CHAYA VENICE RESTAURANT

Because of its location, Chaya Venice took the Franco-Japanaise cuisine innovated at its sibling, Chaya Brasserie, and created a fresh approach emphasizing a casual seaside menu and atmosphere. The design features an open kitchen layout that incorporates separate bars for cocktails and sushi. The tall ceilings and open space planning again harken back to the mother ship of La Coupole, but with a more edgy contemporary vibe. Special features included light maple paneling on walls and ceiling in contrast with the tilted bronze entry wall. The floating curved canopy over the dining area with custom designed “Blade Runner” chandeliers added another level of spatial drama. The seating farthest from the entry, normally thought of as “Siberia” where no one wants to sit, was transformed into an area of luxurious leather booths, and soon became the place everyone asked for.

Photographer: Marvin Rand