F+B News | Hospitality Design

Capito Café Brings Eclectic Charm to the Heart of Bishkek

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:30:27 +0000

Located on the ground floor of a residential building in central Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Capito emerges as a new café that blends vintage European charm, Grecian influences, and contemporary design.

Blended influences at Capito

Designed by Jamal Ramis Design Bureau, the 3,765-square-foot café spans two levels, with a sense of flow and openness enhanced by a thoughtfully executed layout.

On the ground floor, guests are welcomed into a space defined by a seating area and open bar, while an upper level hosts an open kitchen and additional dining space. A cozy outdoor terrace further expands the café’s footprint, encouraging guests to linger and connect.

This duality of inspiration is reflected throughout the café’s eclectic interior design. Soft beige walls, classic columns, and 19th- and 20th-century Viennese chairs sit alongside Morris tapestry-inspired fabrics, a piano inherited from previous tenants, and curated artwork with Grecian motifs. Decorative shelving lined with tableware and newspapers adds both function and storytelling, while soft curtains lend a residential warmth.

A palette of orange, green, and deep red injects contrast and energy—complementing the café’s darker wood furnishings and textured plaster walls—while concrete columns and painted floor introduce industrial undertones.

“When I began working on the concept of the project, my mind was filled with images of European cafés and restaurants that embody the spirit of history, vintage charm, and refined elegance,” says Jamal Ramisova, founder of the eponymous studio. “At the same time, I envisioned monumental structures of Greece, where ornamental motifs from ancient art inspired me to create a unique space. I wanted to craft an atmosphere of coziness without losing touch with modernity.”

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Chef Marcus Samuelsson Opens Marcus DC

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 13:00:04 +0000

Chef and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson has debuted Marcus DC, a new restaurant in the Union Market section of Washington, DC that spotlights the diversity and richness of the Black culinary experience through a contemporary lens.

A cross-cultural design at Marcus DC

Designed by Kamille Glenn, founder of New York-based studio dsgnrswrkshp, the interiors reflect a tactile, intentional narrative that explores cross-cultural connection and reciprocity across the African Diaspora. Bold patterns, natural materials, and curated artworks infuse the space with rhythm and meaning.

A striking abstract collage by Baltimore-born artist Derrick Adams anchors the space, examining themes of identity through structure and surface—serving as both a visual statement and cultural touchstone.

At the heart of the restaurant is an open kitchen and raw bar, bringing energy and interaction to the dining experience. A chef’s table invites guests into the creative process, while a private dining room, wrapped in printed wallcoverings and works from emerging DMV artists, nods to cultural nostalgia and community gathering.

Marcus DC marks Marcus Samuelsson Group’s second culinary concept to open at the Morrow Hotel. Rooftop bar Sly opened earlier this year, while a third venue, Goodie Lounge is set to launch later this year.

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Wynn Las Vegas Debuts PISCES Bar & Seafare

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:50:43 +0000

Wynn Las Vegas has introduced PISCES Bar & Seafare, a Mediterranean seafood restaurant helmed by chef Martin Heierling and brought to life through richly layered interiors by Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design & Development.

The design experience of PISCES at Wynn Las Vegas

Channeling the elegance of a seaside escape, PISCES immerses guests in an experience that balances architectural drama with oceanic serenity. A rotunda clad in embroidered velvet and dark ebony wood marks the entrance, which leads to a two-level dining room awash in deep blue tones, warm copper accents, and gleaming bronze finishes.

An expansive seafood display and bar anchors the room, which is crowned by a custom chandelier comprising 400 rum-colored Murano glass orbs. Underfoot, a mosaic floor of copper-infused glass and Carrara marble shimmers with subtle movement, while oversized cobalt urns with gilded detailing add sculptural flair.

“Each detail at PISCES is masterfully created, inviting guests into a dynamic escape,” says Lenahan. “From glazed cobalt and gilt ceramic vases, which stand as ‘sirens of the sea,’ to the show-stopping Murano glass fixture above the bar—these specially commissioned fixtures highlight Wynn’s commitment to creating extraordinary, one-of-a-kind artistry.”

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Bowie Brings 1980s Glamour Underground in Old Montreal

Stephanie Chen — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:57:16 +0000

Tucked beneath the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, Bowie is a sultry supperclub that conjures the decadence of 1980s London and New York nightlife through a design by Ivy Studio.

A portal to a secret world

A discreet vestibule wrapped in botanical tapestry and anchored by a sculptural hostess counter sets the tone—lush, moody, and unapologetically theatrical.

Here, the absence of natural light is embraced as a virtue, transforming the windowless space into a cocoon of intimacy and discretion, akin to the world’s most exclusive members-only clubs.

Spatially, the layout is simple yet intentional. A central corridor runs the length of the venue, culminating in a mirrored, semi-circular lounge with a bold tiger-print pouf at its center. Flanking this axis, custom sofas and low tables form cozy lounge zones, while elevated banquettes and dining tables along the perimeter encourage shared plates and flowing conversation.At opposite ends of the room, a chrome-framed DJ booth and a jewel-box bar balance the energy.

Contrast and drama at Bowie supperclub

Bowie’s design language is all about contrast and drama. Glossy burgundy ceilings glow with recessed, backlit alcoves; teal carpeting and black-stained wood flooring anchor the central lounge; and black velvet walls shimmer with subtle illumination.

The palette—teal, mustard, and deep red—is rich and unexpected, paired with tiger-print velvets and high-shine chrome finishes for an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and of-the-moment.

Every element is bespoke, from curvaceous modular sofas to the chrome-and-glass tables. Columns are clad in smoked mirror and polished metal, amplifying the club’s layered reflections and movement.

At the center, the bar steals the show: a sculptural composition of deep red marble and brass, backed by a glowing mirrored wall and topped with a suspended installation of chrome tubes that echo the sound and spirit of the space.

Lighting and music are key to Bowie’s immersive identity as well. Ambient LEDs and mirrored surfaces interplay to heighten drama, while oversized red speakers—on proud display—reinforce music’s central role.

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Kintsugi Guides the Redesign of San Francisco’s Saru Handroll Bar

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 13:00:59 +0000

In a thoughtful evolution of a long-standing collaboration, Mai Takahashi Lee and Grant Takahashi Lee—founders of GTL Architecture & Interiors—were tapped to reimagine Saru Handroll Bar, a San Francisco restaurant they originally designed more than a decade ago.

Tasked with supporting a more casual dining concept, the new space balances legacy and reinvention, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, which finds beauty in restoration and imperfection.

Rooted in this philosophy, the design preserves core architectural elements that remain essential to the restaurant’s operation, while layering in refined new interventions.

A 22-seat handroll sushi bar made from locally fabricated oak now anchors the space, accompanied by custom bar stools.

The artfully restrained palette is tied together with washi paper-inspired pendant lights, venetian plaster walls, and discreet acoustic paneling that softens the ambient energy.

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No. 79 Bar & Terrace Showcases Retro French Flair

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 16:52:29 +0000

A new chapter in downtown New York nightlife begins with the debut of No. 79 Bar & Terrace, the latest venture from hospitality impresario Nur Khan.

Known for shaping the city’s nightlife landscape through concepts like Two Fifteen at PUBLIC and Butterfly Soho, Khan now brings a fresh yet nostalgic energy to the Lower East Side.

Inside No. 79 Bar & Terrace

Housed in a building owned by Morry Kalimian of Kalimian Equities, No. 79 channels retro French sophistication.

Designed by Craig Shillitto of Cycle Projects—the mind behind the interiors of Loring Place, Lilia, and ABC Kitchen—the space opens up to the vibrancy of its neighborhood with hydraulic hangar-style garage doors.

“The triple hanger door, open-air design is unquestionably one of the first things that catches one’s eye,” says Kalimian. “Once inside the bar, one can’t miss the exceptional execution of the millwork and brass work designed by Craig Shillitto.”

Inside, a horseshoe-shaped bar wrapped in warm wood and vertical black subway tile anchors the intimate space, paired with slightly burnished metals and sheer black curtains. Banquette seating for 50 guests is situated around the bar.

Shillitto shares his favorite elements are the “reoccurring curved geometries in the space, from wall molding to bar shape to our custom lighting. The pendant light fixtures and sconces are reinforcing the theme and geometries of the round bar shape in plan. Conflating the plan shape of the bar into the section shape of the lighting design is a fun game that pays off experientially with these iterative reoccurring geometries.”

Sensuous black-and-white prints by fashion and celebrity photographer Sante D’Orazio further ground the bar in the creative energy of the surrounding streetscape. “Sante D’Orazio is one of the legends in the fashion photography world,” Khan notes. “His images are iconic, timeless, beautiful, edgy, and playful. This is exactly what we strive to be in No. 79 Bar & Terrace.”

A second-floor open-air terrace reveals sweeping, unobstructed views of Downtown Manhattan.

“We are excited to open No. 79 Bar & Terrace, which brings an elevated sensibility while maintaining a downtown edge,” says Khan.

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Lele’s Roman Brings the Charm of Rome to Brooklyn

Stephanie Chen — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:28:54 +0000

LDV Hospitality has debuted Lele’s Roman, an all-day restaurant inspired by the layered charm of Rome’s Trastevere district.

Located inside Ace Hotel Brooklyn in the borough’s Boerum Hill neighborhood, the concept offers a contemporary take on Roman cuisine under the direction of chef Francesco Battisti.

The layered spirit of Lele’s Roman

The interiors—envisioned by New York-based Studio Tre—capture a spirit of irreverent charm mixed with Italian warmth. A nostalgic yet modern interpretation of Roman trattorias, Lele’s Roman pays homage to tradition while embracing the casual cool of its Brooklyn setting.

The space juxtaposes raw concrete, supple leather, and warm woods with saturated hues—like deep greens, ochres, and sanguine reds—to evoke the sensibilities of both Roman and Brooklyn.

At its core is a sculptural cocktail bar clad in dark green Breccia d’Egitto stone with white oak tambour. Ribbed glass and steel screens, ochre and sage leather banquettes, and lace café curtains lend layered intimacy to the experience.

Completing the scene are artful details—including handmade ceramics, vintage Italian film stills, and photography—that are equal parts Rome and Brooklyn.

“Lele’s Roman is our Roman holiday, with a Brooklyn accent,” says John Meadow, founder and president of LDV Hospitality. “It’s bold, warm, a little cheeky, and all heart. We couldn’t ask for a better home than Ace Hotel Brooklyn to bring this dream to life.”

Lele’s Roman marks LDV Hospitality’s first Brooklyn venture, expanding the brand’s presence beyond Manhattan. In addition to the restaurant, LDV oversees the hotel’s broader F&B program, including in-room dining, lobby bar service, and a second concept that will be announced soon.

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Chef Daniel Boulud to Debut Dining Concept in Hong Kong

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 30 May 2025 13:00:41 +0000

Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and luxury commercial complex Landmark are set to introduce Terrace Boulud, a new dining destination from award-winning French chef Daniel Boulud, in January.

Located on the 25th floor of Landmark Prince’s (connected to the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong), Terrace Boulud marks Boulud’s first foray into Asia and the Mandarin Oriental’s first restaurant concept beyond the flagship’s premises, which is home to nine F&B outlets, including multiple Michelin-starred venues.

A first look at Terrace Boulud

The concept, connected to the hotel via an enclosed walkway, will feature an expansive rooftop terrace with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.

Designed by Malherbe Paris, the restaurant will channel the golden age of French brasseries, and draw inspiration from the elegance of luxury train travel and the vibrant textures of Hong Kong.

Curved woodwork, layered lighting, textural contrasts, and handcrafted details introduce depth and warmth, evoking a sense of journey. The result is an immersive, transportive environment that reflects Boulud’s global culinary ethos—a contemporary expression of French art de vivre elevated by a distinct sense of place.

“It is an honor for me to partner with Mandarin Oriental to bring Terrace Boulud to Hong Kong,” says Boulud. “I am endlessly inspired by the flavors and culinary variety of the region, which provides a wonderful interchange with French tradition. I look forward to welcoming our guests to explore it with me in such an iconic location.”

Construction is set to begin this month.

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B3 Designers Crafts the Ninth Cut at Novotel Dubai Al Barsha

Stephanie Chen — Thu, 29 May 2025 14:00:35 +0000

London-based studio B3 Designers has unveiled the concept and interior design for the Ninth Cut Butchery & Steakhouse, a dining destination within the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha hotel that blends high-end retail with immersive hospitality.

The duality of the Ninth Cut

Tasked with creating a dual-purpose space, B3 Designers developed a refined yet masculine aesthetic that connects a butcher shop at the front with an elevated steak restaurant at the rear.

Central to the design is the idea of transparency—inviting guests to witness the journey from butcher block to plate, while maintaining distinct experiences for both concepts.

A secret door subtly links the two venues, offering restaurant guests the opportunity to browse the boutique butcher shop and select their preferred cut of meat to be prepared in the dining room.

Meanwhile, the material palette leans into understated luxury with tactile finishes and rich textures that draw from traditional butcher shop elements.

Inside the steakhouse

The restaurant centers around a theatrical, volcano-inspired cook line, clad in rough stone, where flames from the equipment flicker beneath a smoke-like canopy of perforated metal. A walk-in meat chiller, visible from both zones, puts the butchers’ craft on full display.

Throughout the space, curated displays and educational touchpoints highlight global cattle breeds, cooking techniques, and regional marinades.

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Art and Hospitality Collide at New York’s Pinky Swear

Stephanie Chen — Fri, 23 May 2025 13:48:10 +0000

Pinky Swear has opened its doors in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. The concept—equal parts cocktail lounge, dining destination, and gallery—comes courtesy of Grand Hotels Lux, Grammy-nominated New York native Daniel Picciotto, and former professional table tennis player Mark Croitoroo.

To bring the vision to life, the founders enlisted a global team of visionaries: Virginia-based artist and interaction designer Nathan Roth, Stockholm-based hospitality designer Jeanette Didon, and New York-based architect Sebastian Quinn.

Pinky Swear’s layered journey

Divided into three distinct spatial experiences, Pinky Swear unfolds with cinematic progression.

At the entrance, the concrete gallery sets the tone as an urban homage to New York’s asphalt grit, with handcrafted details like oil spill-inspired color gradients on the front bar, vintage pipe-tufted leather banquettes, and a swooping programmable LED chandelier inspired by Picasso’s light drawings.

The space then flows into an ever-evolving gallery centered on Roth’s interactive installations, alongside rotating work from other digital and tactile artists.

“Pinky Swear’s interior design experience is created with art as its central point, where every aesthetic expression of the interior is an arm or a leg to the body and heart of the space: the art gallery,” says Didon. “Every necessary interior item is made as an artistic experiment, blurring the line between the art and objects of functionality.”

The dining room and lounge

Further in, the dining room takes on a moody futurism: curved concrete banquettes appear to emerge from the floor and walls, paired with concrete-based tables and acrylic French bistro chairs. Two central plinths showcase rotating art vignettes, and a private dining nook seats up to 10.

In the back, the lounge channels a retro-futuristic spirit with flexible configurations for events, games, and performances. Dramatic materials—like Calacatta Viola marble and concrete blocks grouted in bubblegum pink—play with contrast and color, tradition and irreverence.

”Nothing is left to chance, and you can certainly feel it,” Didon adds. “Everything is connected to art and the joy of creating. And whether you are there for the gallery, the event, the restaurant, the cocktails, or just the company, the experience will keep growing on you with new discoveries throughout the evening, and through your visits.”

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