Yona Pays Homage to Japanese and Korean Design
Introducing Yona, the latest restaurant concept from award-winning chef and restaurateur Mike Isabella. Located next to Isabella’s other well-received establishments, Kapnos Taverna and Pepita, Yona completes the trifecta, bringing a new take on a ramen noodle bar to the Ballston neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.
In a quick turnaround time of just 10 weeks, Hospitality Construction Services founder Rob Mescolotto and his team were able to transform the 1,300-square-foot space into a show-stopping restaurant, inspired by the traditional minimalism found in Japanese design, with the unique characteristics of “new Tokyo” intertwined.
Some notable design and construction elements include:
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In the dining space, natural cedar millwork and furniture lends a nod to Japanese and Korean wood joinery, offering a warm contrast against the pristine, white-tiled open kitchen.
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A custom neon light fixture and pixelated mosaic wall tiles in shapes of whales, a recurring motif in the space and in Yona’s branding, contribute to the restaurant’s fun and comfortable vibe.
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The wood for the exterior façade was created using the Shou Sugi Ban method, a traditional Japanese way of charring wood that naturally the material against the elements.
Rob value engineered the space—cutting down the total cost by a third, bringing the project well under its estimated budget. With a number of great projects under his belt, including D.C.’s highly regarded restaurant, The Dabney.
