Inspired by Japanese design with a subtle yet ubiquitous African edge, FYN’s striking new look transcends mere aesthetics and sensory appeal by preserving the original essence that defines one of Cape Town’s inner-city fine dining institutions.
WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Bruce Tuck
To mark the milestone of its seventh anniversary, Chef Peter Tempelhoff and his team are ushering in a new chapter at FYN with an exciting, full-scale renovation.
“In restaurants, there’s an unspoken rule about the seven-year cycle,” says Peter. “Spaces start to show their age, no matter how timeless the design. At FYN, we’ve had guests dine with us over 60 times. We wanted to give them something new – something worthy of that loyalty. It’s time for something different.”
The renovation, led by award-winning interior architect Tristan du Plessis of Tristan du Plessis Studio, includes an entirely new interior layout, a reconfigured kitchen flow, new furniture, textural elements, and an immersive sensory layer that subtly evolves with the guest’s dining journey.
“The refurbishment was conceived as a subtle evolution rather than a renovation, focused on enhancing the guest experience without changing the essence of the space. Our aim was to preserve the original identity of the restaurant while refining certain elements to reflect its growth into a restaurant of substantial stature. As FYN has matured, we have set out to elevate the quality of our detailing to match its standing,” explains Tristan.
Guests are now ushered into FYN through a striking new arrival hall – designed by Guideline’s Christoff Karl – where black panelling, textured with a Japanese etching technique, is inlaid with antique dappled brass.
Inside, FYN’s signature ceiling feature remains intact, while dark wooden flooring and a new colour palette – deep olive, rich chestnut and brass – adorn the room. Touches of leather and brass detailing add to the meticulously considered space.
As with the entrance, Karl and Guideline were at the helm of designing new chairs and tables specifically for the restaurant. The tables feature a timber frame with an antique brass inlay – further tying in with the new design details present throughout the restaurant.
High above the dining room, a single oversized blue LEGO block perches discreetly on the ceiling – a playful wink from Peter to those who look up, and a reminder to him and the team of the creativity and many different pieces necessary to make a restaurant what it is. “Just like when playing with LEGO,” he laughs.
The mural that previously adorned the stairwell has been replaced with a commissioned oil work by artist Jaco van Schalkwyk. His large-scale kelp forest painting reflects the Cape’s coastal beauty, tying into the focus of the seasonal menu and the restaurant’s ongoing dedication to showcasing South Africa’s ecosystems.
To add to the immersive dining experience, FYN worked with with renowned DJ Dino Moran and lighting designer Thom Dryer to incorporate a subtle yet impressive audio-light journey that evolves alongside the menu’s progression, adding another dimension to the atmosphere.
The Trend Group – project managers for the whole FYN refurb – pulled off something truly special by managing all the various teams involved to make sure all the pieces came together in time for the opening. “For us, this is not a reinvention – it’s an evolution,” says Peter. “We’re honouring what FYN has become while sharpening every detail of the experience. The bones are the same, but everything else is fresher, sleeker, smarter and more alive. We’re ready for the next seven years.” | fynrestaurant.com
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