Drink

Name: Drink
Location: Boston, MA

What might be the best part of Sportello, is the complete contrast that awaits you just below. Drink, the sister restaurant, features the same great bar layout but contrasts the upstairs modern interior with a rich, warm experience.

With exposed brick, warm edison bulbs, and wood bar the downstairs feels hidden away and removed. The large rectangular and continuos bar allow for large groups and individuals while also giving the bartenders a great deal of work space. 

Dedicated to the craft cocktail experience, Drink is a relatively raw space that allows the presentation and drinks to contract and shine within.

Image 1,4 © Starchefs

Image 2 @ veggiewala

Image 3 @ Drink

Sportello

Name: Sportello
Location: Boston, MA

Designed as a modern diner concept, this counter service restaurant serves up fresh italian dishes in a modern and vibrant interior. 

The restaurant features a minimalist design and color palate. The single long bar that wraps through the space allows guests to view and focus on the food being created in front of them.

What's even better than this simple and sleek space is it's sister space, located just downstairs. Check back Monday to see the differences between the two spaces!

Image 1 © Travel & Leisure

Image 2,4 © Visual Dialogue

Image 3© LMGoBlue Flickr

Loveat Jaffa Cafe

Name: Loveat Jaffa Cafe
Location: Tel Aviv
Design: Studio Ronen Levin/ Eran Chehanowitz

Located in a renovated hanger in what was once, an orange packaging plant, Loveat seeks to be an organic coffee break. Designed with the buildings history in mind, the space is laid out into multiple boxes and stacked, just like cargo about to leave the facility would have been.

Materials used through much of the space include metal wire mesh, wood, and heavy work shirts which all tie back to the factory idea.

The pop of yellow throughout the space adds a touch of freshness and energy and allows the space a feeling of  'we dont take ourselves too seriously'.

 The kitchen in the space holds true to the initially idea of designing in boxes and resides inside of a converted shipping crate.

All photos © Dezeen / Loveat

Workshop Coffee Co.

Name: Workshop Coffee Co
Location: Clerkenwell, London

Workshop Coffee Co juggles multiple hats and does it seemingly well. As a roaster, cafe, and restaurant multiple functions have to happen throughout the space all requiring their own needs in terms of design.

The open, central bar creates unity and breaks up the dining space, allowing it to serve both at night but all for the quick cop of coffee or lunch date throughout the day.

Utilizing the existing brick and exposed duct work brings in an urban industrial element while the reclaimed and distressed wood tables add a hand-crafted layer to the space.

Image 1 © Aesthetic of Lostness

Image 2 © Londontown

Image 3 © International Visual

Image 4, 5 © Unknown

Tiger Sushi

Name: Tiger Sushi
Location: Finland
Design: Joanna Laajisto

Tiger Sushi is a great example of two cultures and style meeting to create a clean and minimalist interior.

The blonde wood, black and white color scheme, and focus on simplicity keeps the interior fresh and bright. These characteristics create a feeling of freshness and lightness, both fitting for the light and fresh cuisine being served. 

All photos ©  Joanna Laajisto

The Optimist

Name: The Optimist
Location: Atlanta, GA

The Optimist is bringing quality and fresh seafood seafood to landlocked Atlantans with their space continuing their story.

Working with the original, industrial structure, The Optimist manages to transport diners into a seaside destination through nautical touches, rustic wood, and blue & white color scheme.

What i enjoy most about the space is their thorough execution of a concept without going overboard or too picky. The same remains relaxed, casual and rustic and pays homage to it's nautical menu.

All photos © The Optimist

Cotta Cafe

Name: Cotta Cafe
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Design: Mim Design

Located in the West End area of Melbourne, Cotta Cafe is an escape from the hustle and bustle of the area. Using a simple and clean color palate with modern lines allows for a tranquil yet warm space.

The cafe features multiple seating options to accommodate various visitors. It also does a great job dividing up the space using both architectural and non architectural details. 

All photos © Contemporist

Local Favorite: BellyQ

Name: BellyQ
Location: Chicago, IL

BellyQ, chef Bill Kim's newest restaurant has brought yet another interesting spot to the bustling West Loop food scene.

With a focus on the materials, the interior is relatively sparse and features a clean palate of grays, browns and copper. The main dining space features grill table along with four-tops and while cohesive in idea, seam to do little to delineate the space and account for sound absorption. 

The wingback chairs were custom upholstered with rich leather and feature the BellyQ logo stitched on the arm. 

While the space didn't succeed on all aspects, we are excited to see the continued emphasis on restaurant design on the Randolph St corridor. 

Image 1-3 © Behance

Image 4,5 © Eater Chi

Montaditos

Name: Montaditos
Location: San Lucas
Design: Plasma Design

Montaditos, located in San Lucas, has created a spot that bridges local tradition and culture with  color and warmth.

While the entrance  plays with traditional materials like brick and wood, the interior of the space adds a bit more color, pattern and texture into the mix. Ultimately giving this space a layered feel the continues to reveal itself as your visit goes on.

I love the details thrown around the space, all of which add a bit of warmth and excitement to the space all the while continuing to tell the story. 

The artwork, industrial pendants and sconces, and salvaged accessories all come together to create an inviting and approachable space that feels as if it was created over the years, rather than all at once.

All images © Behance

Verve Coffee Roasters

Name: Verve Coffee Roasters
Location: Santa Cruz, CA

We love it when a reader passes along a favorite spot for us to feature! Verve coffee has three locations but their Santa Cruz location really blew me away. With a polished, handmade quality the space feels warm, inviting, social, and relaxed. All great qualities for a community gathering spot and roaster.

I love how the custom L-shaped tables feel substantial yet not cumbersome. Allowing them to have a single support opens up the area underneath and allows more seating along the built-in banquette.

The use of multiple seating groups throughout the space encourages varying activities and personality types.

Photos , 3-6- © Kzamani Flickr

Photo 2 © Verve Coffee Roasters