Yakiniku Rikyu

Tradition and modernity are two values that coexist in Japan in perfect harmony. Our fascination for that respect of the past is something that can be felt at the Yakiniku Rikyu.

The contrast between oak wood and stainless steel that vanishes at the bottom of the restaurant, is the best way to present that duality. That mixture makes us savor the streets of Tokyo and feel the cracker of their barbecues as they invite you to taste the best Japanese meat.

The dismantling of the walls, with retro illuminated stainless steel rails, makes us feel as if we were walking through the streets and high and emblematic buildings of Ginza. Together with the oak at the back, it reminds us of where they come from, and the strong values that allowed them to get to where they are today.

As we walk into the private rooms area, the steel vanishes to leave the main role to the wood. This private rooms are completed with the use of different tatamis, curtains, original art works and a Korean room, among others, that show that nothing has been chosen randomly.

A zen garden inspired us to create the floating chandelier that dominates the main room; the series of lamps over each table were inspired by the traditional Japanese lanterns. We wanted to make each visit unique, and that is why we created different typologies of seats. From pure Japanese style tatamis in the private rooms or a Korean room that reminds us the origin of the gastronomic concept, to tables with a trench, where to seat barefoot, and traditional occidental tables.

This project has a theatrical and timeless character that doesn’t follow any trend, it just follows the quality of the service, of the product and of the space, with the aim of making us feel as if we were in the heart of Tokyo.

Design: Stone Designs
Photography: courtesy of Stone Designs