A striking new restaurant called Rubra has opened on Mexico's Pacific coast, designed by architects Ana Paula de Alba and Ignacio Urquiza specifically for renowned chef Daniela Soto-Innes. The innovative project seamlessly blends architecture, landscape design, and culinary arts through a carefully planned spatial composition that emphasizes material consistency and precise architectural planning.

The restaurant is constructed entirely from sand-toned concrete, creating a monolithic structure that establishes visual continuity with the natural coastal environment. Located on the Punta Mita peninsula at the edge of Banderas Bay, visitors approach the site along a winding path surrounded by dense tropical vegetation. The restaurant can be reached on foot, by bicycle, or by golf cart, adding to its unique accessibility and connection to the natural setting.

The architectural design cleverly conceals the interior spaces from immediate view through a blind facade that visitors encounter first. Entry to the restaurant is achieved through a distinctive low tunnel that measures 2.1 meters in height and stretches 6 meters in length. This tunnel creates a dramatic transition that opens onto the main terrace, offering spectacular views of both the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains and the expansive bay beyond.

The restaurant's program has been thoughtfully organized by the collaborative design team within a series of concrete volumes that vary in height and dimensions. These volumes house essential functions including an open kitchen, wine cellar, and bar area. The architects incorporated integrated flowerbeds that serve a dual purpose as both decorative elements and additional seating areas for guests.

The layout strategically orients all openings toward the surrounding natural landscape while maintaining visual privacy from nearby built structures. Cross ventilation is facilitated through strategically positioned apertures throughout the design. A large column-free space measuring 10 by 15 meters sits beneath a roof supported by an innovative pergola grid and wooden lattices, allowing soft, diffuse daylight to filter through into the dining areas.

The restaurant features adaptable enclosure systems, including a sliding glass facade that enables the main dining area to be sealed for climate control when needed while still retaining a visual connection to the exterior environment. The distinctive stained and textured concrete was developed through collaboration with Pablo Kobayashi and specifically references the color and texture of beach sand. Rounded corners throughout the design soften the overall geometry, drawing inspiration from traditional architectural elements found along Mexico's Pacific coast.

Interior design elements were carefully coordinated to complement the architectural vision. The custom furniture, co-designed by Ana Paula de Alba and her studio, is crafted from wood in tones that harmonize beautifully with both the concrete surfaces and the surrounding natural vegetation. Interior landscaping by Thalia Davidoff incorporates endemic plant species native to the region, creating seamless continuity between the built interior spaces and the natural Nayarit jungle environment.

The attention to detail extends to custom elements throughout the restaurant, including specially designed tableware, lighting fixtures, and service accessories. These items were produced through collaborations with various artisans and companies, including Claire Lippman of CHerie, Nouvel Glass, Mauviel, and Carlos Matos. The project was photographed by Rafael Gamo, who captured the restaurant's integration with its coastal setting.

Through the consistent use of a single primary material, a carefully restrained color palette, and thoughtful integration with the local landscape, Rubra successfully creates a unique dining setting where architectural spatial qualities and natural elements work together to frame and enhance the overall dining experience for guests.