Imperfecto by Enrique Linardo in Washington

Holistic feast

By blending Mediterranean flavors and modern Latin American cooking techniques, the restaurant’s philosophy follows a constant search for perfection, which, according to Aristotle, one can never reach.

Multiple Textures

The 98-seat restaurant is divided into three parts: the bar, the chef’s table, and the grand dining hall, each emanating its own unique energy. The design is clearly influenced by Mediterranean patterns, since it oscillates between white and black tones, shades of blue and characteristic warm, masonry terracotta accents. A “staged” background wall, inspired by the Mediterranean marble quarries, is made of multiple surfaces in various shades and textures of white and connects the different restaurant sections. Soft and rough finishes as well as glossy and matt textures reflect light in different ways, imbuing the wall with meaning and symbolism.

Custom Furniture

Elegant leather banquettes and round tables are placed within round vaults at the back wall, fostering for more intimate gatherings. Above the main dining room, glass lamps in the shape of water drops, made by glass designer Simon Klenell, provide warm lighting that mimics the warmth of the sun over the Aegean Sea.

Several furniture pieces are custom-made by the architects and are combined with famous design pieces that define the overall aesthetic. The reception furniture is crafted from olive wood, elegantly complemented by handmade ceramic tiles and pottery pieces designed by the artist Melina Xenakis. The bar is decorated with custom-designed light fixtures and a large-scale photograph of a Greek quarry by George Kordakis.

Material Composition

Various authentic high-quality materials were used including Greek and Italian marbles as well as clay and wood from different parts of the world, creating contrasts in texture across the space. The amalgamation of natural materials and striking forms culminates in a holistic celebration, endowing it with a distinct identity defined by the unique synthesis of seemingly disparate elements, worlds, and aesthetic motifs.