steel and wood interventions fuse mexican and japanese traditions at restaurant in juárez

Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos brings together Mexico and Japan

Located in Mexico City’s Juárez neighborhood, Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos and Ana Paula de Alba have completed Ninyas — a 100-square-meter restaurant curated as a blend of Japanese and Mexican influences through both its cuisine and design. Specializing in rib eye tacos paired with sake, Ninyas features a minimalist interior with stainless steel and wood accents, reflecting the two distinct cultures that, nevertheless, hold several similarities in customs and cuisines. The open layout and reflective surfaces create an immersive dining experience that captures the vibrant spirit of street food culture, while wooden elements and organic forms infuse a sense of warmth.

The project concept stems from a father and son’s passion for hosting guests at their home, where they perfected their signature rib eye tacos. What began as a family tradition eventually evolved into the restaurant, with friends and collaborators helping bring the vision to life.

images © Rafael Gamo

stainless steel panels wrap around ninyas restaurant

The Mexican studio’s intervention takes place on the ground floor of a 1950s building. ‘We analyzed trends in both Mexico City and Tokyo, in both their street life and in the materials found in their kitchens,’ shares the team at Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos, who worked alongside designer Ana Paula de Alba. ‘Sushi bars and teppanyaki griddles made from stainless steel remind us of Mexican fast food joints, classic eateries, and taco restaurants with high tables and bars.’ Inspiration is also drawn from the warmth of lacquered wood finishes found across Japanese eateries, complemented by the vibrancy and shine of Mexican ceramics.

Stainless steel panels cover the restaurant’s perimeter walls and define the kitchen furniture, dining bars, and overall layout. The epoxy-coated floor, a non-slip ocher hue, adds warmth and depth to the space, contrasting with the cool, reflective surfaces. These materials come together to evoke a kitchen-like atmosphere where diners actively participate in a shared eating experience. Every reflection on the stainless steel adds color and vibrancy to the minimalist setting.

Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos completes Ninyas restaurant

In contrast to the stark industrial look, the mezzanine introduces a cozier element, featuring a bar where the walls, floor, and ceiling are entirely clad in wood. The shelving unit, positioned between the kitchen and dining area, functions as a partition while facilitating the passage of crockery, cutlery, and sake bottles. Custom-designed stools, crafted from solid oak with stainless steel footrests, soften the overall aesthetic with circular forms while maintaining functional comfort for diners.

A stainless steel bridge connects the mezzanine to the main dining area, further uniting the restaurant’s materials and design elements. Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos composes the facade of pivoting glass panels, which open up to the sidewalk and integrate Ninyas with its surroundings, and enhancing the communal atmosphere.

inspired by the vibrant spirit of street food culture

a fusion of culinary traditions from Mexico and Japan

the open layout and reflective surfaces create an immersive dining experience

stainless steel panels cover the restaurant’s perimeter walls and dining surfaces

the mezzanine introduces a cozier element, featuring a bar where the walls, floor, and ceiling are entirely clad in wood

custom-designed stools, crafted from solid oak with stainless steel footrests

these materials come together to evoke a kitchen-like atmosphere

industrial surfaces complemented by warm finishes

project info:

name: Ninyas

architect: Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos | @ignaciourquiza.mx, Ana Paula de Alba | @apda.mx

design team: Ignacio Urquiza y Ana Paula de Alba
location: Mexico City

design team: Michela Lostia di Santa Sofia, Alejandro Alegria, Ana Lucero Villaseñor, Fabiola Antonini, Filippo Peron
landscape: Aldaba Jardines, Thalia Divadoff
construction: Grupo Impulsa
furniture: Ana Paula de Alba, Ignacio Urquiza, Rituales Contemporáneos
lighting design: ILWT
model photos: IUA Ignacio Urquiza Arquitectos

photography: © Rafael Gamo

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom