Gaijin

gaijin

West Loop, Chicago

PROJECT INFO

Inspired by the comfort of Japanese restaurants, Gaijin was designed to similarly engage guests with its sense of community. The 60-seat restaurant and 14-seat bar are anchored by an open kitchen, featuring a custom 12-foot griddle and chef’s counter to showcase the culinary team at work.

Reflective of Japanese design, the eclectic 1,200 square-foot space integrates a combination of raw materials and handmade components. With the Shou Sugi Ban (a Japanese technique of charring wood as a finish) counter as a foundation, the moody design palette layers deep-hued leathers, stained concrete, exposed brick with antique brass, pendant fixtures and repurposed, handmade ceramic tile accents.

PROJECT ROLES