Zuma Restaurant in Mykonos

Visual identity

The restaurant’s design draws inspiration from the untamed natural beauty of Mykonos, which serves as a stunning backdrop. The selection of materials and furnishings was carefully guided by the intent to emulate and celebrate this wild landscape, resulting in an environment that seamlessly blends rugged authenticity with user-friendly comfort.

Context Integration

The defining feature of the site is a majestic rock formation that dominates its eastern boundary. This rock was created during the quarrying of stone for the island’s port reconstruction in the 1960s. Over time, erosion left parts of the rock at risk of detachment, prompting reinforcement with vertical concrete buttresses, clad in natural Mykonos stone to blend seamlessly with the surroundings.

The design emphasizes the rock’s presence throughout the project, extending from the entrance to the final daybed, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. The restaurant is situated on a series of terraces that follow the natural slope of the terrain, preserving the contours of the hill as it existed before its partial destruction.

Spatial Layout

The entrance to the restaurant is located at the rear of the plot, accessed through an open-air corridor that connects with the illuminated rock. This corridor leads to the heart of the space, where the view opens up to reveal the sea and the sunset. On one side, the main restaurant area unfolds, while the secondary functions and food preparation spaces are situated at the back of the layout. The dining tables are arranged in an open-plan configuration at the front, offering uninterrupted views of the sea. On the opposite side, beneath the rock, is the bar area, designed with a more laid-back atmosphere, surrounded by palm trees and integrated into the landscaped surroundings.

Exterior Design & Materials

The infinity pool, stretching along the length of the restaurant, features wooden platforms measuring 3×3 meters. In the morning, these platforms serve as daybeds beneath the shade of palm trees, while in the evening, they transform into intimate settings for a romantic dinner. The natural contours of the rock and its organic forms inspired the design of concave and convex configurations, which add a touch of romance to the arrangement of the elements. The walls, canopies, and other secondary features, primarily crafted from stone and wood, contribute to the atmosphere and texture of the space, seamlessly integrating the restaurant into the surrounding natural environment.