ARRELS RESTAURANT

Project Description:

Nestled within the Arlo Hotel in Washington, D.C., Arrels is a modern dining destination that celebrates ties to Barcelona. Arrels, meaning “roots” in Catalan, is Chef Moncayo’s homage to his heritage. The project occupies a newly-built portion of the historically-renovated hotel––an expression of the past embraced by the future. The interior design team at //3877 translated the concept into an environment that pays homage to Spanish origins through warm materials and time-worn details reimagined on modern forms.

Arrels’s modern Spanish tapas menu is driven by Chef Pepe Moncayo’s passion for classic staples, with dishes ranging from rustic to indulgent. The cuisine inspired //3877 to create an environment that supports this dynamic F&B vision through a rich materiality and striking palette. Setting the scene for an unforgettable meal, the menu’s charcoal-fueled preparation technique creates ambient sounds, smells, and sensations that ignite the experiential interior design. The space celebrates contrast by pairing tactile natural materials, soft foliage, and traditional motifs with sleek metals, and modern art installations. Outfitted with warm terracotta tile, textured plaster, brick backdrops, and inviting wood tones, guests find respite in familiarity of the space while modern elements bring a sense of edge and intrigue.

Arrels commands curiosity before patrons even step into the building. From the street-facing windows, passersby can witness the chef in action, demonstrating the unique charcoal culinary preparation. Upon entering the restaurant, guests are presented with clear sightlines into the kitchen, witnessing the live fuel cooking and plating. Every dining experience is carefully curated to feel exciting and new––through clever design techniques, the layout creates various distinct dining areas that offer guests a new culinary adventure each visit.

The chef’s counter offers a front row seat to the action, providing guests with insight into the unique preparation and cooking process. Even adjacent seats can witness the demonstration, immersing each guest in Chef Pepe’s vision and technique for each dish. Moving through the space under a charming brick ceiling arch, an intimate and warm area features dining nook seating accented by warm tones and rich materials. Further in, the bar area is flanked by lounge-style seating, embodying a relaxed, laid back atmosphere that’s further enhanced by an eye-catching light installation and textured Spanish pots and planters. Adjacent to the bar is an exterior courtyard covered by an operable glass structure that can be closed during colder months or opened to create an indoor-outdoor connection with the adjoining space. Additional spaces include a sidewalk patio and private singing room that seats up to twenty guests, further optimizing the restaurant’s capabilities.

A physical manifestation of Chef Pepe’s culinary ethos, //3877 curated an experience that establishes Arrels as a destination for hotel guests, city tourists, and locals alike. Through the seamless integration of engaging sights, sounds, and textures, Arrels provides a beautiful and memorable dining experience.