São Paulo, 2025 – Blending tradition, warmth, and functionality, Estúdio Naia—led by architects Samuel Cury and Dayane Rosseto—designed the new Cuia Restaurant in São Paulo’s Pinheiros neighborhood. The project reimagines a former residence as a culinary space that reflects Cuia’s essence and its deep cultural roots.
Project Name: Cuia Pinheiros Restaurant
Studio Name: Estúdio Naia
Location: Rua Matheus Grou, 80 – Pinheiros – São Paulo – SP
Project Year: 2024
Built Area: 160 m²
Photography: Agência Ophelia
The concept was rooted in the history of the property, evoking the welcoming spirit of a family home while weaving in references to Brazilian and Indigenous traditions. “Our goal was to preserve as much of the original house as possible—reusing materials and retaining its cozy atmosphere,” explain the architects.
Indigenous heritage plays a central role in the project, informed by the studio’s continuous research in partnership with Chef Bel Coelho. This new location incorporates influences from the Baniwa tribe, celebrated for their vibrant, symbolic basketry. Handcrafted objects—woven pieces, decorative accents, and artisanal details—anchor the space, offering both cultural visibility and a deepened sense of belonging.
Material choices reinforce this narrative. White-painted exposed brick restores the house’s essence, while the original wooden floors were carefully refurbished. Other areas feature flooring made from ceramic shards, an artisanal nod to Brazilian traditions. The bar counter, executed in concrete, creates a subtle dialogue with the first Cuia, located in São Paulo’s iconic Copan Building.
Structurally, interventions focused mainly on modernizing the kitchen to meet operational needs. In the dining rooms, the design preserved the original layout, allowing seating for around 60 guests. This approach not only minimized waste but also ensured a cost-conscious and efficient execution.
Lighting made from woven straw baskets and filament bulbs creates playful shadows and textures, while a dimmable system adapts the mood across different moments of the day.
By honoring the memory of place and celebrating Brazilian identity, Estúdio Naia has created more than a restaurant. Cuia Pinheiros emerges as a welcoming and authentic space—an invitation to experience Brazil’s cultural richness through architecture, atmosphere, and cuisine.
