Interstellar teppanyaki

Designed by Wuxing Youxing Space Design

From the designer:

As a seasoned teppanyaki dining brand, Wanmo's newly upgraded location is nestled in the bustling Wujiaochang area of Shanghai. 

This spot, a cultural hub that attracts a youthful demographic, not only boasts a vibrant consumer base but also houses major tech firms like ByteDance and Bilibili, alongside a large student population with a keen interest in engaging and communal experiences.

On the culinary front, Wanmo strives to provide delightful spaces and meals suited for various gatherings and casual outings. 

Social interactions beyond the ordinary

Beyond serving food, the brand seeks to establish a venue that inspires social interactions beyond the ordinary.

The design restaurant design evokes a sci-fi theme reminiscent of 'Star Trek' to captivate the young, tech-savvy crowd, using the spirit of exploration to rekindle a social vibe. 

Interstellar exploration

Thus, inspired by the theme of 'Interstellar Exploration', both design and branding aim to craft a dining and social space that promotes both online buzz and in-person discovery, enhancing the overall experience.

A sequence of continuous acrylic ring matrices, paired with softly diffused lighting, evokes the embrace of a colossal mothership, casting beams of hope on visitors. 

With several standalone island counters, a public dining order unfolds under a canopy of stars, with meteors occasionally slicing through the night sky, creating a serene and expansive atmosphere for diners.

The design nests the venue's circular layout with five independent island counters, ensuring different dining groups are separated within a unified environment without disturbing each other. 

At the heart of the open area, a 'landing pod' introduces elements of new terrains – stone, gravel, thin air, and desolate solitude.

Visually distinctive language

The restaurant introduces itself with red sandstone, setting a visually distinctive language across the entire business district. 

The design integrates stainless steel, sound, and visual installations, crafting a themed collection of interactive artworks; as guests approach, the sensor at the entrance activates, extending a welcome in a mysterious language from a distant galaxy.

The process unfolds like an expedition into the depths of a shadowy mine. 

The design captures the rough, loose texture of sandstone, spreading from the ceiling and simulating the layers of shale inside, crafting an imaginative space that resonates deeply with visitors.

At strategic corners, bespoke lighting fixtures are installed to light the way for this profound journey of exploration. 

Merging 'interstellar exploration' with culinary arts

Near the kitchen entrance, the integration of exploratory analysis tools merges the themes of interstellar exploration with culinary arts, fuelling a fascination with both the unknown and the flavours of new cuisines.

The charm of teppanyaki dining lies not only in the combination of diverse ingredients in one cooking space but also in the interaction between the chef and the diners. 

The design strategically places six dark, planet-like spheres across the venue, incorporating metal, lighting, and structural elements. 

Dining transcends mere culinary art; it’s a vibrant gathering of the freshest seasonal ingredients. 

Suspended above, a circular chandelier arranged in cuneiform script embodies our collective curiosity and anticipation for extraterrestrial civilisations. 

On the countertops rest intricately crafted helmets, a quiet homage to the pioneering spirit of 'Star Wars'.

Reviving connection to genuine flavours

Facing the challenge of pre-made dishes and centralised kitchens diluting genuine flavours, the restaurant revives this lost connection through intimate experiences: the chef's fiery cooking draws people closer, not just to their food but to each other. 

The stark stainless steel, finely crafted, forms the portal we encounter, symbolising the collision and integration of terrestrial and extraterrestrial civilisations. 

Its mottled texture against smooth forms merges seamlessly with the modern urban vibe beyond the windows. 

The design includes two private booths. 

These inward-looking, secluded spaces, with carefully designed openings for light, ensure dining privacy and comfort within a closed but 'open' setting.

The large private room connects to the exterior through expansive glass windows, allowing the interplay of daylight and reflections from building facades to fill the space. 

Scattered throughout are art installations and original lighting fixtures, enhancing the richness of the experience.

In today's dining landscape, where lifestyles are increasingly shared, more brands are exploring ways to engrain themselves into consumer consciousness. 

Story by: Trendsideas