Restaurant Design is Complete... We are very excited to show everyone the completed restaurant fit-out we have been working on for over a year. The client, a passionate chef, approached us to collaborate with him on his second restaurant, which happened to be just down the road from his first space, Kepos Street Kitchen. The proximity of venues was no coincidence; he was tiring from turning away customers that didn't want to wait in line for his Middle Eastern influenced menu. It made sense for him to send them 1 minute down the road to another space, where
could enjoy a similar menu with North African, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.
One Hatted Chef, Michael Rantissi... Our client, Michael, was very sure of his concept from day one. He just wanted to make sure that the kitchen was the focal point and the internal elements married with the surrounding building. The existing building, Casba, is a new mixed-use development with empty retail and commercial spaces on street level, ready to be transformed. Architectural and interior firm, BKH, along with SJB and Cornerstone Property Group designed and developed the complex with a minimalist Middle-Eastern aesthetic and large mesmerizing pool and central courtyard.
Our Concept...
Fortunately, the canvas for our restaurant fit-out was visually appealing and allowed us to explore a balance between modern and vernacular design. Ultimately, we wanted to achieve a look that was not overly polished and looked just a bit "hand-made" or "hand-built". The palette was muted combinations of cream, white and beige. And the materials were not overly complicated but rich in texture. Dividing the kitchen and dining room is a large rough-rendered arch wall with recycled brick and timber bench tops. The lighting was one of the most decorative aspects to the design. We selected traditional Morroccan pendants that filled the ceiling, hanging from different heights. Walking into the space now feels totally surreal. It's very special to see the space alive and full of people.
And although the restaurant is only a couple months old, the best compliment we have received is that the venue feels very familiar and it felt like it had been there forever.