Located at the iconic V&A Waterfront, COY is a new restaurant that offers a refined dining experience heralding local produce and African cuisine in an understated and unique setting.  

Award-winning chef Ryan Cole of Eat Out three-star restaurant Salsify at the Roundhouse has opened a new restaurant at the bustling and iconic V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.  

Working with Creative Director Kobus Truter and Senior Interior Designer Tarryn Walbrugh of KT Interiors, a Cape Town-based interior and architectural design studio, Ryan brought his ideas and concept of COY to fruition.  

Understated yet striking

With the catchphrase of the restaurant being hidden in plain sight, COY is located between two busy precincts, namely the Time Out Market and the Silo. With this in mind, the design approach was led with the concept of curating a ‘hidden gem’.  

Both the interior and exterior of the restaurant have been created with a dark colour palette in mind, ensuring that the focal for guests while dining is both the refined dishes and the pristine views of the surrounding V&A Waterfront dock and Table Mountain.  

The integral structure of the restaurant was built to create somewhat of a ‘frame’ structure, “We went with creating purely black-toned interiors to ensure that the views will pop out, somewhat like a picture frame,” shares Kobus. 

Aptly titled COY, which means shy or unassuming, the restaurant design ethos reflects this in its sleek yet cool interiors and finishings, from the locally produced black and white chairs to the grey curtains and low lighting, the juxtaposition of the surrounding elements in contrast to the restaurant curates a timeless setting. 

A sensory experience

Focusing on African cuisine and cooking methods, the interiors of the restaurant aim to reflect the continent’s love for texture applying this to all areas of the restaurant, from the polished floors to the sandblasted bar area and uniquely textured dining tables etched with markings.  

“It’s all of a modern take of Afro Chic with a focus on sharing what Africa is [in design terms] and what African cuisine is as well” points out Tarryn. 

Ryan ensured that the restaurant’s food and drink offering ethos was echoed and woven through all the design elements briefing that all furniture pieces were sourced and created locally.  

“We had all the furniture pieces designed and manufactured locally by talented artisans,” shares Kobus. 

Being near the ocean, KT interiors ensured that there was somewhat of a maritime feel, with interior accents nodding to this.  

“The lights on the bar filter into a bit of a nautical aesthetic, a slight hint to a lighthouse and the surrounding ocean,” shares Kobus. 

Curating a visual feast for diners to savour while they dine on a range of tantalising dishes, the various design elements of the restaurant work in tandem to create a truly sensory-driven experience.  

As you walk into the restaurant you are greeted with artwork that lines the main entrance way and more art pieces can be seen through the main feature walls of the restaurant.  

Ensuring that the theme of locality continued throughout all elements of the restaurant, all artwork featured was sourced on consignment from Everard Read by local artists to help celebrate and spotlight their talented work. | coyrestaurant.com

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The new La Parada in Rosebank by hot new design studio KT Interior is a quirky mix of indoor jungle, Spanish bistro flair and retro metro station – all in one hip spot.

Situated in The Firs centre, the well-known tapas restaurant has various branches across the country, all with a unique vibe – this version being its eighth edition. 

KT Interior, headed by Kobus Truter, was the mastermind group behind La Parada’s new restaurant. They’re also the team behind a plethora of other equally striking restaurants, including Egghead Diner – which has recently been shortlisted for the 2022 Restaurant And Bar Design Awards. “I find my inspiration with travelling and social media and working with the entire team to achieve something special for each project,” explains Kobus. “We have a group of various tastes and styles in the office and it assists me to achieve something different. We also work closely with our clients and listen to what they want and like.”

One of the main features of La Parada is the striking tiled green bar that prominently takes space in the centre of the restaurant. Complimented with black and white checkered tiling, hanging ceiling plants and tropical wallpaper creates an “away from home experience” transporting visitors to a lush oasis of food and drink. “We are always looking at what is trending, what is new and what is happening,” elaborates Kobus. “We more and more evolving design around customer experience and instagramability. Designing spaces and restaurants are not just a practical experience but it should trigger emotion.”

READ MORE: Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2022 Shortlist

Visit this new eye-catching spot for happy hour specials, delicious sharing plates, cocktails, live events and a good time.

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The post Cool Spaces: La Parada in Rosebank appeared first on Visi.