Amber, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and landmark of Hong Kong’s fine dining scene, has had a redesign. New York-based Tihany Design was commissioned to introduce a new look in line with a menu revamp by chef Richard Ekkebus.

In fact, Founder and Principal of the studio, Adam D. Tihany, worked with Ekkebus when the restaurant launched in The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Central Hong Kong in 2005.

“Working together again nearly 15 years later for the redesign, our aim was not to change the DNA, the authentic personality of the place, but to reimagine the interiors to best reflect Chef’s vision for the next generation of Amber guests,” says Tihany.  

“The new Amber is light, curvaceous and less formal compared to its original design, which conveyed masculine elegance,” the designer explains. He continues, “It embraces the evolution of fine dining to portray a more approachable, personal experience.”

Amber’s regulars will first notice the evolution of the restaurant’s iconic ceiling. Amber was known for its suspended golden rods and polished wood panelling. Tihany describes the ceiling revamp as the most significant and most challenging change to the space.

Tihany’s redesign has replaced the rods with a bronze-ring chandelier to recreate a similar intimacy while allowing greater architectural volume. “My job was to ensure that the new design maintained a strong sense of place and personality that Amber fans would recognise immediately,” explains Tihany.

Meanwhile, Tihany embraced a more approachable, personal fine dining experience with the restaurant’s new layout. Curving, low partitions snake through the space creating intimate, comfortable, secluded dining areas.

Custom-designed wall lights and table fittings emanate the circles of the ceiling and sweeps of the layout. The embroidered wall also features circular patterns while the carpet has a bespoke ripple pattern in shiny silver.

The curving organic forms and motifs are complemented by a warm neutral colour palette of silver, beige, and other earth tones. Tihany removed the tablecloths to showcase the natural wood.

Sculptures by Gail Daeyton were inspired by the urban landscape surrounding The Landmark Mandarin Oriental and the communal traditions of Chinese dining culture.

“Amber’s fluid lines create an inviting softness and natural ease of movement through the restaurant,” explains Tihany. “Walking through the space, guests are not just observers of the Amber experience, but an integral part of the story.”