Miami, Florida
The clients provided a precise vision for the space and tasked the studio with crafting a versatile and flexible environment capable of seamlessly transitioning between a main dining area and a late-night lounge for cocktails, dancing, and reggae music.
Overview
Located in Downtown Miami, Jrk! is the first standalone location for the Jamaican restaurant concept, which first opened at Aventura Mall in 2020. Sharing its space with Mangrove, its sister restaurant and lounge, the project brings two distinct experiences together under one roof. Jrk! is bright, casual, and energetic, serving as the daytime counterpart to the darker and more intimate space beyond.
The design draws from the colors, landscapes, and craftsmanship of Jamaica without relying on literal references. Mustard yellow and green, taken from the restaurant’s identity, are paired with light oak, cream stucco, micro cement, white countertops, handcrafted rattan lighting, and lush greenery. Functional elements are incorporated into the design, with takeaway shelving, merchandise displays, green market crates, and a dedicated patty window becoming part of the visual language of the space.
At the rear of the restaurant, a vintage metal elevator gate sourced from Argentina marks the transition into Mangrove. The contrast between the two concepts was central to the design, allowing Jrk! to establish its own identity while remaining connected to the larger experience.
The result is a clean and approachable interior that brings Jamaican color, food, and culture into a contemporary Downtown Miami setting.
In collaboration with Third Round
