Aka Teppanyaki Restaurant | Descry Design
Aka Teppanyaki Restaurant by Ayse Kubilay

Aka Teppanyaki Restaurant

Golden A' Design Award Winner 2025

Listeners encounter a symmetrical restaurant interior of considerable sophistication and warmth, scanning from the ceiling downward and then across the space from left to right reveals the layered complexity of this dining environment, the uppermost zone presents a dramatic ceiling installation where hundreds of vertical cylindrical tubes in warm terracotta and rust-brown tones descend at varying lengths like suspended bamboo stalks or organ pipes, these elements cluster more densely toward the outer edges while a central corridor of lighter perforated dark metal featuring repeating circular patterns runs along the spine of the space, a substantial central column clad in pale weathered wood with visible horizontal grain extends from floor to ceiling dividing the composition precisely in half, moving to the middle register translucent screen walls spanning the full width emit soft diffused light in warm cream tones reminiscent of traditional paper screens stretched within dark gridded frames, creating an ethereal glowing backdrop, positioned before these luminous screens sculptural pendant light fixtures float in organic clusters, their forms resembling delicate cream-colored flower petals or fan shapes with subtle golden centers radiating warmth like botanical specimens suspended in space, the seating level presents curved booth seating upholstered in sophisticated charcoal gray wool with a soft dense texture like quality suiting fabric, these banquettes arc gracefully to embrace round dining tables dressed with white linens, crystal stemware catching light, and folded napkins in warm coral tones, in the immediate foreground pairs of plush armchairs upholstered in deep burgundy velvet with the yielding richness of aged wine invite touch, their curved backs and tapered dark wooden legs positioned to face the viewer, the flooring extends in cool gray polished concrete with a smooth matte finish suggesting stone coolness underfoot, subtle golden accent lighting glows from brass-finished table lamps and fixture details creating intimate pools of warmth, the overall atmosphere suggests hushed refinement, the implied sounds of muted conversation and gentle activity, with air temperature feeling comfortably warm and still, the space conveys ceremonial anticipation appropriate to the theatrical dining tradition it houses.

Aka Teppanyaki is a modern Japanese and Asian cuisine restaurant located in one of the most unique bays of the Mediterranean. It has an impressive atmosphere, focuses on offering an unforgettable dining experience to guests. Sliding translucent doors, called fusuma in Japanese architecture, dress some of Aka's facades as backlit lattice style wall coverings and pendant lights, inspired by the fans used by Japanese women, illuminate the dining tables. The 3D ceiling system takes its color from the flames coming from hotplate.