When Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego was in the planning stages of Oka Fogo— his pair of interconnected restaurants in Paris— there was just one architect who came to mind: Arnaud Behzadi. Newly opened in January, each restaurant hosts a completely different universe and a distinct culinary concept using an interplay of Brazilian and French cuisine and design elements. Located in a Haussmann-style building in the 17th arrondissement, the restaurant’s Jatoba wood façade provides a dramatic contrast to its stone-clad architecture. That warm feeling continues in each dining space, where wood tones, artist-painted murals and sleek furnishings create a visual bridge between two cultures. Behzadi shares his architectural inspiration for this remarkable dining concept.
The superior design of Oka Fogo features dynamic murals imagined by Florence Bamberger, Behzadi explains. “For Fogo, we wanted to give the impression of being in a sort of garden. So to create a parallel between French and Brazilian culture, Florence came up with the idea of reinventing Manet’s Déjeuner sur l’herbe as Déjeuner au jardin de Fogo, a perfect setting echoing the worlds of Brazilian artist José Francisco Borgès and French artist Jean Lurçat.”
Bamberger’s artistic flair is cleverly placed overhead in Oka’s dining space. “For Oka, we wanted to concentrate on the ceiling and try to highlight the mix between French and Brazilian culinary culture. Finally, it’s a bit of the history of the Oka Fogo project that is represented.” Additional inspiration comes from chairs and armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues. “We’ve tried to create a conversation even in the sourcing of the furniture, by importing pieces directly from Brazil to France,” Behzadi reveals.
The idea of two adjoining restaurants was a design challenge Behzadi readily embraced. “Oka offers a more intimate experience, with a capacity of just 16. This first space is designed for exceptional moments, a subtle setting reminiscent of the assembly of various elements in light colors, enhanced by the central kitchen which communicates with the dining room. Fogo, on the other hand, is more in the spirit of a sophisticated bistro, with a capacity of around 40 seats and a captivating view of the grill and bar. The atmosphere was intended to be warm, and the design of the space focused on sharing. To achieve this, I decided to create a subdued atmosphere, using materials and furniture in warm tones.”
An intimate dining alcove and wine tasting room are unexpected yet inviting additions. “These two spaces offer a unique experience, an opportunity to celebrate all kinds of special events: the alcove is designed to welcome six people for a business lunch or to celebrate a birthday, while the tasting room offers a moment of sharing and discovery around more than 5000 references of wines and champagnes.”
Architect Arnaud Behzadi and Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego
From a stylistic point of view, the double restaurant is an innovative living space that unfolds, thanks in particular to the harmonious qualities of each room. “Using the architecture of the space to convey the mixed nature of Raphael Rego’s culinary art made the project all the more interesting,” Behzadi notes. “The aim is to be able to accommodate different moments of life in different atmospheres. Each room provides its own unique and original experience.”
Photography by Claire Israel.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.