COCINA ABIERTA || An Exquisite Multi-cuisine Restaurant in Mexico
Whether you’re craving a healthy salad bowl, authentic Italian dishes, or a contemporary sushi roll, the multi-cuisine Cocina Abierta in Mexico’s capital will have you covered.
Conceived as the first multi-cuisine restaurant in Mexico, Cocina Abierta brings a new, modern gastronomic concept to the country’s bustling business hub. The spacious 17,760 SF space is the most recent project by MYT+GLVDK, local interior design and architecture firm led by Andrés Mier y Terán. Divided into a series of well-defined spaces each with its individual personalities and atmosphere, guests can explore freely to discover the numerous culinary options ranging from authentic Italian cuisine to traditional Mexican flavours and innovative Japanese dishes.
The multi-zone food hall features a variety of cuisine styles and dietary options to accommodate the growing international tastes desired by the city’s evolving audience. The wide range of options include Moshi Moshi’s signature kaiten sushi rolls, Italian flavours of Neri Forno, Mexican flavours of La Imperial, fresh and healthy options by Healthy Guru, coastal dishes of Humo de Mar, juicy cuts from Primitivo, and last but not least, a series of exquisite wines and world-class mixology from Teddy’s.
The large dining hall is located on the third floor of the bustling Artz Pedregal mall. Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by glossy black brick-clad façade and large sliding glass doors. A whimsical, ribbon-like ramp-staircase leading up to a children’s play zone and a private meeting and dining space on the 2nd floor invites curious passersby to walk up and explore. Towards the back of the dining hall, a large terrace offers tremendous views of the area’s lush vegetation through sets of panoramic windows.
Thoughtful use of ornamentations and furnishings that custom-designed for the project creates a unique atmosphere and setting for each defined dining station. For example, the Healthy Guru’s oval bar gives the serving counter a sleek and contemporary look that complements the bespoke, rattan hanging lamps, a colossal oven, and the concrete and terrazzo floor in various hues. A series of contemporary furniture in the dining area was also designed by the MYT+GLVDK team.
In the numerous restaurant and bar offerings in Cocina Abierta, only two restaurants have distinct boundaries due to their layout and signature atmosphere: La Imperial and Moshi Moshi.
La Imperial
La Imperial is a restaurant chain that offers refined Mexican cuisine and design that embraces the golden age cantinas with an added baroque and late 19th-century Mexican touch. The interior follows a similar footstep to its other locations, although revised to incorporate new elements that give it its own personality. The elevated atmosphere places a strong emphasis on fine details and elegance - from the use of an imposing mirrored bar to the galvanized ceiling and burnt red floor motifs. It’s sophisticated, golden age charm cast a stark contrast to the lush, green views from the terrace - a design concept that evokes the characteristic hacienda architecture loved by the nation.
Biergarten
The Biergarten offers the most casual and relaxed atmosphere at the complex, featuring an outdoor-inspired setting with ample greeneries and industrial decoration inspired by Berlin bars. Speakers and signs can be spotted on the wall, and long, communal tables cater to the larger parties looking for an informal get-together with burgers, hotdogs, cocktails, and beers.
Moshi Moshi
Japanese-inspired Moshi Moshi introduces a new range of materials to the Cocina Abierta interior: blue terrazzo, denim, and pale wood. The design, inspired by contemporary Japanese izakayas, features a neutral colour palette with a predominant use of wood. The restaurant offers the traditional conveyer belt sushi concept in an elevated setting, giving locals a refreshing way to enjoy Japanese cuisine in the city. The walls are decorated with petatillo, traditional palm weavings from Mexico that resembles the texture of Japanese tatami. Finally, round, tube-like lanterns wrapped in washi paper gives an ethereal glow in the daylight, filling the spaces between the double-volume ceiling.
The serene and minimal setting invites diners to spend a peaceful afternoon enjoying the various sushi creations while looking out to the vast sky and forests beyond its large, floor-to-ceiling windows.
Every space at Cocina Abierta has been designed with culinary and atmospheric enjoyment in mind. Imagine a divine pairing of delectable dishes, efficient service, a meticulously designed interior, and the subtle tunes of traditional music performed by the musicians at La Imperial, or guest DJs and bands at the Biergarten. The dining complex brings together a large selection of different gourmet experiences all in one place, making it a wonderful destination for locals and tourists alike looking for a refined space to gather.
Project Details
Project Name: Cocina Abierta Artz Pedregal
Interior Design: MYT+GLVDK
Photography courtesy of MYT+GLVDK
