Koi Restaurant, Bryant Park Hotel
New York City
ICRAVE Design

Koi interior is sensual, not coy

© Frank Oudeman

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Located in the historic Bryant Park Hotel, Koi Restaurant is the sister to a restaurant of the same name in Los Angeles. ICRAVE Design Studio designed the New York location as a sensual, walnut-paneled space that echoes both Bryant Park, across the street from it, and alludes to Koi L.A., across the county.

Candle lighting, sleek dark wood, lush bamboo, and the sound of running water infuse the restaurant with sensuality. Contemporary and rustic details play off each other, such as custom frosted glass chandeliers and giant timber beams dressed in candles. The furniture is modern but warm, the lighting softly dramatic. Five distinct dining areas in the restaurant provide private experiences, though guests are never completely cut off from the energy of the entire room. A ceiling sculpture forms an envelope around the space, evoking an oversized fishnet stretched in motion.

The bar lounge accommodates drinking and dining on low dark banquettes and solid wood ottomans. Printed veils, like modern Japanese Noren banners, screen the front dining room. A short flight of stairs lead to a center dining platform, perched over bubbling water below, wrapped in a wood privacy screen, and fitted in deep red banquettes.

In the restaurant’s rear, round tables nestle under the grand ceiling. Flanked by sleek private banquets, they are perfect for guests who want to see and be seen. A sushi bar occupies the top level. Using traditional Japanese kitchenware, the sushi chefs work in front of a dramatic backdrop of a silver leaf Buddha.

Formal name of Project:
Koi Restaurant, Bryant Park Hotel

Location:
New York City

Gross square footage:
5,000 sq. ft.

Owner:
Koi Restaurant

Architect:
ICRAVE Design
411 West 14th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10014