposed concrete, molded into organic shapes, dialogues with the surrounding landscape, giving identity and fluidity to the projects.