Littleneck Restaurant Renovation by SLA – A Fresh Take on Seoul’s Brunch Culture

The Littleneck Restaurant sits within a multi-generational Korean housing building, a typical urban typology in Seoul. SLA’s main intervention was the insertion of a staircase box that links the basement, ground floor, and exterior. This vertical element not only organizes the circulation but also creates a journey of shifting atmospheres as visitors move between levels.

The design palette is built on a mix of natural and industrial materials:

• Raw steel frames the structural and ceiling elements.
• Hand-stained green birch wood defines the staircase, giving guests a tactile and intimate welcome.
• Terracotta bricks clad the service zones, adding texture and warmth.
• White-stained oak wood softens the dining hall with a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.

By layering materials, SLA crafted an environment that feels both grounded and fresh, in line with the restaurant’s culinary philosophy of comfort food with a modern twist.

Interior Spatial Experience

As guests enter, the staircase becomes a threshold space—an intimate shelter-like zone that previews glimpses of the dining hall through crafted openings. The service areas finished with rough terracotta lead to the main dining hall, which is intentionally brighter and more open.

The dining area celebrates contrast and detail:

• The exposed steel-framed ceiling highlights the building’s remodeled structure.
• Below the datum line, oak wood panels in white stain add warmth against the fresh green palette.
• Custom-designed lighting fixtures suspended along the molding create depth and perspective while enhancing the soft, natural ambiance.

Every detail—from the tables and benches to the bespoke lighting fixtures—was designed by SLA with a holistic approach to furniture, space, and atmosphere. This attention to detail allows diners not only to enjoy their meals but also to discover design craftsmanship embedded throughout the restaurant.

A Fresh Chapter for Seoul’s Brunch Scene

The renovation of Littleneck Restaurant reflects more than just a design update; it represents a new chapter in Seoul’s café and dining culture. By embracing raw materiality, custom furniture, and layered atmospheres, SLA transformed Littleneck into a modern architectural landmark in Gangnam while staying true to its reputation as a cozy, stylish brunch hub.

With its balance of industrial rawness and warm intimacy, Littleneck captures the spirit of contemporary restaurant design in South Korea—a space that nourishes both the appetite and the senses.

All the photographs are works of Roh Kyung