Foodies with discerning palates appreciate arrangements that make dining out as memorable as the food served. However, a modern aesthetic in a restaurant can seem cold and uninviting. Design2tone’s The vision for a new spot was all about the balance of ingredients, just like the contemporary Asian dishes on the menu.
Located in Seongsu District, SSOC it sits in an area dubbed the “Brooklyn of Seoul,” dotted with converted warehouses that are now shops and showrooms. A fixture placed beneath the metal and glass facade produces lighting that subtly changes color in response to the changing atmosphere outside and captures the vibrancy of the street.
Once inside, guests see contrasting ingredients that echo the fusion of East-West cuisine that chef Lee Jong-wook is known for. Commercial grade stainless steel on the front of the house is not only easy to clean, but also provides plenty of shine. A wood-look veneer, reworked to show an abstract natural grain, complements the exposed brick.
Custom tables with built-in buckets ensure guests can enjoy their favorite vintage throughout their meal, from appetizer to dessert. A free-form edged bar counter appears to move through the space, a perfect spot for individuals, while teams sit on four tops.
The open plan kitchen features ebony tiling, as well as shelves with wine bottles on display. Strategically placed chairs give every patron a full view so they can watch their food being prepared.
Ambience is created through lighting to create a relaxed or elevated feeling. During the day, the sun’s rays bring out a variety of textures and shapes. At night, the lighting is dimmed and focused beams introduce visual depth, always with an emphasis on the fare itself.
With “new harmony in diversity” as its guiding principle, SSOC features layered flavors and interior elements that are truly a feast for the senses.
To see this and other projects by the bold studio, visit design2tone.space.
Photo courtesy of Design2tone.
