Suupaa: Japanese Tradition Meets Innovation in Dining

Enigmatic and eclectic, at once a Japanese restaurant and a neighbourhood convenience store reminiscent of the famous konbini, Suupaa is truly one of a kind. Conceived around a new idea of hospitality and proximity, the project by IF Architecture successfully combines innovative design with functional spatial organisation.

Located in the technological heart of Cremorne, Australia, Suupaa’s distinctive personality is immediately visible from the street through its expansive glazing: a bold fit-out, striking colours, sophisticated atmospheres, and a carefully orchestrated rhythm of spaces distributed across the various windows, with the minimarket area on one side and the dining space with open kitchen on the other.

Suupaa: tradition and goshiki

Colour plays a fundamental role in shaping both the identity and atmosphere of the interiors. The starting point of inspiration was the Japanese tradition of goshiki, the five-colour palette composed of red, black, blue, white, and yellow. This approach creates a strong connection between a contemporary, innovative environment and the roots of Japanese culture. The minimalist application of solid colours also gives each area of Suupaa a refined, orderly appearance that feels both essential and sophisticated.

Chromatic choices are central to distinguishing the various functions and spaces. The retail and takeaway area, in particular, is spacious and airy, characterised mainly by white and grey tones and by a luminous minimalist screen displaying the menu. Beneath the display, along the back wall and sides, the product shelving — often organised into recessed niches — adopts a clean geometric language echoed in the packaging design itself, turning even the products into part of the overall visual identity.

The restaurant area, by contrast, is defined by deep blue tones that appear across surfaces and velvet banquettes. These are balanced by other seating types in red or metallic finishes. The same palette returns throughout the restaurant’s furnishings and accessories. Soft textiles contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, enhanced by lanterns suspended above the tables — some in wood, others in stainless steel — all characterised by soft, organic forms.

A new space and new expectations

“Through subtle gestures that evoke the essence of Japan, Suupaa redefines expectations around fast dining and reimagines how a hybrid space can be perceived and experienced”, conclude the designers.

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