Aster by Joshua Paris By RooMoo Design Studio: A Culinary and Spatial Masterpiece in Shanghai

Located in the vibrant heart of Shanghai, Aster is the latest gastronomic destination designed by RooMoo Design Studio in collaboration with renowned British chef Joshua Paris. Spanning 309 m², this restaurant and bar interiors project was completed in 2025, delivering an immersive dining experience that blends culinary excellence, spatial storytelling, and sustainable design.

Concept and Inspiration

The design of Aster draws inspiration from the aster flower, also meaning “star,” translating its natural structure into an innovative spatial experience. Guests enter the heart of the flower, a central disc formed by a circular bar and wraparound dining counter, where they are invited to dine amidst the action of the open kitchen. This 360-degree service layout creates an intimate connection between chefs and diners while reinforcing the restaurant’s identity as a celebration of craft and nature.

Chef Joshua Paris, Culinary Vision

Chef Joshua Paris brings 19 years of international culinary experience across New Zealand, the UK, Australia, and China. Having collaborated with culinary luminaries such as Richard Ekkebus at 58° Grill and Paul Pairet at UV, Paris emphasizes discipline, precision, and refinement. At Aster, his philosophy manifests in meticulously curated dishes designed to challenge conventions and highlight seasonal ingredients, offering Shanghai diners a uniquely interactive gastronomic experience.

Design Elements: Disc, Petals, and Roots

The spatial narrative begins at the Disc, the central bar and counter area where diners engage directly with chefs. A soft halo of lighting at the bar base echoes the overhead “crown” installation of 39 modular frames, each holding recycled xuan paper violet petals arranged in a gentle spiral. At night, these petals are illuminated to evoke a drifting nebula, merging aesthetics with sustainability, as each element can be reused and re-dyed.

The Radiation of Petals extends along the perimeter, where layered pendant lights aligned with structural beams echo floral architecture, balancing subtle beauty with functional illumination. The Root, or material palette, includes oak, stone, and hand-modeled clay, grounding the interior in warmth and tactility. Herringbone oak floors radiate outward from the bar, resembling roots, while rounded timber and stone edges ensure comfort.

VIP and Mezzanine Spaces, Constellation

Aster’s VIP mezzanine and private dining areas, clad in walnut, velvet, and dark textiles, offer intimate elevated experiences. A mirrored antique bronze canopy and stardust-inspired petal installations form a celestial effect, allowing private gatherings to focus on conversation and cuisine, while reinforcing the restaurant’s overarching floral and star-inspired motif.

Sustainability and Craft

RooMoo Design Studio incorporated recycled and sustainable materials, from xuan paper petals to locally sourced wood and stone, while hand-modeled clay details enhance tactile experiences at every touchpoint. This attention to craft, detail, and environmental responsibility positions Aster as both a design and culinary landmark in Shanghai.

Aster by Joshua Paris is more than a restaurant: it is a sophisticated convergence of design, gastronomy, and experiential storytelling. RooMoo Design Studio’s innovative approach ensures that spatial form, materials, lighting, and culinary performance are fully integrated, creating an unforgettable sensory journey for every guest.

All the photographs are works of Wen Studio