The inspiration for RICO Spanish Dining came from a visit to various cities in Spain. The designers aimed to capture the different faces of Spain and bring them to life in Tokyo. The concept of "traditional and unexpected" was born, with a ratio of 8:2, emphasizing tradition while leaving room for surprises.
One of the standout features of RICO Spanish Dining is the bar counter, adorned with tiles that resemble oil paintings. The challenge was to stick these tiles onto the organic-shaped counter, resulting in a curved form with orderly lined up tiles, creating a striking contrast and impressive structure.
The lighting in the restaurant is also a noteworthy aspect of the design. Original pendant lights and custom-made arms lights add to the ambiance and create a unique atmosphere. The adjustable standing lights with nine arms provide flexibility in lighting different areas of the restaurant.
RICO Spanish Dining is designed to cater to different time zones and usage motivations. Whether it's lunch, café, dinner, or holiday time, the restaurant offers a variety of experiences to its diverse clientele, including businessmen, overnight guests, and tourists.
The project started in May 2014 and was completed in December 2014. RICO Spanish Dining has since become a popular destination in Tokyo, open from 11 a.m. to midnight every day.
This exceptional design was recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in 2016. The award acknowledges the practicality, innovation, and integration of industry best practices in RICO Spanish Dining, contributing to a better world.
Experience the beauty of Spain in the heart of Tokyo at RICO Spanish Dining.
Project Designers: Aiji Inoue
Image Credits: All photos / Satoru Umetsu
Project Team Members: Rico Spanish Dining
Project Name: RICO Spanish Dining
Project Client: Aiji Inoue