SAN FRANSISCO

Friends Only

Friends Only was born from the vision of a local family restaurant owner—open to change, obsessed with quality, and deeply attuned to the world around him. The project began with a focus on food, translating textures and scales into the materials used throughout the space. Designed for seamless workflow, the finishes reflect Ray’s vision of interactive hospitality, with a scale closer to residential than commercial interiors. A herringbone oak floor and leather upholstery add a sumptuous touch, while etched porcelain wall panels, seagrass coverings, and beveled tile offer a crisp visual counterpoint. Lighting sets the stage—not for the chefs, but for the food itself, where fish, meat, and vegetables take center stage. Friends Only is a sanctuary from the urban landscape, embodying the warmth and essence of an izakaya.

Team

Architect Elmer Lin, Hong Liu

Mechanical Engineer MHC Engineers

Food Service Consultant Design West Partnership

Contractor Phase 2 Builders

Photography Brad Knipstein, Elmer Lin

TPOLOGY
Food Service

DATE
Autumn 2022

MATERIALS
DuChateau flooring, Ecogrip service flooring, Zaniboni & Tech Lighting, WAC luminaries, Seaport stainless, Heston cook line, Pseudo Studio custom millwork, Ann Sacks tile, Armstrong metalworks ceilings, Brewster & Coir wall coverings, DWR loose furnishings