5 Restaurants Where Architecture and Culinary Arts Come Together

The interest and passion for food has become increasingly important in recent times. To go to a restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal now goes way beyond our taste buds, it has become a whole experience that reaches all of our senses. And that is exactly what sets an extraordinary restaurant apart from the rest: the ability to engage with the customer’s sensitivity in an intimate and prevailing way. A key element to fulfill this purpose is the ambiance. Here’s a list of five restaurants that have managed to create outstanding atmospheres that dialogue with the food they serve.

BIKO Restaurante & Bar, Mexico City

The inspiration for this place, developed by Entasis Architects, is deeply rooted in Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza’s work as chefs. One of the best examples of this connection is the way in which the architecture implements contrasts between materials and colors, somehow echoing the contrasts between textures and ingredients that prevail in the restaurant’s culinary offer.

Björk Restaurant, Hernavan

This restaurant is like a comfortable shelter in the mountains, waiting to host you after a day of skiing. It is some sort of modern, stylish wooden cabin. Surrounded by an incredible snow landscape, this spot brings the idea of coziness and relaxation to a whole new level.

Bei Restaurant, Beijing

This Chinese restaurant specializes in Northern Asian cuisine with a concept that completely comes together thanks to its design. The interior architectural design evoques the forest’s atmosphere in a comforting way due to a very creative use of wood around the main room.

Septime, Paris

Septime’s philosophy revolves around sustainability, including the work culture, the culinary concept and, of course, the architectural design. This French restaurant has a rustic style that is complemented with industrial details, everything planned around the idea of reusing, repurposing and reducing waste. It has an impressive iron spiral staircase that provides lots of character to the place. 

Awasi Hotel, La Pampa

An authentic Chilean paradise, the dining room of this hotel is one of the best located restaurants in the world. The design of the cabin will leave any guest in awe due to the simplicity with which it merges with its surroundings.

These are only a few examples of the ways in which different expressions such as architecture, design and culinary arts can come together. The world is full of hidden gems like these, waiting to be found. It is truly fascinating to travel through all our senses and discover incredible ideas as they come to life. 

• Adel Zackout, “10 Architecturally Awesome Restaurants Around The World”, Business Insider, https://www.businessinsider.com/modern-restaurants-collection-2011-7?r=MX&IR=T

• Sara Tardiff and Elizabeth Stamp, “Gorgeous Interiors from the World’s 50 Best Restaurants: The world’s greatest eateries also have incredible decor”, Architectural Digest, https://www.architecturaldigest.com/gallery/gorgeous-interiors-worlds-50-best-restaurants

• Lidia Valles, “Top 10 restaurants for tasting architecture”, More With Less, https://morewithlessdesign.com/en/restaurants/