The interior of OSHI Izakaya on Petrovka is an exquisite jewel-box space that blends Japanese tradition with European aesthetics. Inspired by the image of an emperor’s son who embraced European culture as his own and grew up between two worlds, the concept is reflected in the details: hand-painted finishes, antique pieces, refined textures, and profound symbols of transformation. Despite its intimate scale, the interior is layered with a complex material palette—from concrete to antique lacquered panels in a chinoiserie style—and thoughtfully composed so that each zone tells its part of a larger story, creating an atmosphere of warmth, richness, and cultural dialogue.

The main challenge lay in the tight deadlines: the project was developed in parallel with the construction, which meant the team had to act quickly and flawlessly. Every element was approved on the go, without the possibility of long approvals. We were literally designing “on the fly,” which required absolute confidence in the concept and bold decisions.

The second challenge was the compact space. Within a small area, it was necessary to accommodate the maximum number of seats while preserving a sense of coziness and premium quality. We designed ergonomic furniture and carefully considered the seating height: at the chef’s table, it matches the height of the regular tables, so as not to block the view of the open kitchen and to uphold the philosophy of equality inherent in Eastern culture. 

The zoning is designed so that the compact space feels multifaceted. At the entrance, there is an antique cabinet, followed by the cloakroom area and a smooth transition into the main hall. Harmony is achieved through the combination of materials: gray porcelain stoneware, decorative plaster, golden accents, and glass partitions reminiscent of Japanese paper shoji. The color palette is built on deep gray, burgundy, and gold, creating an atmosphere of understated luxury.

OSHI Izakaya is not just a restaurant but an artistic space, where every detail is carefully thought out and filled with meaning. Here, Japanese tradition and European aesthetics intertwine, creating a unique place for gastronomic experiences.

Team:
Kristina Esenina, Mikhail Esenin, Alexandra Kozyreva, Ekaterina Khoroshavina, Yulia Afanasyeva

Visualizations:
Arman Kashkenov

Photographer:
Sergey Volokitin