TANA Bar & Restaurant: Cave-Inspired Interior in Polanco by RA!

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Polanco, Mexico City, TANA Bar & Restaurant is a striking renovation project by RA! Architects, completed in 2022. Covering an area of 65 m², this immersive space transforms a bustling commercial corner into a cave-like dining and bar experience. With photography by Ariadna Polo, the project captures the raw elegance and atmospheric depth that define this modern Mexican hospitality space.

Renovation Concept and Site Context

Located between a traditional ice cream parlor and a bank, TANA Bar & Restaurant occupies a site characterized by high pedestrian traffic and dynamic urban activity. The architects’ intervention began with stripping away the old finishes to reveal the original structural elements and materials, uncovering a generous ceiling height of 4 meters. This initial discovery inspired the concept: a cave-like interior that harmonizes raw materials with refined culinary service, offering an intimate yet interactive environment for diners and bar-goers.

Central Square Bar: Redefining Hospitality Interaction

The design’s focal point is a large square bar centrally located within the space. Departing from traditional linear bar layouts, the square configuration promotes interaction between guests and the mixologist, creating a vibrant social hub. The inverted pyramidal bar, crafted from a concrete mixture of diverse stone compounds and hammer-treated to maintain a raw finish, enhances comfort and visual interest. This approach emphasizes tactile textures, material authenticity, and the experiential quality of hospitality design.

Iconoclastic Copper Feature and Omakase-Style Dining

Behind the bar, a large illuminated copper plate sourced from Michoacán establishes a dramatic backdrop, positioning the mixologist as the central figure of the dining experience. Supported by a network of rods extending from furniture to ceiling, this installation doubles as functional shelving for bottles and service elements. Adjacent to the bar, a dedicated informal dining area integrates with the kitchen in a Japanese Omakase-inspired style, allowing direct interaction with chefs and enhancing the overall gastronomic experience.

Cave-Like Atmosphere and Spatial Flow

To one side, a narrowing corridor guides visitors toward the service area, with indirect wall illumination softly bathing the space in light. For the central bar, concrete cylinders with rusted steel overlays were strategically designed to manage illumination cones, balancing ambiance and visual comfort. Throughout the restaurant, the thoughtful integration of sounds, textures, colors, and tones reinforces the cave-like aesthetic, creating an intimate retreat in the bustling urban context of Polanco.

TANA Bar & Restaurant exemplifies modern Mexican interior design, where raw materials, atmospheric lighting, and spatial innovation converge to create an immersive culinary and social experience. This project highlights RA! Architects’ commitment to material authenticity, interactive design, and urban hospitality solutions.

All photographs are works of  Ariadna Polo