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In Japanese cuisine, when it comes to meat quality, "deliciousness" is the top priority for restaurants to retain customers. Recognizing the saturation of quality and service, the owner of Nikunotoriko, a grilled meat restaurant in Roppongi district, Tokyo, cleverly chose interior design as a secondary highlight for those wishing to enjoy traditional yakiniku.
If asked to choose a yakiniku restaurant in Tokyo, why would people go to Nikunotoriko instead of other places? This was quite a challenge, and the architects decided to create a memorable spatial experience for customers.
The restaurant owner wanted to create a contrast and difference between the hustle and bustle outside and the tranquil space inside the restaurant. "People often like to be close to nature, but that's difficult when you're in Tokyo because the city is always busy and dynamic," shared architect Ryoji Iedokoro.
Nikunotoriko restaurant has two floors, with a capacity of about 20 diners on each floor. The first floor of Nikunotoriko is designed to resemble a prehistoric cave. The undulating walls create a rough surface effect that closely resembles reality. A long table is placed in the center of the room with a transparent glass design; when diners grill meat, the smoke flows down like streams beneath the glass.
Meanwhile, the second floor of the restaurant has been transformed into a primeval forest with green walls and steel tree trunks surrounding it, giving diners the feeling of eating inside a forest on a mountainside. This space becomes even more ideal for city dwellers, food enthusiasts, and culture lovers alike.Shinrin-yoku forest bathing.
The floor is made of OSB wood panels – a type of wood manufactured by compressing pieces of wood facing in different directions. The difference in floor and table height provides a more private and cozy dining experience. Several "tree trunks" incorporate coat hooks.
Nikunotoriko's menu mainly features fresh raw meats for grilling, such as beef tongue, marinated pork, pork tenderloin, ribs, etc., along with side dishes like kimchi, seaweed, salad, and sashimi. The drinks menu is also quite diverse, including wine, beer, soju, and cocktails.
With this design, the interior space is not simply a display of eye-catching images, but also a place that celebrates culinary flavors through visual means – a unique restaurant that connects multiple senses and emotions through inspiration drawn from nature.
A rustic, warm atmosphere combined with greenery would be a great idea for a BBQ dinner for families or groups of friends... The choice of materials and muted tones, along with the way the space is designed to stimulate all the senses, enhances the dining experience.
