Oyster Oyster, a new plant-forward restaurant and oyster bar, has opened in Washington, DC’s Shaw neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from the eco-friendly ethos of Copenhagen’s legendary and soon-to-shutter Noma, the 1,047-square-foot concept promotes a vegan “oystertarian” diet that includes non-sentient oysters.
Sustainability is also at the heart of Oyster Oyster’s interior design by locally based GrizForm Design Architects, which comprises a medley of locally sourced materials. “We wanted to create a space that felt as fresh, light, and sustainable as the menu—sufficiently substantive while still providing a warm, casual experience,” says GrizForm principal and founder Griz Dwight. “Oyster Oyster is a bit softer and more residential in feel than a typical restaurant, which plays into the feelings of comfort we aim to evoke in the space.”
Abundant daylighting illuminates an eco-friendly materiality of mushroom board, handpicked Italian beach tiles, salvaged skateboard decks, corkboard wallcoverings, and custom rebar planters. The restrained aesthetic is contrasted by notes of greenery and banquettes wrapped in mint-hued upholstery. Complementary mauve panels and teal chairs also abound, contrasting copper accents and rustic pendant lights that support a minimalist sensibility.
Oyster Oyster’s open kitchen can also be viewed from the bar, which echoes the interior of an oyster shell with iridescent, quartz, and pearly accents. A casual, semi-enclosed outdoor alley is available for private events as well.
“The design stands out because it doesn’t,” Dwight adds. “It’s not meant to be flashy or showy, but rather to provide a comfortable, clean, safe environment that works in tandem with the culinary offerings and service to provide a seamless experience.”
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