Project: Ortensia Restaurant
Architecture: Chris Shao Studio
Location: Shanghai, China
Area: 500 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Zhu Hai Studio
A Fusion of Global Influences at Ortensia Restaurant
Ortensia Restaurant, an endeavor by a Japanese chef and a Chinese pastry chef, not only brings together French-Japanese cuisine but also transports it to the heart of Shanghai. Following the success and Michelin recognition of their Parisian location, they have now recreated their culinary vision in China. Consequently, Ortensia Restaurant merges Parisian sentiment, Japanese elegance, and Shanghai’s architectural heritage into a distinctive dining experience. Inspired by the hydrangea flower (Hortensia) and the traditional Shikumen style, this establishment deftly weaves together old and new, tradition and innovation, resulting in an atmosphere that feels both familiar and intriguingly foreign.
A Contemporary Tribute to Shikumen and French Heritage
By retaining authentic Shikumen characteristics, Ortensia Restaurant pays homage to Shanghai’s local culture. Moreover, on the second floor, these retro traits elegantly coexist with French paneling, echoing the building’s original language. Thus, the design carefully balances time-honored elements with contemporary luxury, forging a meaningful link between cultural narratives and modern refinement. Ultimately, the space reflects an intersection where past and present align seamlessly.
The Hydrangea’s Whisper Throughout Ortensia Restaurant
At Ortensia Restaurant, the hydrangea’s influence unfolds step by step. Initially, guests encounter lush greenery and blooming hydrangeas in the small Shikumen patio, setting the stage for what lies within. Furthermore, the motif extends into the interior: a skeletal bud-inspired reception desk greets arrivals, while decorative metal flowers embellish various panels. Additionally, sculpted petals adorn nearby walls, introducing a subtle thematic continuity. Eventually, at the heart of the dining area, a curved floral installation symbolizes both masculine and feminine energies, becoming the visual focal point that unites the entire environment.
Layered Lighting and Sensory Nuance
The lighting concept at Ortensia Restaurant enhances its serene yet dynamic ambiance. To achieve this, the design team introduced a mellow light temperature that bathes surfaces in a gentle glow. Consequently, overhead floral installations cast subtle shadows on velvet walls, allowing the environment to evolve elegantly as the evening progresses. In the spacious VIP room, a combination of gradient high-gloss paint and fabric gradient lighting fixtures further amplifies this effect. As a result, the room shimmers and appears more balanced, encouraging guests to linger and appreciate the nuanced visual hierarchy.
Crafting a Dialogue with Art and Texture
Beyond floral motifs and lighting, Ortensia Restaurant’s attention to detail becomes evident in its art and ornamentation. For instance, a bronze-etched mirror by artist Charlotte Kingsnorth hangs behind a card table, and its intricate contours pay homage to the hydrangea’s petals. Moreover, through these textures and carefully conceived shapes, the piece subtly reflects the passage of time and the fluidity of space. Consequently, it reinforces the overarching narrative of cultural and aesthetic exchange, reminding diners that each element plays a role in conveying the restaurant’s unique story.
A Palette of Vibrant Hues and Delicate Contrasts
Throughout Ortensia Restaurant, color and texture emerge as pivotal design tools. In fact, splashes of yellow, green, red, and brown highlight the cuisine’s global tapestry. Furthermore, these hues blend effortlessly into velvet, bronze, and lacquered surfaces, forging a visual and tactile environment that recalls Japanese subtlety, French grace, and Shanghai’s enduring cultural depth. Hence, every element—from textiles to lighting installations—harmonizes with the whole, ensuring that diners immerse themselves in an experience transcending borders and eras.
Ortensia Restaurant: A Story Told Through Design and Flavor
Ultimately, Ortensia Restaurant embodies more than a dining space—it offers a narrative in which culinary artistry and design ingenuity converge. Thus, the gentle hum of cultural references, the discreet nods to Shikumen architecture, and the floral symbolism of the hydrangea all contribute to a multi-sensory journey. In addition, by seamlessly blending Parisian sophistication, Japanese finesse, and Shanghai’s storied charm, Ortensia Restaurant invites diners to linger, contemplate, and savor the delicate interplay of tradition and innovation. Consequently, the result is a setting that resonates beyond the meal itself, leaving guests with a lasting impression of beauty, depth, and cultural dialogue.
