- Location Malta
- Client DB San Gorg Property Limited
- Year 2023
- Status Built
- Sectors: Interior Design Hospitality
Nestled in Malta’s northern coastal town of St. Paul’s Bay, with views out to the Mediterranean Sea, LOA is a modern South American restaurant and lounge bar fusing mid-century modernism with lush tropical greens. Our vision for the space was inspired by Brazilian Modernism, which brought together the minimal and functional principles of modernist architecture with warm, natural materials found in South America. Geometric timber panelling and wall partitions sit alongside a marbled watercolour mural and statement dark green marble bar, creating a dynamic yet elegant experience.
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fusion South American restaurant in Malta, named after ancient Río LOA—Chile’s longest river which spans over 440km
- Location Malta
- Client DB San Gorg Property Limited
- Year 2023
- Status Built
With spectacular panoramic views of St Pauls Bay and in the shadow of the historic landmark Wignacourt Tower, LOA is a modern restaurant and lounge bar fusing mid-century modernism with lush, tropical botanicals that brings the excitement, rhythm and gastronomy of Nikkei cuisine to Malta for the first time.
The restaurant’s design identity is built around subtle reference to South American culture, with its name inspired by the ancient Río Loa river. This intriguing name also evokes the romance and spirit of the mysterious Loa goddesses, each of whom offers protection and counsel in return for ritual service expressed through sacred rhythms, songs, and dance.
Accordingly, Loa is more than a restaurant and lounge – it becomes a vivid and multi-layered backdrop and stage for theatre, performance and spectacle through dance and music, ebbing and flowing according to the time of day and the occasion. The theatre of music and dance is complemented by the sophistication of the cuisine and cocktails paraded across the floor.
Cultural references are overlayed onto a design language inspired by the unique motifs and materials of Brazilian Modernism, which brought together the minimal and functional principles of modernist architecture with warm, natural finishes found in South America, such as cane, leather and wood.
Geometric details and refined, graphic timber panelling are paired with a statement marbled watercolour mural illustrating the goddess LOA, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. Bamboo pendants and tropical plants are suspended above a dark green marble curved bar top, paired with soft leather bar stools. A timber-lined ceiling and patterned wall partitions bring warmth to the cavernous space. By night, the outdoor terrace and grill provides the perfect setting to watch the sunset across the bay.
Loa is the second restaurant for DB created by Jestico + Whiles, following from the success of the subterranean Japanese restaurant Aki in Valletta. We have since completed the design of the recently opened and already acclaimed Tora and Manta Lido beach club on Tigné seafront.