Heliotrope Architects designed Rupee Bar, the restaurant in Seattle inspired by India and Sri Lanka

Owners Joe Sundberg, Rachel Johnson, and Patrick Thalasinos have opened their second restaurant on a small neighborhood street in Seattle (USA).
Photo by Aaron Leitz

Rupee Bar, a follow up to the trio's well-regarded restaurant Manolin—also designed in collaboration with Heliotrope Architects—was built entirely by the owners themselves.

Inspired by the owners’ journeys to South Asia, Rupee Bar features a menu of Indian and Sri Lankan-inspired food and cocktails. Photo by Nate Watters

The 700-square-foot intimate space seats 26 and brings two architectural gestures together to set the tone: color, and warm materiality.

Color, a vibrant peacock green, is used to visually immerse guests within the setting and mentally transport them away from the typical gray skies of Seattle.

Second, was to add a layer of warmth through the incorporation of natural material materials including wood and hand-crafted objects. Photo by Noah Forbes Photo by Noah Forbes Photo by Noah Forbes

Oregon walnut was chosen for its depth of color and richness. It monolithically tops the 9-seat bar and wraps the bar casework, adding a subtle nod of the Pacific Northwest into the mix.

Polished brass is used for trim elements and is combined with leather for stool seating, while Indian clay tiles and slatted pendant lights add a further layer of visual interest. Together, these elements coalesce to create a holistic experience that accompanies the aromatic dishes and spiced cocktails. Photo by Noah Forbes Photo by Noah ForbesPhoto by Noah Forbes

Rupee was recently named as a nominee for a James Beard Foundation Award for Restaurant Design (for restaurants under 75 seats). See here.

The project was also named to GQ magazine‘s list of “Best New Restaurants in America 2020”. See here.

Architect: Heliotrope Architects
Contractor: Built by Owner
Photography: Noah Forbes, Nate Watters, Aaron Leitz

Source: Heliotrope Architects
Top image: Noah Forbes
Visit the Heliotrope Architects website