New York
,
NY USA
Oiji Mi
Restaurant & Bar
,
New York
,
NY USA
Restaurant & Bar
,
About
Oiji Mi is a Michelin-starred, modern Korean restaurant and bar by acclaimed chef Brian Kim. The space is simultaneously nostalgic and modern, merging two contrasting themes: the traditional Korean hanok (home) and the early 20th century social clubs of NYC’s Flatiron District, in which this venue resides.
We wanted guests to feel like they were straddling two places in a liminal state - not quite Korea and not quite New York. We aimed to design a transporting space that heightened senses for guests to be keenly attuned to the precision of the tasting menu. Chef-owner Brian Kim digs into his Korean roots to craft food that is not only exquisite, but also visually breathtaking. Our space aimed to complement the tones, colors and textures captured in his creations. Artwork in the space is all derived from various Korean textile techniques. Handcrafted Korean traditional quilting called Jo-Gak-Bo, appears backlit from the ceiling. A delicate translucent screen with subtle colored thread divides the bar from the restaurant.
Thrillist
A "gorgeous space."
LOCATION
New York
,
NY USA
Size
5,100 ft² / 474 m²
CaTEGORY
Food & Beverage
Client
Oiji Hospitality Group
Keys
Harmony Between Food and Space
Traditional yet elevated
Chef-owner Brian Kim delivers fine dining with fun and imagination, serving up his modern renditions of Korean classics. The space is harmonious and warm. The color palette, with gentle pinks and greens, has a serenity that allows the sensational food to take center stage on the table.
Open Gallery
There is a strong, symbiotic relationship between the environment and the food.
Korean Hanok
The layout of the traditional Korean home, or hanok, drove the architecture of the space. The main dining room is framed by doubled-up wood beams characteristic of Korean buildings.
The space mimics a traditional exterior courtyard in plan and through finishes like rustic timber and pebbled stone flooring. Smaller spaces radiate from the courtyard center dining - seating nooks, the wine rooms, and the open kitchen.
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Cool Tones, Warm Finishes
We layered in the glamour found in the 20th century Flatiron social clubs through plush seating, ornamental brass, and filigree details in the lighting. We complemented that with design vernacular found in traditional Korean architecture, and then wrapped the whole thing in a palette of warm plum, powder blue and cool green - inspired by traditional Korean color palettes.
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Open Gallery
Filigree Moments
Large custom torchiere lights at the bar are directly inspired by traditional Korean hair pins or binyeo. Traditional Korean accessories called norigae inspired custom pendants that are illuminated below beautiful knot rope details in the main dining space.
Four delicate lights sit on the back bar mimicking the design and craft of traditional Korean hair pins.
A palette of soft pinks and cool greens bring a warm and gentle vibe creating an intimate feeling throughout.
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Awards & Accolades
Michelin Star
Michelin Guide
Best Restaurants of the Year
Esquire
Best Restaurants in New York
The New York Times
Best Upscale Restaurant
Hospitality Design Awards
Best Fine Dining Restaurant
Gold Key Awards
"Reimagines Korean aesthetics in Manhattan."
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Featured Work
Bangkok