StreetXO Dubai, the inaugural venture by Michelin Chef David Munoz in Dubai, redefines the dining experience, inviting patrons on a sensory adventure reminiscent of a foodie theme park. LW Design Group was entrusted by Chef Munoz to craft a captivating space that could serve as an outlet for his creativity. The design narrative ultimately mirrors Soho’s lively characters, captures Camden’s underground vibe, and illuminates with the dazzling lights of Shinjuku.
An L-shaped layout embodies the philosophy of “horizontal order & vertical chaos,” where structured space planning meets dynamic artistic chaos on the ceiling and walls. This design ethos extends to the culinary journey, presenting a delightful chaos of flavors served in abstract and creative ways.
Guests embark on this journey through a container-inspired metal door, greeted by playful round hanging chairs that set the tone for a circus-inspired ambiance. A zig-zag zebra crossing, reflecting in the many mirrors in the arrival area, leads you to the unexpected through a tunnel simulating a graffiti-filled back alley. At the end of the tunnel, a feature acrobat ceiling light by Kenneth Cobonpue intrigues the guests of the upcoming spectacle.
The bar area, reminiscent of a street lab, features lava lamps and a labyrinth of metal pipes, adding an element of mystery and fun. An adjacent Lounge space showcases a collection of unique furniture pieces by Kenneth Cobonpue and Jimmy Martin, paired with a fabric wall of onyx frame and fun art pieces, creeping through the drapes to create a quirky, yet cohesive design.
Concrete GRG counters, resembling curtains and upholstery, add another dimension to the materials used in the main dining space, where organized chaos prevails. Suspended tables support Kenneth Cobonpue acrobat lamps, while red chairs upholstered in graffiti-style designs by Jean Paul Gautier add a touch of street art. Large scale terrazzo breaks up the flooring to create more chaos, resembling broken cobblestones on a busy street.
LED mirror screens with an infinity light technique segment the dining area and create an optical illusion of infinite reflections in the main dining space. The main kitchen beyond becomes a central stage, with pendant lights above the hood serving as stage lights. Humorous running men motifs depict the idea of constantly chasing the chaos.
Balancing chaos and order, ensuring a seamless indoor-outdoor transition, and integrating diverse design elements were challenges successfully overcome in bringing this unique vision to life. The result is a house of fun, full of theatrical elements, unexpected experiences, and a chaotic, yet organized layout, providing a memorable and distinctive dining atmosphere.
Photography by Ingrid Rasmussen.
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