Modern Restaurant Interior Design: NINYAS by Ignacio Urquiza and Ana Paula de Alba

NINYAS Restaurant, located in the vibrant Juárez neighborhood of Mexico City, stands as an architectural fusion of Mexican and Japanese culinary traditions. Designed by Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos and Ana Paula de Alba, this 100-square-meter restaurant reimagines modern restaurant interior design through a minimalist yet culturally resonant approach. Completed in 2023, the project brings together gastronomic heritage and contemporary architecture, offering diners a unique culinary and spatial experience.

A Culinary Dream Realized Through Design

NINYAS originated from a family tradition of hosting guests and serving their perfected rib eye tacos paired with sake. This tradition evolved into a restaurant concept that embodies hospitality, warmth, and cultural exchange. Housed in a ground-floor space of a 1950s building, the architectural intervention reflects the rich duality of Mexican and Japanese influences.

The design translates this cultural fusion into a space that invites diners to experience the essence of both traditions. By analyzing trends from Mexico City and Tokyo, the architects crafted a setting that blends street food culture with the elegance of fine dining, emphasizing warmth, functionality, and authenticity.

Materiality as a Design Language

The predominant material used in NINYAS is stainless steel, a deliberate choice to reflect the utilitarian essence of both Mexican and Japanese kitchens. Stainless steel panels, measuring 1 x 3 meters, cover the perimeter walls and form the kitchen furniture and equipment. High, shared dining bars—reminiscent of both sushi counters and Mexican taco stands—dominate the dining space.

The cold, reflective quality of stainless steel paradoxically brings warmth and vibrancy to the restaurant. By diffusing reflections of diners and activity, the material animates the space, creating an ever-changing visual experience. The non-slip ocher-colored epoxy floor complements the steel, grounding the design in practicality while adding subtle warmth.

Layered Elements for Depth and Functionality

In addition to stainless steel, the design incorporates contrasting materials to enrich the spatial experience. The mezzanine-level bar, crafted entirely from wood, offers a cozy retreat, contrasting the cool steel below. Utilitarian shelving divides the kitchen and dining areas without isolating them, allowing the free flow of plates and utensils while maintaining visual connectivity.

Custom-designed oak stools with circular bases soften the industrial tone of the space. Stainless steel footrests seamlessly integrate the stools into the overall design while enhancing user comfort. A steel bridge connects the mezzanine to the staircase, transforming shelving into functional sake racks that add depth and character to the interior.

Seamless Connection Between Interior and Exterior

The restaurant’s façade, comprising six pivoting and folding glass panels, creates a dynamic interface between the interior and the bustling streetscape. These panels allow for various configurations, seamlessly blending the dining space with the sidewalk and surrounding greenery. This integration enhances the dining experience by creating a sense of openness and connection with the vibrant urban environment.

A Celebration of Culinary and Architectural Synergy

NINYAS Restaurant embodies the harmony between cuisine and architecture. By thoughtfully blending cultural elements, materiality, and functionality, Ignacio Urquiza and Ana Paula de Alba have created a space that transcends its physical dimensions. The restaurant is not only a place to eat but also a celebration of shared traditions and modern design principles.

Through the innovative use of materials, attention to cultural detail, and an emphasis on openness, NINYAS sets a new standard for modern restaurant interior design. It is a space where diners can immerse themselves in the art of gastronomy and the beauty of architecture, experiencing the essence of Mexico and Japan in every detail.

All Photographs are works of Rafael Gamo, IUA Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos