in tokyo’s roppongi district, japanese architect ryoji iedokoro has completed a restaurant interior that spans the first and second floors of a newly constructed building. the restaurant, which serves grilled meat, seeks to change perceptions of yakiniku cuisine by offering a more intimate and visceral dining experience. at street level, the design contains a long table within a cave-like setting. meanwhile, the level above features semi-private floor seating with steel pipes that mimic trees — allowing diners to feel as if they are eating in the middle of a quiet forest.

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
all images courtesy of ryoji iedokoro architecture office

 

 

the ‘cave’ has been designed by ryoji iedokoro to be as tactile as possible. the ground floor’s glass herringbone finish hints at flowing water, while the centrally positioned glass table continues the aquatic theme. the ‘trees’ found upstairs include hooks that imitate branches, allowing diners’ jackets and bags to appear as vibrant flowers in the forest. they also serve to control privacy from adjacent tables. throughout the upper storey, layers of OSB have been used to elevate particular areas — again providing seclusion for guests.

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
at street level, the restaurant contains a long table within a cave-like setting

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
the level above features semi-private floor seating with steel pipes that mimic trees

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
throughout the upper storey, layers of OSB have been used to elevate particular areas

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
diners feel as if they are eating in the middle of a quiet forest

ryoji iedokoro yakiniku restaurant
the restaurant spans the first and second floors of a newly constructed building