Shibui Restaurant – Gran Meliá Nha Trang

Shibui at Gran Meliá Nha Trang was designed by H2X as a Japanese dining experience where refinement comes from the control of space, light and rhythm, rather than from literal decorative references.

The design is centred around the counter, where food preparation becomes part of the dining experience. The distance between chef and guest is reduced to create a more direct interaction, while maintaining the focus and intimacy expected from this type of restaurant. Layers of metallic texture and suspended lighting form a more enclosed spatial field around the counter, subtly drawing attention toward the preparation area as a quiet stage.

In the sea-facing zones, darker tones and warm materials reduce visual distraction and allow the Nha Trang coastline to become a natural counterpoint to the interior. Low-level lighting adds depth and slows the pace of perception, supporting a calmer and more deliberate dining experience.

For Shibui, H2X did not aim to reproduce Japan through familiar imagery. Instead, the project is conceived as an experience system in which operation, materiality and guest interaction work together to establish identity, atmosphere and a clear sense of place.