Nestled on Ligovsky Avenue in St. Petersburg, Tsunami Restaurant by Kidz Studio is a bold reimagining of its predecessor, a graffiti-adorned bar known for its lively terrace. The architects—Ekaterina Tarasova, Dasha Lebedeva, Sonya Plusnina, and Alexandra Kabashnaya—opted not to reinvent but to evolve the space, preserving its original charm while introducing a fresh fusion of contemporary Asian and Peruvian design.
The restaurant’s aesthetic is a striking interplay of textures and hues. A neutral base palette of sandy grays nods to the rugged landscapes and architectural heritage of Peru, while vibrant textiles and bold accents draw from traditional Peruvian fabrics. Modern touches, such as sleek lighting fixtures and a dynamic LED screen, inject the energy of a neon-lit Asian metropolis, creating a space that feels both global and intimate.
A key architectural intervention was the strategic cutting of the ceiling slab to forge a new entrance directly from the courtyard. This move not only enhances flow but also strengthens the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces—a signature feature of the original bar. Artist Ogonyok’s graffiti at the entrance further bridges the two realms, ensuring continuity with the venue’s gritty, artistic roots.
Functionality is at the heart of the main hall, designed for seamless adaptability. A cluster of modular black tables can be reconfigured alongside a mobile DJ booth, transforming the space for everything from intimate dinners to high-energy events. At 171 square meters, the restaurant balances intimacy with versatility, making it a magnet for both loyal patrons and new visitors.
With visualizations by Tanya Kurochkina and photography by Dmitry Tsyrenzhikov, the project captures the essence of a space in flux—one that honors its past while riding the wave of innovation. Tsunami Restaurant stands as a testament to adaptive reuse and cross-cultural design, proving that the best transformations are those that remember where they began.