Oyster Oyster is one of the newest additions to Washington D.C., located in the city’s historically hip Shaw neighborhood. Inspired by René Redzepi’s world-famous eco-friendly Noma in Copenhagen, the restaurant entices guests to be excited about food through a bright, upbeat mentality. In Living Kuller, the restaurant group responsible for the restaurant’s “oystertarian” concept, a vegan diet including non-sentient oysters, engaged local architecture and design firm GrizForm Design Architects to bring this innovative idea to life. The result is a fresh, sustainably-minded space that functions on an eco-centric platform, inside and out.
Oyster Oyster is authentic in its environmentally-safe values, both operating with and built by locally sourced materials. The design team integrated mushroom board, hand-picked Italian beach tiles, salvaged skateboard decks, corkboard, and custom rebar planters into the 1,047 square-foot space, reinvigorating each repurposed element for a new, more appreciative audience.
The light and airy feel of the interior reflects the freshness delivered by large rectangular front windows generating abundant natural light, hanging fauna baskets, and an overall pared-back design. Simple wood tones and breathable fabrics adorn the dining room and tabletops, creating a dynamic dining experience that aligns perfectly with Oyster Oyster’s bright, vegetable-forward menu. The color green acts as the star, integrated in a partial wall and minty banquettes alongside complementary pops of mauve paneling and teal chairs. Copper accents and rustic pendant lights round out the restaurant’s minimalistic look.
As they dine, patrons may pull a stool up to the bar and glimpse into the open kitchen, where they can watch the preparation of their micro-seasonal entrees. Iridescent, quartz, and pearly accents surround the bar, mimicking the inside of an oyster shell — a clever nod to the restaurant’s namesake. In keeping with the sustainable philosophy, pieces commissioned by local artists and friends of ownership furnish several of the walls.
Adventure awaits guests at the adjoining “Oyster Garage,” a semi-closed, casual outdoor alley available for private events. Designed for small groups, this laidback space provides food, cocktails, and vintage pinball games perfect for a night of fun.
