STUDIO DOHO was commissioned to design the new Sakaba Malabar in Shanghai. The existing bar wanted to reinvent itself as a premium, upscale eatery that focuses on a fusion of Spanish and Japanese cuisine.

‘We wanted to keep it a contemporary modern venue with only a subtle reference to Japanese elements. Inspiration comes from the history of the brand and the austere repetitiveness of Japanese patterns, coupled with the warmth and welcoming feeling of Spanish culture,’ said Xin and Jason from STUDIO DOHO.

Despite the strong cultural identity and story of the restaurant, the overall material palette is deliberately more neutral with the contemporary materials such as perforated metal, aged leather, vintage mirror, and glass.