Gyuta: A Unique Spin on Japanese BBQ Dining

Designers C.Sasaki and M.Nakanishi Bring Cinema Canteen Inspiration to Life

Unveiling Gyuta, a Japanese BBQ restaurant in Hong Kong, where the design is as tantalizing as the cuisine. This unique dining experience, inspired by the lively ambiance of a cinema canteen, is the brainchild of designers C.Sasaki and M.Nakanishi.

Located at Citywalk in Tusen Wan, Gyuta offers an all-you-can-eat buffet of fresh, high-quality meat at a reasonable price. The restaurant, managed by Tajimaya HK, is the company's first foray into creating a dining experience that is casual, friendly, and cool, tailored to suit family dining.

One of the standout features of Gyuta is the central box seats, designed with green colored metal structures and message panels. Glass globe lamps set atop the metal structure frame add a touch of whimsy. The space is dominated by a black and yellow graffiti wall, reflecting the design's inspiration and creating a focal point. The classic black and white checkered tile floor and warm honey tone timber floor contribute to the friendly, warm, and retro ambiance.

The restaurant spans a total useful floor area of around 145 square meters, including the shared kitchen and dishwashing area, and boasts a ceiling height of 5.8 meters. The high ceiling, mostly left exposed, adds to the cinema canteen feel. A framework canopy over the central box seats adds rhythm and balance to the space, preventing the ceiling from appearing flat. The wall design, inspired by a cinema poster wall, features graphics of Gyuta arranged on a mortar wall, enhancing the cool and casual ambiance.

The project, which began in March and was completed in August 2017, posed several design challenges. The design team had to work with a high ceiling and ensure that it didn't appear flat. They achieved this by designing a framework canopy over the central box seats and leaving most of the ceiling exposed. The result is a space that is not only visually appealing but also functional and conducive to a relaxed dining experience.

Gyuta's unique design and innovative approach to dining have not gone unnoticed. The restaurant was awarded Silver in the A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, and Gyuta certainly fits the bill. With its distinctive identity and commitment to providing a high-quality dining experience, Gyuta is a testament to the power of design in shaping our everyday experiences.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Chikara Sasaki
Image Credits: Image #1:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #2:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #3:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #4:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017. Image #5:Photographer Satoru Umetsu (Nacása & Partners), 2017.
Project Team Members: Chikara Sasaki Aky.N Masato Nakanishi
Project Name: Gyuta
Project Client: Chikara Sasaki


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