sans arc studio designs an off-beat fish and chip bar with a japanese twist

award-winning australian design practice sans arc studio has created the design for adelaide’s latest off-beat seafood bar with a japanese twist. smallfry is an inner city fish and chipper restaurant that brings warmth and homeliness to a concrete-clad environment. the design draws upon  nostalgic ‘fish shop’ vibes, but re-frames them in a contemporary, textural and immersive space. 

the wood clad exterior adds a sense of warmth to the space

after accumulating numerous awards for their various designs, sans arc studio‘s smallfry bar is on its way to collecting yet another one. the space embraces the unique culinary history, whilst referencing the origin of the produce and acknowledges the operators own cultural background and unique approach to this familiar meal. the materiality considers the tactility and experiential qualities of the ocean, whether eating a casual dinner by the beach, or swimming underwater amongst phospherants. color and texture reference these moments and experiences of the ocean, creating a strong, yet almost intangible link to another place.

the venue is casual yet refined, considered and unique

the kitchen layout is designed in close collaboration with the client and chef to ensure maximum efficiency throughout prep, cooking and service to the interior and street

the finishes show sophisticated development of a concept that is rooted in the familiar aussie fish and chip traditional

the timber façade creates a stark contrast to the commercial streetscape of cold, concrete and steel

stool details

subtle references to seafood institutions are displayed throughout the space

the restaurant’s exterior