Nómada Chiado is a new design and culinary icon that has established itself in Lisbon’s bustling Chiado neighbourhood, which is renowned for its historic charm and cosmopolitan attitude. This restaurant, which was designed by the innovative architecture firm Spacegram, is more than just a place to eat; it’s a sensory experience that combines fusion sushi’s culinary mastery, Japanese minimalism, and striking material palettes.
Design is more than just a setting at Nómada Chiado; it is an integral element of the narrative. Each curve, texture, and colour selection was purposefully designed to give visitors the impression that they are traveling—not just via tastes, but also through emotionally stirring areas.
The Inspiration for Nómada Chiado
Creating a venue that changed the typical dining experience was the ambitious ambition when Spacegram was hired to build the second Nómada restaurant in Lisbon.
The team adopted a holistic approach, creating a space where architecture, lighting, materials, and cuisine all work together harmoniously, rather than only concentrating on functionality. The interiors, which draw inspiration from Japanese minimalism philosophy, reflect restraint and simplicity while radiating cosiness, closeness, and understated elegance.
The word “Nómada” itself connotes travel, adventure, and discovery; this idea runs throughout the story of the interior design as well as the food.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
The Journey Through Space: From Light to Closeness
Entering Nómada Chiado is akin to entering an architectural narrative. The restaurant is organised into distinct sections that are meant to arouse amazement and curiosity.
The Cocktail Bar & Glowing Tunnel
Through a bright hallway that glows subtly like a summer night, guests enter. In addition to providing guidance, this tunnel primes the mind for an escape experience. A striking spiral staircase made of specially forged metal serves as the focal point of the area, which opens into a cocktail bar. The dramatic sculptural design creates the ideal atmosphere for evenings of exploration.
The Renowned Sushi Restaurant
The restaurant changes into a domed sushi bar beyond the bar, paying homage to Japanese design principles as well as Lisbon’s architectural past. Diners may see the cooks at action from the four small tables that line this area. The notion of journey and cultural fusion is furthered by a custom neon sculpture by artist Ian Yurisch that glows with amber light overhead, representing the construction of a migratory boat.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
A Heartbeat of Sensations in the Cocoon Room
The Cocoon Room is without a doubt Nómada Chiado’s high point. The wavy wooden walls, which were created by MtWoods, embrace diners in a space that resembles a womb. The twofold curvature of the wood panels produces organic, flowing patterns that conflate art and architecture.
The furnishings create cosy alcoves where guests feel protected from the outside world by wrapping velvet sofas around circular tables, echoing the space’s curves.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
The Vortex Ceiling – Art in Motion
Above the Cocoon Room, a dramatic vortex-like ceiling installation by Artworks spins movement into the stillness. The sculpture reflects light and shadow, providing a dynamic overhead element that constantly transforms as people dine.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
Private Dining Cavern
Nómada Chiado has a secret cavern-like space hidden away from the main dining rooms for individuals who prefer privacy. Warm and cosy, it reflects the major areas’ design DNA while being ideal for parties, celebrations, and business dinners.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
Colours and Materials: The Heart of the Design
Nómada Chiado’s colour scheme by Spacegram is incredibly sensuous and meaningful.
- Japanese “Aka” Red: Rusty red hues, which stand for joy, energy, and defence, permeate the inside of the restaurant and give it a cosy feel.
- Natural Stone & Wood: Rich textures are added by materials like polished wood and Rojo Alicante marbl Modern style and traditional Lisbon workmanship are connected by the red-toned repainted original pine flooring.
- Custom Furniture: Spacegram’s round tables and chairs create unity. Under warm lighting, they sparkle gently, upholstered in classic gold velvet.
- Mirrors and Light Play: Carefully positioned mirrors lengthen sightlines, and delicate lighting layers produce dramatic and intimate ambiances.
The room feels grounded yet ethereal, rustic yet elegant, thanks to the combination of textures.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
The Culinary Story: Cross-Border Fusion
The performance is brought to life by the culinary artistry, while the interiors establish the scene. The menu of Nómada Chiado, which is led by Chef Francisco Bessone, highlights fusion sushi, which combines traditional Japanese methods with Portuguese and European flavours.
Anticipate culinary surprises such as sushi flavoured with regional herbs, fresh Atlantic seafood with Asian flavours, and journey-enhancing beverages. In keeping with the nomadic idea of fusing cultures, each dish is more than just food; it is a storytelling performance.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
Appreciation & Visitor Experience
Nómada Chiado has rapidly become well-known among travellers and the design community.
- Restaurant & Bar Design Awards: Honoured in 2021 for its daring design concept.
- Highlighted on ArchDaily: praised as a prime example of transforming a difficult vault-like area into an engaging dining setting.
- Visitor evaluations: In Yelp and Tripadvisor evaluations, visitors usually praise the “wonderful décor,” “magical atmosphere,” and “perfect fusion of food and design.”
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
The Significance of Nómada Chiado
Nómada Chiado is more than just a culinary destination; it signifies a change in the way people view dining establishments. Lisbon is renowned for its culinary culture. It proves that:
- Dining and architecture go hand in hand. When the setting encourages narrative, a meal is elevated.
- Being minimalist may be engrossing. Spacegram produced a cosy and intimate ambiance by utilising muted shapes and hues.
- Nomadism is possible in design. Like the cuisine itself, the rooms form a bridge between cultures by drawing from worldwide influences.
Photograph: Francisco Nogueira
Conclusion: A Spot to Stay and Come Back
Nómada Chiado stands out as a comprehensive experience at a time when eateries vie for patronage. Every area, including the dining room’s cocoon-like appearance and the shimmering entrance tunnel, is intended to evoke strong feelings. The restaurant’s award-winning furnishings and fusion flavours present a tale of workmanship, travel, and culture.
Great meals are not merely consumed here; they are felt, recalled, and retained long after the final mouthful. Eating here is an opportunity to stop, to stay, and to be reminded of this.
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