Art, flavor, and sustainability at Narisawa’s kitchen

Located in Tokyo, the two-Michelin-starred Narisawa restaurant fuses haute cuisine with the subtle beauty of Japanese tradition. In this space, its owner and chef, Yoshihiro Narisawa, brings to life a cuisine that reflects his passion for sustainability and design.

As one of the most respected icons in the world of gastronomy and a pioneer of environmental cuisine, Narisawa’s vision goes beyond dishes. Focused on “innovative Satoyama cuisine", he promotes Japan’s Satoyama culture, characterized by dishes inspired by the unique food traditions linked to forests, rivers, lakes, and seas.

In his acclaimed restaurant, Narisawa, every detail matters. Thanks to his collaboration with Studio Dig and Neolith surfaces, he has transformed his professional kitchen into a space as evocative and inspiring as his creations. Specifically, Neolith Basalt Black, Neolith Aspen Grey, and Neolith Krater were fundamental in bringing the chef’s ambitious vision to life.

Inspired by the wabi-sabi philosophy, which celebrates beauty in simplicity and natural imperfection, Narisawa found in Neolith the perfect materials to express this vision of purity and elegance. During a visit to the Neolith showroom in Tokyo, he was captivated by the unique properties and aesthetics of the surfaces, discovering in them a versatile and durable beauty.

In his restaurant’s kitchen, Neolith Basalt Black features prominently on countertops, backsplashes, and some walls, bringing a subtle, contemporary sophistication paired with unmatched strength and durability.

Meanwhile, the rest of the walls cladded with Neolith Aspen Grey introduce an air of serenity and balance, amplifying natural light and creating a calming atmosphere.

This gentle touch on the walls is elegantly contrasted by the floor, finished with Neolith Krater. Its organic texture emulates natural rock formations, grounding the space with a connection to Japan’s rich natural heritage.

“After visiting the Neolith showroom in Tokyo, I was deeply impressed by the material. That’s why I chose its surfaces for my new restaurant.”

Yoshihiro Narisawa,
Chef and owner of Narisawa Restaurant

For Narisawa, the environment he works in is as essential as the ingredients he uses. When designing his kitchen, he was seeking a space that could withstand the demands of an elite restaurant while inspiring every movement. Here, every corner is an extension of his philosophy, a place that stimulates creativity, encourages calmness, and allows ideas to take shape in their purest and most authentic forms.

By choosing Neolith, the chef achieved a kitchen that excels in both functionality and durability, meeting the rigorous demands of high-end gastronomy. Heat, stain, and scratch resistance make these surfaces ideal for a fast-paced, precision-driven environment.

Neolith surfaces not only meet technical requirements but also provide a refined aesthetic that aligns with the identity of both the chef and the restaurant. This workspace has been designed to give Narisawa and his team the freedom to explore, create, and push the boundaries of traditional cuisine, supported by surfaces that stand out for their durability. Studio Dig’s design, supported by Neolith materials, has created a workplace where functionality and beauty coexist, enabling the team to focus solely on delivering extraordinary culinary experiences.

Narisawa’s kitchen has been transformed into a visually captivating space that tells a story. Every surface, texture, and detail has been carefully selected to reflect the chef’s philosophy and the authenticity of his cuisine. By choosing Neolith, Narisawa opts for materials that embody sustainability, innovation, and respect for nature.

The Basalt Black, Aspen Grey, and Krater surfaces reflect precision, resilience, and conscious design, qualities that align with the chef’s vision and his commitment to excellence.

“Durability, ease of cleaning, and design were key factors in selecting Neolith”

Yoshihiro Narisawa,
Chef and owner of Narisawa Restaurant

In this project, the choice of Neolith becomes a statement of intent, a search for balance and harmony in an environment that invites creativity without neglecting functionality. The combination of durable materials and visually evocative styles has resulted in a kitchen that is not just a workspace but a place where every element plays a vital role in creating unique gastronomic experiences.

The new kitchen design at Narisawa goes beyond aesthetics; it reflects Japanese philosophy, where every element has a purpose, and every decision carries a deeper meaning. This holistic approach to design is part of the legacy Narisawa aims to build and share with other chefs and professionals.

Choosing Neolith not only offers technical advantages in the kitchen but also reinforces Narisawa’s commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, two values that have always been essential in his work.