Located in New York’s NoMad neighborhood, Obvio is a new modern supper club and cocktail bar from hospitality groups Santa Cruz Co. and JF Restaurants.
The space, designed by Santa Cruz Co. founder Juan Santa Cruz, is a love letter to the classic New York night out, interpreted through a contemporary, cinematic lens that draws on the restaurateur’s annual travels to Africa and iconic films like Blade Runner and The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.
Setting the stage at Obvio
Faced with a long, narrow floor plan, Santa Cruz designed a spatial rhythm that balances intimacy with flow, guiding guests from the entrance to the bar and dance floor through zones that reflect shifting moods and energy.
Giraffe-print silk brocade in shifting champagne tones wraps the padded walls throughout, casting a dusky glow that sets the tone. The padding amplifies both the sensuality of the space and the fidelity of the sound system, key to Obvio’s immersive late-night vibe.
Vertical wall lights, aligned with the architectural curves, are carefully calibrated and softly define each space.
All in the details
Cinematic touches abound: Staff uniforms include pit-crew-style jumpsuits for runners and lab coats for bartenders. Custom carpet and parchment wall sconces were made in England, while a hidden DJ booth—revealed only at the right moment—adds theatrical flair as the evening transitions from supper to nightlife.
The bar, located at the back of the venue, acts as its gravitational center: a curvaceous form inspired by Elsa Peretti’s jewelry designs and originally sketched by Santa Cruz while traveling in Kenya. Curved walls mirror the lines of the bar, creating a layout that is organic, flowing, and experiential.
More from HD:
High-End Residences Are the Next Frontier of Living Well
What I’ve Learned Podcast: Chantell Walsh, Strategic Hotels & Resorts
5 Designers Get Real About Gen Z Misconceptions
