10 Picks for Bar & Restaurant Projects

The editorial team of ek magazine selected ten architectural projects, featured in past print issues as well as the ek website, that showcase impressive designs of culinary spaces, restaurants and bars.

Located in Sharq, Kuwait, this project represents the idea of a multifunctional canopy, that simultaneously acts as an urban installation for the heart of the city center. The mixed-use building stands as a new landmark and a prominent place for gathering, hosting several communal events throughout the day, while at the same time, acting as a drive-in restaurant and outdoor esplanade. The roof is a playful contemplation area that features a playground and dining area with breathtaking views of the city, through series of carefully curated architectural elements such as stands and slides. In parallel, the space is also used as an outdoor theatre or cinema. Finally, the first floor includes an indoor restaurant and all the service areas.

06. Bagatelle Athens Restaurant | Tsolka Architects

Set within the distinctive setting of the Astir Vouliagmeni Marina, Bagatelle Athens redefines the relationship between architecture, the natural environment, and cultural heritage. The elegance of the French Riviera meets the geometric harmony of Greek architecture, shaping a space that goes beyond visual impact to engage all the senses. The restaurant is located in Building B of the commercial zone, drawing primary inspiration from the sculptural forms of the yachts moored in the marina. Echoing their language, the façades are articulated through curved and folded planes -inclined or vertical- formed in smooth, white, exposed concrete, conveying a sense of movement and fluid energy. The luxury and brilliance of the yachts inform the material palette, expressed through striking glossy canopies made of specially treated aluminum that frame the retail units, as well as green Tinos marble pilasters that define and separate them.

Located at one of San Isidro’s most iconic and vibrant intersections in Argentina, the project redefines the concept of fast food through a bold, design-driven approach that fuses contemporary aesthetics, urban energy, and the unmistakable identity of the brand. More than a destination for burger lovers, the space unfolds as a modern, dynamic, and visually striking experience – one that mirrors the city’s pulse and vitality. It proposes a new way of engaging with urban life, where design meets flavor, community meets culture, and every visit becomes a celebration of Argentine identity expressed with confidence, attitude, and style.

08. Tanpopo | Τrail Practice

ek Issue: 294 | January – February 2025

Tanpopo is the Japanese word for the dandelion plant and the title of a cult Japanese film from 1985 that follows the story of a young mother who is taught by a truck driver how to make the perfect bowl of ramen. It is also a distinctive space tucked away behind Klafthmonos Square, where Japanese food is served in a casual, canteen-like atmosphere that feels as if it is set directly on the sidewalk. The design intent was to blur the boundaries between public and private space, bringing the act of cooking into constant interaction with passersby. Spatially, this idea is expressed through the placement of the food preparation area on the façade, at the core of the flow between the street and the interior. The peripherally open kitchen is housed within a metal solid that rises to a double height and is integrated into the space without relying on the existing structural elements, even allowing for the possibility of being relocated.

The restaurant is located in the picturesque neighborhood of Ano Petralona, in the heart of Athens. Although close to the city’s bustling center, the project exudes an introverted charm, reflecting the warm atmosphere of its surroundings. The strong materiality, combined with a dark color palette, is carefully balanced with the organic interior, creating a welcoming and intimate space. A key element of the design is the open kitchen at the rear of the restaurant, visible from every point within the interior. Against this backdrop, two dining areas are arranged on different levels, organized around a centrally positioned, curved open bar. Guests are able to observe the activity in the kitchen while experiencing the various design details and the interplay of materials across the surfaces.

Forefathers is a contemporary food-and-beverage venture that celebrates ancestral ways of life through modern design. Conceived by a group of young entrepreneurs, the brand reinterprets traditional regional cuisine and architecture, pairing vernacular materials with current construction techniques to achieve a refined, sophisticated ambience. Located on Road No. 45 in Jubilee Hills -Hyderabad’s premier destination for high-end restaurants and clubs -the project occupies a concrete–steel composite shell comprising a ground floor, two upper storeys, and a mezzanine inserted within a triple-height volume. Commercial buildings flank the plot on either side, while a community park with dense vegetation borders the rear.