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For their first project in the United States, the talented duo behind Mexico City-based design studio Faci Leboreiro — Carlos Faci and Marina Leboreiro — wanted to make a strong impact, and they delivered with Zeru.
Brickell City Centre, Miami
Located in Brickell, Miami’s financial center that is also home to luxury apartment towers, Zeru is a new addition to the vibrant restaurant and bar scene.
The locale not only attracts diners with its cuisine, but its inspiring decor visually transports anyone who steps through its doors to the other side of the Atlantic.
Different shades of blue were used throughout to evoke the Basque coast in Spain and the Miami beaches. (RAFAEL GAMO)
Inspired by Basque Country, Spain
“The essence of Zeru was born in the Basque Country, where the gastronomy, green landscapes and dramatic blue coasts contribute to the uniqueness of the region,” say the two architects.
“In this part of the world, haute cuisine is enjoyed in unrivaled surroundings.”
Two years in the making, the Zeru Group’s first restaurant outside of Mexico City had to make an impression. Finished just a few months ago, the project spreads over 450 sqm.
The interior design team used design as a way to elevate cuisine in a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. (RAFAEL GAMO)
Zeru Miami
“The biggest challenge was to adapt the existing design concept in Mexico to the design vision of Miami,” confesses Marina.
“To achieve this, we collaborated with Philippe Moullet, a local restaurateur who has created concepts, such as Zuma and Novikov around the planet.”
In Zeru Miami, the doors open up to the reception area adorned with a black Barrisol Mirror, which creates reflections that envelop the guests. Diners discover a lattice inspired by the Zeru monogram and get a glimpse of the space before seeing the full interior.
Specialises in Fish
Once inside, the wooden herringbone pergola — echoing fish bones, apropos since one of the restaurant’s specialities is fish — becomes the star of the show.
Signature Blue Marble Bar
Designed as the heart and soul of the space, the blue marble bar offers a view to the open kitchen while the main dining area is characterised by its double height. Plants freshen up the entire space.
Elements in ceramic and brass complement custom designed furniture and lamps which all play a role in shaping the inviting and approachable yet elegant atmosphere.
The neutral color base is combined with different shades of blue and green to evoke the Basque coast and greenery of the northern Spanish landscape.
The wood creates a cosy feeling. (RAFAEL GAMO)
Inspired by Prado Museum, Madrid
“We wanted to create an intimate and seductive dining experience,” says Carlos.
Inspired by the Prado Museum in Madrid, the restaurant’s artworks — for example, The Meninas painting by Spanish contemporary artist Felipao placed at the center of the bookcase — were thoughtfully sourced from the Oliver Gal gallery.
“Designing a restaurant is very different from a residential project, since the time people spend in the space is shorter than in their homes,” says Carlos and Marina. “
Therefore, as designers we have to be very precise and communicate the creative concept that needs to be understood and enjoyed by the clients during their two-hour dining experience.”
Zeru Miami is located within Hotel AKA Brickell, 1395 Brickell Ave, Miami, FL 33131, United States. Tel: +1 786-809-139.