MINATO

Savour The Land-Meets-Sea Gastronomic Artistry.

Nestled along the breathtaking Victoria Harbour in Wan Chai North, Minato (港) is a brand-new Japanese gastronomic concept designed to insulate you from the city's hustle and bustle, transporting you into a realm of serenity.

Minato celebrates the artistry of Japanese cuisine, aspiring to connect space, people, and nature through a sense of quiet luxury. Guided by the philosophy of "Ma" (間), guests are invited to enjoy a balanced, elegant, and grand dining experience that draws inspiration from the zen principles of omakase, teppanyaki, and kaiseki cuisine.

House of Forme collaborated with Minato on their brand identity design and collaterals development.

The Aesthetic Philosophy of "Ma" (間)

As you step into Minato, the grandeur of high ceilings and the warm embrace of wooden fixtures welcome you into a sanctuary of tranquillity. Each area reveals its unique narrative: the dining hall showcases vibrant dishes crafted with refined Kaiseki artistry, the sushi bar unveils raw creations with meticulous precision, and the private Teppanyaki stations embody a tactile dance of embers and flavours. This harmonious environment invites exploration, delighting all your senses.

The aesthetic philosophy of "Ma" (間) subtly guides every detail, embracing minimalist elegance and purposeful emptiness. The term "Ma" combines the characters for “gate” and “sun,” evoking the image of light streaming through the empty space of a doorway. We bring this Japanese philosophy to life by emphasising white space, thereby delivering a profound sense of minimalism.

The Minato logomark hints at the letter “M,” with uneven handwritten strokes that mirror the walls of the chambers, embodying craftsmanship and adding a touch of humanity to the brand. The deliberate use of white space between elements underscores the essence of “Ma,” instilling a sense of calm, while an elegant font further conveys the principles of Japanese minimalism.

Inspired by the meaning of "Minato" (港)—the connector between land and sea—we infused our secondary brand graphics with the fluidity of water, symbolising the delicate balance between the restaurant's distinct environments. Our abstract patterns ripple with the strength and diversity of “間” (Ma) and are complemented by evocative Chinese characters: “澗” (The ebbing flow of flavours), “瀧” (A cascade of multisensory memories), “汌” (Ripples of artistry in every bite), and “港” (An anchor for your senses). Together, these elements weave a vibrant tapestry that encapsulates the essence of Minato.

Authentic, Connection, Sophisticated, Luxury.

Reflecting the tranquillity and elegance of the space, our menu designs blend minimalistic and sophisticated elements inspired by nature. The colour palette showcases soothing light beige, refreshing greens, and sophisticated blacks, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall dining experience. A consistent font system and ample white space cultivate a welcoming environment, while magnetic holders enable effortless menu updates in line with Minato’s seasonal offerings.

To align with our theme, we selected a durable hardcover bound using a specialized wood binding technique that complements the interior decor, creating a seamless connection to Minato’s zen philosophy while fostering a sense of serenity and symbolising our commitment to sustainability. The foil stamping on the dinner menu’s cover adds a touch of class and sophistication. Our dedication to craftsmanship is further highlighted by the use of washi paper—traditional Japanese handmade paper renowned for its exceptional durability, capable of lasting over a thousand years. This exquisite material enhances the ambiance with understated elegance, inviting light to filter softly through and enriching the overall experience.

More Than a Simple Gustatory Pleasure.

In showcasing Minato’s zen-inspired ethos, we transcended conventional collateral approaches by crafting a distinctive collection of branding materials that resonate with the restaurant's tranquil spirit. Our design journey resulted in an elegant array of items, ranging from understated business cards to impactful hoarding boards, all thoughtfully harmonised to convey a cohesive narrative.

To reflect the themes of sea, land, and nature, we utilised a consistent colour palette and graphic patterns throughout our collateral. The bill holder, crafted from faux leather with wood binding, features intricate gold-foiled logos that subtly enhance its minimalistic aesthetic. Each collateral piece employs similar shapes and motifs, creating a unified visual identity while allowing individual items to shine.

Produced on high-quality, eco-friendly materials, these collaterals serve not only functional purposes but also offer guests a sensory journey that complements their dining experience. Each piece invites patrons to engage tangibly with Minato, reinforcing the restaurant's commitment to delivering an immersive culinary delight steeped in hapticness and tranquillity.