Forest Restaurant by STUDIO 40: Cozy Nature-Inspired Space in Yekaterinburg

This page is also available in the following languages:🇷🇺🇺🇦🇫🇷🇩🇪🇪🇸🇵🇱🇨🇳

Cozy modern restaurant interior with wooden accents and green plants for elegant contemporary dining spaces

In the picturesque city of Yekaterinburg, among urban hustle and natural scenery, the Forest Restaurant by STUDIO 40 redefines the concept of dining in harmony with nature. Completed in 2024, the 310 m² interior designed under the direction of lead architect Vladislav Soroka invites guests into a calm and immersive space inspired by the landscapes of the Ural region.

Design Philosophy: Let Nature Speak

From the beginning, STUDIO 40 envisioned the Forest Restaurant as more than just a restaurant — it is a sensory sanctuary. By avoiding flashy visual effects, the design focuses on natural textures and muted tones that enhance rather than compete with the culinary experience.

"Our goal is to let nature speak," says Soroka, whose team, including Julia Galunova, Maria Cheglakova, Natalia Nesterova and Natalia Petukhova, created a space rooted in local culture, natural materials and restorative atmosphere.

Materials and Layout: Minimalism Meets Warmth

The material palette enhances a tranquil and sustainable ambiance:

Natural wood and plaster define the walls and ceiling
Terrace and porcelain tile cover the floors
Glass accents and mirrors distribute light and amplify space

Despite its narrow layout, the restaurant appears spacious thanks to its strategic vertical structure. Suspended wooden elements and varying ceiling heights divide the space, adding intimacy to different zones — from dining tables to cozy corners and an informal bar.

Immersive Light and Landscapes

A distinctive feature of the Forest Restaurant is its full-height glass cladding, offering panoramic views of the nearby park and river. Instead of traditional curtains, architects used light-permeable wooden blinds, preserving privacy and framing natural light like a work of art.

Every view from inside interacts with nature, and individual botanical reliefs along with local decorative architecture strengthen the dialogue with nature.

Eco-Friendliness and Local Craftsmanship

The Forest Restaurant is not only about aesthetics but also a deeper commitment to eco-friendly and local design:

Furniture is crafted by local artisans from the Ural region
Materials are sourced regionally
Menu ingredients reflect the farm-to-table philosophy

This focus on locality adds authenticity and supports regional economies, reinforcing the restaurant's connection to its surroundings.

A Multifaceted Experience

At the heart of the space is a large communal table, symbolizing gathering and unity. Lighting plays a key role — balancing natural daylight with carefully placed individual fixtures, creating a soft, atmospheric glow in the evening.

This subtle interplay of light, materials and proportions encourages guests to slow down, connect with each other and fully immerse themselves in the space.

Conclusion: A Meal as a Return to Nature

The Forest Restaurant by STUDIO 40 is more than a dining spot — it's a place to pause, recharge and reflect. Its thoughtfully designed architecture, minimalist palette and sensitive lighting create a sense of silence and time without rush. In a world that rarely stops, the Forest Restaurant reminds us of the beauty of stillness.