L A A M A Y A
LOCATION
3 HaYotsrim St., Kfar Saba, Israel
PHOTOGRAPHY
Dor Kedmi
YEAR
2025-2026
The concept behind the restaurant is rooted in multiple interwoven stories. Primarily, the space was established in loving memory of May Naim, who lost her life at the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023. The founders knew the restaurant's name from the outset, as its central letters hold the name 'May'. May was full of life and joy, constantly spreading love to those around her. Her spirit guided us to anchor the essence of the venue in a single theme: a story of love. It embodies a love for hospitality, culinary experiences, community, and life itself. An additional, essential layer to this narrative is the Spanish meaning of the name 'Amaya'—a heavenly place.
The objective was to design a space that captures the absolute essence of Central America—its diverse hues, vibrant flavors, and authentic atmosphere. We aimed to cultivate an environment that encourages a casual, everyday experience, rather than a venue reserved exclusively for special occasions. The spatial design fosters a colorful, warm, and welcoming ambiance, perfectly complementing the high-end service and chef-crafted menu designed for a broad audience. The culinary approach is unpretentious, utilizing premium ingredients while making guests feel entirely comfortable eating with their hands. We consider this a true celebration of the senses: an immersive experience that envelops guests from the moment they step inside. This sensory journey permeates every aspect of the visit, from the spatial aesthetics and curated background music to the very last bite of dessert. Ultimately, it is a joyful and deeply inviting space.
We sought a wall finish that evokes a profound sense of home. Home in its deepest sense—akin to the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread or the crisp scent of clean laundry. We envisioned a surface treatment that tells a story, defined by its depth and rich layering. The Marmorino plaster fulfilled these exact aspirations with remarkable precision. It is a material that carries its own narrative, tactile depth, and experiential quality, imparting a timeless sensation—as though it has inherently belonged to the space since its inception.
