Earth-toned materials, soft lines and natural components form the interiors of this ready-to-eat food restaurant in Kyiv, Ukraine. 

Designed by Kyiv-based multidisciplinary design studio Yakusha Design & Architecture Studio, the restaurant redefines the aesthetic of traditional ready-to-eat food spaces. 

Named Istetyka Eatery, the 127-square-metre space takes its name “Istetyka” from a combination of two Ukrainian words — to eat and aesthetics.

"The aesthetics of ready-to-eat food is the main message of the eatery traced in the interior of the space and the dishes served," said the studio. 

The owners aimed to change the attitude to fast ready-to-eat food and turn ordinary into a ritual, food into an experience.

Inside, different geometric patterns, materials and textures are harmonized in an elegant way and interiors present a calm atmosphere for its customers. 

A laconic entrance welcomes guests - the entrance is embodied in wood, clay walls and unprocessed concrete, original to the building where the eatery is. 

At the entrance, there is a painting depicting bread, which is a representation of the aesthetic approach to food as an art. 

As the studio highlights, the project references the main principle: less means more. "Value and valuable things are hidden in daily routine. A small picture on a large scale symbolizes the essence," the studio added.

The architects divided the interiors into three zones. The main area with spacious round tables by Faina serves for friendly meetings. For the design of the tables, legs of the tables are made of sustainable material "ztista" based on clay, recycled paper, and other natural components. 

"An artisan applies the living blend on the recycled steel basis and thus, from the hands, a unique, full of living irregularities silhouette comes out. This ancient technique known as 'valkyvannia' was used by our ancestors for building walls of a dwelling," the studio continued.

Near the main area, there are separate concrete tables for one or two. 
They are complemented by simple rectangular poufs made of recycled plastic. The kitchen is separated from the seating area by the toned glass, elegantly framed with  a minimalist rack for orders.

Inside, the architects aimed to make connection with the earth and ecological approach which is the basis of Yakusha Design philosophy. The design team specifically paid attention to the materials and their origin. 

While providing a natural balance, they used simple geometric shapes for the seats that are gently softened by the rounded lines of the tables and lamps. 

"The coldness of concrete walls and furniture meets the warmth of living clay," the team added. "Roughness and uneven textures are balanced by the purity and smoothness of steel."

Most items of the Istetyka eatery were handmade by local artisans. Authentic clay vases with textured surfaces are taken from Faina's collection of furniture and decor, part of Yakusha Design Studio. 

Artisanal macrame-lamps elegantly finish area over dining tables. Accompanied by the rounded steel sconces, they fill the interior with a soothing light after the sunset.

Project facts

Project name: Istetyka Eatery

Architects: Yakusha Design & Architecture Studio

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine 

Size: 127m2 

Date: 2021 

All images © Yevhenii Avramenko

> via Yakusha Design & Architecture Studio