Ocean-Inspired Restaurant Design: BENTQ7 Seafood Restaurant in New York

BENTQ7 Seafood Restaurant in New York City showcases ocean-inspired design and sustainable practices.

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A Culinary Oasis Within the MetLife Building

Located within the iconic MetLife building in New York City, BENTQ7 is an 8,400-square-foot seafood restaurant that offers a multifaceted and captivating dining experience. Designed by the acclaimed AvroKO, the restaurant seamlessly blends a casual dining area on the lower level with a sophisticated upper-level space, a private omakase room, and a convenient takeout section, catering to a diverse range of dining needs and preferences. The restaurant’s design, inspired by the vast ocean, aims to create a unique and immersive atmosphere for guests, drawing them into a world of underwater wonders and culinary delights.

tags:ocean-inspired interior design, new york city seafood restaurant, sustainable restaurant design, immersive dining experience, capiz shell back bar, omakase dining, bentq7 seafood restaurant design

Lower Level: Embracing the Ocean’s Embrace

Stepping into the lower level, visitors are immediately greeted by a space that evokes the sensation of being enveloped within a seashell. The designers have masterfully incorporated curves and gentle gestures throughout the space, creating a sense of fluidity and welcoming warmth. The broken terrazzo flooring beautifully mimics the texture of a rocky seabed, enhancing the underwater theme. A highlight of the lower level is the captivating Capiz shell back bar, which radiates a warm glow reminiscent of a rising sun over the horizon. The dynamic, wave-like curvature of the ceiling, finished in a reflective material, amplifies the sense of space, transforming a potentially low ceiling into a more expansive experience. Further enhancing the ambiance, curved banquettes and delicate, coral-inspired light fixtures contribute to the magical undersea atmosphere. A glass brick bar and elegantly lit curving wine display anchor the space, creating a focal point for the raw bar situated at the room’s end.

Upper Level: A Dazzling Underwater Realm

Ascending to the upper level, the ocean-inspired design theme continues to unfold. The centerpiece of this area is a mesmerizing crystal chandelier featuring playful, colorful fish, creating a dynamic and enchanting light show across the space. The chandelier’s warm reflective base further enhances the underwater illusion, as if viewers are gazing up from beneath the surface of the sea. An acoustical plaster arched ring, illuminated from above, contributes to the space’s sense of vastness despite the low ceiling. The walls’ edges are softened by beautiful travertine tiles, featuring patterns that transition from a fishtail to a soldier course. This design element creates a series of intimate dining niches, while a flexible and private dining room (PDR) is enclosed within a cocoon of deep ocean blue drapery and softly lit, acoustic fabric-wrapped ceilings. The combination of lighting, materials, and spatial configurations creates an atmosphere of tranquility and sophistication.

Omakase Bar: An Exclusive Culinary Experience

The dining experience reaches its pinnacle within the 10-seat Omakase bar, which is adorned with a bronze back bar that exudes luxury and warmth. The intimate setting of this space invites guests to partake in a unique and unforgettable culinary performance. The designers have imbued the Omakase bar with a residential feel, characterized by lower ceilings accentuated with indirect lighting pendants and soft, tufted fabric walls. This deliberate design choice creates a feeling akin to being inside a luxurious jewel box, adding an element of intimacy to the already special dining experience.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Consciousness

Beyond its stunning aesthetic, BENTQ7 embodies a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Recognizing the importance of ocean conservation, the restaurant incorporates repurposed post-consumer plastics into its tables and wait stations. This creative approach demonstrates that elegance and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. The restaurant’s retail concept seamlessly blends into the overall design, featuring a single materiality of dimensional glazed green tile inspired by nori seaweed. Recessed shelves for pre-order pickups connect the prep kitchen and dining area, enhancing the guest experience through an engaging interaction with the culinary process. The design elements of the takeout section create a sense of playfulness and transparency, fostering a connection between guests and the culinary team.

A Testament to Sustainable and Immersive Design

BENTQ7 Seafood Restaurant is more than just a dining destination; it is a celebration of the ocean’s beauty and a testament to the transformative power of design. AvroKO’s meticulous attention to detail, innovative material choices, and commitment to environmental stewardship have resulted in a space that is not only aesthetically captivating but also socially and environmentally conscious. This restaurant demonstrates the importance of creating immersive and memorable experiences for diners while simultaneously promoting sustainable practices. As a result, BENTQ7 has quickly become a beloved destination for seafood enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.

Project Information:
Restaurant
AvroKO
United States
2023
Capiz Shell, Terrazzo, Travertine, Recycled Plastics
Photographer: Courtesy of AvroKO