Olbos Studio with Riccardo Zocche Studio, has unveiled its first restaurant, Tikka Charcoal Grill, a culinary haven that seamlessly blends Asian fusion with a sophisticated, modern flair. Crafted to host both chic and whimsical moments, the restaurant beckons patrons into a serene and intimate space reminiscent of an underwater ecosystem. The ambiance is meticulously curated with the glimmering allure of Italian tiles, water ripples, and Viabizzuno N55 lights, invoking the graceful presence of jellyfish.
Project name: Tikka Charcoal Grill
Location: 200 Broadway Mall, Hicksville, NY
Architect: Olbos Studio
Project team: Giorgia Cedro, Riccardo Zocche
Client: Nasrin Chowdhury, Ruma Uddin
Date: September 2023
GFA: 4736 square feet
Contractor: Dumani Construction
Photographer: ©Filippo Tommasoli
Upon entry, guests are enveloped in a teal blue vestibule, featuring a welcoming peach-colored floor insert that contrasts elegantly with the deeper blue micro-cement flooring. The restaurant’s double- height volume maintains a balanced aesthetic, thanks to four suspended pill-shaped ceiling structures. These define distinct private rooms, available for reservations catering to twelve, six, and two people. The floor layout mirrors this distinction with Verde Antigua and Mediterranean Blue marble slabs. Inside each virtual room, adjustable mood lighting enhances the intimate atmosphere, while from the exterior, see-through aluminum curtains create a lantern-like effect, resembling clusters of coral reefs adorned with luminescent allure.
The bar design serves as a sumptuous backdrop, characterized by three silver micro-cement arches and glass shelves showcasing an extensive collection of rums and unique ingredients for the restaurant’s signature drinks. The counter boasts a captivating three-dimensional arrangement of Calathea tiles by Acquario Due in varying shades of blue. The Mediterranean Blue marble top is complemented by rippled stainless steel slabs on the ceiling, creating a dynamic simulation of oceanic movement.
Navigating the challenge of creating versatile environments, the designers skillfully met the client’s request for interchangeable spaces. The aluminum curtains not only facilitate easy rearrangement of the four private rooms but also connect the restaurant to a larger event space through an acoustic folding partition adorned with distinct wallpapers on each side.
The expansive event space, characterized by a neutral color palette and understated finishes, allows for extensive customization in decor design for various occasions, from fine dining affairs to grand corporate events, weddings, and other festivities. The ivory micro-cement flooring sets the foundation, while tridimensional MDF panels from Italy grace the walls. The central circular light fixtures, a collaborative effort with Brooklyn-based Italian artist from Runners and Capers, add a touch of artistic finesse.
The narrative of the underwater ecosystem continues in the three meticulously designed bathrooms. Each aligns with a unique theme, featuring metallic water ripple panels on the ceiling. One bathroom boasts dark blue Pavoncella tiles by Acquario Due with coral-colored sinks and toilets, another evokes an algae forest with mesmerizing green elements, and the third presents a softer palette of peachy and golden tones, creating a captivating sensory experience.
