In the heart of Vietnam, amidst the urban hum of the main street, lies an escape into refined indulgence: YAZAWA, the premier Vietnamese outpost of the globally renowned high-end Yakiniku restaurant. Stepping through its doors, guests are transported to an elevated realm, distanced from the everyday and embraced by an ambiance that feels worlds apart.
▫︎Architect: Joe Chikamori/07BEACH, Collaboration with Studio Happ
▫︎Use: Restaurant
▫︎Construction type/structure: Renovation/Concrete
▫︎ Floor area: 637.38㎡
▫︎Openning: 2019
▫︎Location: 219 Đ. Điện Biên Phủ, Phường 6, Quận 3, HCMC
▫︎Restaurnt website: https://yazawameat.vn/
▫︎Awards : Robb Report Gourmet Collection 2023, The top 25 restaurants in Vietnam
The project embraces the raw, tactile quality of concrete, textured throughout with a drill-bit pattern that serves as both the primary finish and the backdrop for the entrance sign, creating a subtle yet striking identity.
Set amid the vibrant landscape of Ho Chi Minh City, where every business vies for attention, the façade was designed to achieve a quiet but powerful presence—offering a sense of calm and elegance that contrasts with its bustling surroundings.
A winding pathway meanders gracefully around a central pond, building a sense of anticipation as it guides guests inward.
The entrance pond is visible from the waiting bar, framed by a ceiling that slopes gracefully downward to focus the view. This unobstructed line of sight eliminates any unnecessary elements, enhancing the serene atmosphere.
Drawing inspiration from the visual essence of Japanese Yakiniku—where charcoal flames lend a unique ambiance—the countertop is finished with a charred, time-worn texture. This detail not only reflects the art of grilling but also infuses the space with a rich, tactile warmth.
In the heart of the restaurant, the atrium created by demolishing the existing upper floor establishes a seamless connection between levels, while the seating area, finished in rusted iron, faces an open kitchen, enhancing the spatial continuity.
The tables, made from hammered brass with a beautifully uneven texture, add warmth and character to the space, catching light in soft, unexpected ways. The room itself was designed with a narrow, cave-like feel, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere where guests can feel tucked away and relaxed. This thoughtful design invites people to slow down and enjoy a sense of privacy and closeness.
From the start, YAZAWA captivates with more than just its culinary offerings. Beyond the dining area, a series of expansive, thoughtfully crafted open spaces await discovery. A tranquil pond mirrors the sky, while a central atrium subtly connects the upper and lower floors, lending a sense of openness and depth to the restaurant. The dimly lit atmosphere enriches the intimate feel of the space, while this vertical expanse creates a layered experience, drawing visitors through the restaurant’s many moods and textures.
Louvers of vertical glass edges lattice, with a distinct green hue woven subtly into the glass to fulfill the client's request for a subtle accent.
The main seating area on the second floor balances ambiance with functionality. A monochrome terrazzo floor pattern of black and white adds a playful touch while enhancing pathway visibility. At the back, a planting area bathed in natural light from a skylight infuses the space with life and freshness.
At the back of the main seating area on the second floor, a planting area is bathed in natural light streaming down from a skylight. This thoughtfully positioned greenery brings a refreshing contrast to the interior, infusing the space with warmth and a tranquil, organic touch that harmonizes with the overall ambiance.
The architecture itself is a study in contrasts and textures, elevating commonplace materials into a sensory journey. Concrete, steel, glass, terrazzo, stone, and wood are transformed into tactile experiences, each material revealing its unique qualities in unexpected ways. The design is akin to a gallery of experiments, a space where familiar materials are reimagined and sculpted into various forms that evoke curiosity and wonder.
An exclusive staircase ascends to the VIP room, designed with a dramatic contrast between light terrazzo on the treads and darker terrazzo on the risers and walls, accentuating each step’s visibility.
The trail down is a serene, understated atmosphere, enhanced by natural light cascading onto the VIP staircase from a skylight above.
In the restroom, a refined two-tone terrazzo finish combines with a wall-mounted water feature that flows seamlessly down a gently inclined countertop.
In the private room, a layer of white gravel introduces a striking contrast against the drill-textured concrete wall, enhancing the tactile richness of the space. Perforated steel folding doors create a balance between seclusion and openness, providing a sense of privacy while allowing filtered views and light to pass through, preserving a sense of connection and openness.
The façade features a bold checkerboard pattern, brought to life by vibrant green plantings that add depth and character. Openings within the wall establish visual connections between inside and outside, inviting glimpses that blend nature with architecture, enhancing the building’s dynamic presence.
YAZAWA is crafted to be rediscovered with each visit. Guests may find themselves drawn to new textures or captivated by the interplay of light and shadow. It’s a space designed to engage the senses and inspire exploration, where every corner invites touch, every visit unveils something new, and every detail tells a story of elegance intertwined with nature.
