Ox Athens
Restaurant – Chop House
Athens 2023
Architecture
ADD Architecture Studio
Interior & Light Design
ADD Architecture Studio
ADD Architecture Studio Design Team
Dionysis Koutsioumaris, Argyris Chronopoulos, Xenia Bouranta
Photography
Giorgos Sfakianakis Photography , Spyros Hound Photography
Ox, a restaurant designed to evoke a strong sense of community and place, embraces an eclectic design approach that combines open-fire kitchen, semi and open-air dining spaces, and a distinctive wine cellar. Rooted in the ambiance of Greek gatherings, Ox celebrates simplicity and generosity, merging tradition with fine dining to create a unique concept—a modern Chop-House.
The name “Ox” translates in Greek as “boûs” pays homage to the primal idea of carnivorous eating, setting the stage for the modern Chop-House concept. The design employs warm tones, raw materials, and textured elements to engage the senses of sight, touch, and smell, crafting an atmospheric experience infused with rich storytelling visual references.
Structured as a series of frames, Ox unfolds as a sequence of moments guiding visitors through a culinary journey. Drawing inspiration from traditional Greek design typologies like “plateia,” “kelari,” and “lithostroto,” the restaurant captivates with its visual allure and spatial storytelling.
The heart of Ox is its main hall, the “plateia,” where the open-fire kitchen serves as a focal point. Visible from all dining positions, the kitchen transforms the culinary process into a dynamic spectacle. The juxtaposition of the kitchen’s austerity with the welcoming curves of the entrance hall creates a captivating contrast. A hanging planter, with undulating forms, spans the width, guiding gazes through a horizontal course, providing an overview of the entire space.
The floor, conceived as a neutral concrete canvas, draws inspiration from traditional pavements, forming cobblestone passages reminiscent of “lithostroto.” These passages guide guests and staff, with dining tables placed along their sides, resembling traditional village layouts.
The main hall’s seating arrangement, facing the open-fire parilla, features wavy wooden beams creating dynamic visual effects. These beams enhance the hall’s length and draw attention to the culinary process. Two semi-open-air spaces on either side of the entrance offer flexibility and adaptability, with large pergolas providing sun protection during summer while maintaining open views.
Finally, the “kelari,” or wine cellar, stands as a sheltered and private space visible from the main entrance. Emulating an underground cellar, its elliptical arch-shaped roof and weathered terra cotta tiles evoke a sense of seclusion, transporting visitors to a space where wines are aged and preserved.
In essence, Ox is a captivating blend of tradition and innovation, inviting guests to experience a unique culinary journey in a thoughtfully designed environment that resonates with the spirit of Greek gatherings.
