Kaiyo Restaurant

Elegant Japanese & Peruvian Fusion in San Francisco, California

by Camille Dodson, Editorial Assistant

For its newest hospitality project, Kaiyo Restaurant, San Francisco, California, William Duff Architects (WDA) worked in close collaboration with their client to design a space that marries vibrant Peruvian textiles with the minimalist aesthetics of Japanese wood.  The Kaiyo Restaurant has uncommon roots in Peruvian nikkei, or Japanese immigrants and their descendants that reside in a foreign country.  The resulting restaurant combines the intricate cultures of Japan and Peru to create a distinctive nikkei dining experience.

         Founded in 1998 and located in San Francisco, William Duff Architects specializes in thoughtful, innovative architecture.  With capabilities in multiple sectors, WDA is known for an award-winning and diverse portfolio of hospitality, residential, workplace, and community-based environments.  Built around creativity, collaboration, and communication, WDA’s practice is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals.  It was natural for WDA to be called on for such a special project at the Kaiyo Restaurant.

         The interior unfolds with a lively palette of colors and textiles, evoking the vibrant spirit of Peru, paired with the understated elegance of Japanese wood.  This combination creates a dynamic yet inviting dining atmosphere.  Specifically, the entrance features a textured wood board treatment, inspired by Shou Sugi Ban, a traditional Japanese technique, that sets the tone for the unique aesthetic journey ahead.

         Throughout, the space is centered around the main bar and sushi bar, both framed by a delicate, wood screen that draws on Japanese influences, serving as a central design feature.  While toward the rear, the private dining room presents a modern interpretation of a Japanese geisha room, with mood lighting and red walls accented by mural art and custom made, laser-cut wood fans.  This distinct area contrasts with the vibrant dining space, offering a secluded retreat that complement the lively main area.

         “Our client aimed to create a visual connection across all three Kaiyo locations while giving each its own unique personality,” said Jonathan Tsurui, Associate Principal at WDA.  “Our team, which included project architect Parvathy Nair, worked closely with the owner to incorporate design elements from the rooftop, modifying the look and feel to ensure the restaurant can stand on its own while still being an integral part of the KAIYŌ collection.”

         The project had provided some challenges as well for WDA to overcome.  The Kaiyo Restaurant is tucked into the Hyatt Place Hotel in the South of Market neighborhood in San Francisco, which meant there was limited square feet for the team to work with.  WDA overcame this by finding creative ways to maximize the space, with separate areas and nooks for private and unique dining experiences tucked into every corner.  These space saving techniques ultimately enhanced the flow of design throughout the restaurant.

         The work from WDA left the Kaiyo Restaurant with a beautiful layout that now places patrons in a pocket of Peruvian nikkei space.  Guests who go to San Francisco looking for fresh and new things to try would find themselves immersed in Kaiyo’s remarkable dining experience.