Gonpachi Izakaya in Tokyo is famous as the inspiration for Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill; it’s also where former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hosted foreign delegates.

The Hong Kong branch of Gonpachi is located in Causeway Bay, and is designed by Steve Leung to reflect the same izakaya culture of the original.

Raw timber and stone is used throughout the interior. There is even a soba manufacturing stall next to the reception where Japanese culinary demonstrations can take place.

Visitors make their way along an elongated corridor before entering into a bright and spacious main dining hall where wooden beams and furniture dominate, enlivened by vibrant punches of red.

Chefs serve up freshly-grilled dishes at the traditional barbeque bar table near the corridor, in clear view of passing guests, and the Izakaya ambience is further emphasised by the warm lighting and the aroma of victuals in the air. There’s also a kiosk embellished with rows of sake bottles where guests can enjoy a cup of wine and a snack, the way they would if they were in Tokyo’s Giza.

The design team has decorated the arc-shaped dining area with wooden furniture and irregularly positioned pendant lights, while movable bamboo screens increase the flexibility of the space even as they partially screen off the tatami area. The tranquil mood extends outside in the form of an outdoor Japanese garden.

Steve Leung / Steve Leung Designers
steveleung.com