The design project for Stella Shi’s restaurant was born from the meeting of two seemingly distant culinary cultures: Asian and Apulian cuisine. The goal was to create a space that evokes the simplicity and authenticity of traditional Eastern eateries, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens.
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with materials and details that tell a precise story. Japanese-inspired stormflags, intentionally left without graphics, float through the space like scenic backdrops, subtly dividing the different areas. The green walls, punctuated by wooden elements, recall the architecture of Asian homes, while the iconic Formakami rice paper lamps by Jaime Hayon enhance the ethereal and evocative character of the space.
The color palette was carefully selected to convey a sense of relaxation and comfort: natural tones, light woods, and touches of red create a visually harmonious balance, encouraging guests to linger and fully immerse themselves in the dining experience.
This is a design that goes beyond aesthetics—a true visual narrative, where each element interacts with Stella Shi’s culinary concept, in a perfect fusion of East and Mediterranean.