_Soseki
10-seat intimate omakase experience by Chef Mike Collantes | Winter Park, FL
Soseki was recognized with a Michelin Star in the 2022 Michelin Guide.
At Soseki, the design is a reflection of precision and artistry—an ode to the meticulous craft of culinary perfection. The space was conceived as a seamless blend of traditional and contemporary elements, where the simplicity of the setting elevates the dining experience into a performance.
The design intent was clear: to create a stage. The minimal, elongated bar becomes the focal point, resembling a theater where the chefs' skill, movement, and craft take center stage. Every seat is intentionally placed to frame the chefs, highlighting their process as an integral part of the experience. The subdued material palette—rich black tones, soft natural woods, and textured surfaces—creates a refined backdrop that allows the food and the performance to shine.
The lighting design plays a key role, with soft washes of light carving into the space like brushstrokes, creating shadow and focus where needed. Overhead, exposed beams, and clean lines emphasize structure and balance, while carefully curated textures, such as the scalloped wall detail, offer subtle nods to tradition.