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Restaurant

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SAN DIEGO/USA

TABAC PLUS

Tabac Restaurant is a hybrid dining concept located in a stand-alone building in San Diego’s Little Italy. The design narrative draws inspiration from the brand’s connection with the “East,” creating an atmosphere that blends cultural references with a contemporary hospitality experience.

Location

SAN DIEGO/USA

Location

SAN DIEGO/USA

Type

Restaurant

Type

Restaurant

Year

2024

Year

2024

Credits

Photo : Mahmut Ünal

Credits

Photo : Mahmut Ünal

Dark Wood Cabinet
Workshop made of bright wood
Small workshop with a metal table in the middle
Hand carved piece of wood in a workshop
Founder, Renji Aalto looking at papers

Craft, Culture, and Open-Air Intimacy

Inside the restaurant, Eastern cultural details are thoughtfully incorporated into the design language. Artworks reflecting the elegance of tezhip (traditional illumination art) and Asian-inspired wooden joinery elements establish a refined yet warm character for the interior space. These details highlight craftsmanship while enhancing the overall identity of the restaurant. The exterior garden area provides a contrasting spatial experience by breaking away from the dense seating arrangement. Travertine planters and lush greenery are strategically placed to create semi-private zones for guests, offering intimacy within the open-air setting. Above, a pergola spans the entire garden, unifying the outdoor seating area under one coherent architectural gesture.

Metal Table standing aganst a wood wall
Metal Table standing aganst a wood wall
Workshop made of bright wood
Small workshop with a metal table in the middle

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