Blueprint 2024: Lucky Cat

Building on the style of Lucky Cat’s original London location, Aria worked to maintain the spirit of the brand while adapting it to take a foothold in Miami’s prolific nightlife scene.
Inspired by the jazzy, late-night Kissas of 1940’s Tokyo, Lucky Cat is an exercise in understated opulence. It is a space defined by details, weaving together Japanese artistry and Asian-influenced elements of classic luxury, to create an immersive dining experience. Always aiming to complement the elevated character of the restaurant concept, the design plan was conceived to be the perfect stage on which Lucky Cat’s commitment to culinary craftsmanship could shine.
Delicately draped linens delineate the entry in a modern nod to traditional rice-paper shoji screens. Warm wood tones and natural textures give the walls and furnishings a timeless, enduring quality. Rich upholstery in deep jewel hues and chic, custom brass details weave a thread of subtle sophistication throughout the space, giving guests the sense they have entered a luxurious hideaway.Intricately designed light fixtures pair with Art Deco-style lanterns to give the bar and dining spaces a warm, diffused glow.
With care and precision, Aria’s designers curated pottery artifacts and custom art pieces referencing Asia’s artisan craftwork and the considered Lucky Cat aesthetic. Custom-made ceramic cats line the walls, while hand-painted vintage Japanese fans are displayed alongside an extensive wine and sake collection. An assortment of decorative knives illustrates the development of simple tools into implements capable of refining the smallest details and achieving the time-honored technique prized in Asian cuisine.
The chef’s table, partially veiled by another shoji screen-inspired divider, captivates guests’ attention, giving an enthralling glimpse into the kitchen-theater for a truly shared culinary experience.

“Every vantage point contains another piece of the story and they all come together in this really rich and intimate experience.” – Liz Neuffer, Project Designer

Read the full Blueprint HERE

Project Details: Scope Architecture & Design Seats 162 Square footage 7,652
Contractor Shawmut Design and Construction Engineers Hart, Gaugler & Associates Inc., Henderson Engineers Kitchen Consultant Katz Company Photography Kris Tamburello, Courtesy of GRNA

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