Photography by Larry Goldstein Photography
References to Japanese, Chinese, and Korean culture are filtered here through a contemporary hospitality lens that feels atmospheric rather than thematic. Instead of relying on familiar visual tropes, the restaurant builds its identity through materiality and spatial layering. Inspired loosely by lacquerware and the structure of a bento box, the interior wraps diners in deep red tones, softened by textured wood, hand-glazed tile, and low ambient light that counters both the harsh Edmonton climate and the anonymity of its strip mall setting. A suspended screen inspired by traditional folding partitions anchors the soaring dining room, while commissioned murals by artists Van Hoang and Tim Okamura introduce contemporary cultural references without drifting into nostalgia or caricature. Seating remains visually interconnected throughout, balancing intimacy with sociability. The result is polished and transportive, yet relaxed enough to function as a genuine neighbourhood gathering place.
As appeared in the July/August 2026 Best of Canada Awards issue of Canadian Interiors magazine.
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