Barents | Restaurant

The interior design of Barents seafood restaurant is inspired by the rugged, pure, untamed atmosphere of the northern landscapes and the sea. The vision of the restaurant’s owners and the KRASSKY design team was also significantly shaped by the space itself. Built in 1910, an asymmetrical structure of a former bank evoked associations with a ship’s deck. This idea became the conceptual backbone of the project that was later combined with refined details.

Marine elements are present throughout the entire interior, with bold accents in choice of materials: wooden floors reminiscent of ship decks, tiles – a rocky shoreline, oxidized copper – a rusty shipwreck, while dramatic mirrors – mist or foggy windows.

To keep the focus on the food, the interior was intentionally made ascetic. This approach is reflected in both tones and textures, creating a robust, slightly raw atmosphere, free of unnecessary decor. A deliberate decision was made to avoid white tones, favoring nuanced and rich shades and undertones that interplay with one another.

The innovative plaster finish  appeared on the walls after a series of experiments with applying techniques, which resulted in a textured look and organic feel, rather than a sterile and smooth coating. Natural materials play a major role in shaping the authentic ambiance of the space, which would be hard if using artificial imitations.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality, the scenography of light plays an important role in shaping the restaurant's ambience. The space is immersed in dim lighting that creates a slight effect of a twilight. The spotlights over the tables turn each of them into a miniature stage, while the light is focused on surfaces, creating a sense of privacy and comfort for the guests. This was achieved  with zoom-lens technology of lamps by an innovative German brand Occhio.  They allow adjusting the width of the light beam to suit each table, while a high-level color rendering (CRI>97) enhances the natural tones of the food, making the visual experience just as important as taste. The lighting contributes to a sense of intimacy that echoes the northern character of the restaurant. Each guest is given a rather spacious private zone within the hall to observe the restaurant while enjoying privacy while sharing a meal with their company.

The centerpiece of the interior is a sculptural fish counter that resembles a sea-washed cliff. The designers originally planned to install a real stone, which turned out to be impossible due to weight restrictions. After a series of artistic experiments, the final version was created by artist Andris Eglītis. The counter is complemented by his large-scale landscape painting from the series Poetic Research Laboratory, displayed on one of the restaurant’s walls.

Almost half of the space is occupied by an open kitchen, featuring equipment from renowned professional kitchen brand Marrone. A chef’s counter allows accommodating guests to observe the culinary process in close-up. It is made from the exclusive material – a rare piece of the black oak, pulled from the Daugava River and shaped by the hands a Latvian craftsmen. Counter’s raw edges and massive original size that remained almost unchanged,  reflect wood's authenticity.

Most of restaurants’ furniture was custom-made by local artisans, combined with the pieces by the leading European design brands, such as Cassina and Vitra chairs, De Castelli metalwork, Gessi faucets, and mirrors by Glas Italia. Glassware includes pieces by Lobmeyr, producer of the world’s thinnest crystal vessels, and Zalto – the number one choice of sommeliers in Michelin-starred restaurants.