The Capsule Neo-Bistro, a contemporary restaurant set in Lisbon’s historic Pombaline downtown, where heritage and precision quietly converge. This project is the second collaboration between Atelier Réalité and Capsule.
The architects transformed the ground floor of a Pombaline building by preserving its most meaningful features, the arcades and structural rhythm, while introducing new elements with remarkable restraint. The atmosphere is sober, elegant and seamless, concealing the technical complexity required to integrate a bakery, restaurant, bar and café in a single space.
The project transforms a ground-floor space in an 18th-century building into a restaurant with unique features, preserving and highlighting the most significant elements of the existing space, the arches.
Design and introduction of new elements are carried out with respect for the existing spatial configuration, minimizing alterations and avoiding overshadowing the historic structure. The resulting atmosphere is one of quiet elegance, where simplicity enhances the overall spatial experience, concealing technical complexity while embracing the owners’ dining concept, combining bakery, kitchen, bar, and café.
Four arches now assume a sculptural presence, coated in a light gray tone that harmonizes with the walls and ceilings. The continuous terrazo flooring reinforces the neutrality of the space, allowing the new stainless-steel elements and the furniture in oak, walnut, and leather to stand out.
A continuous counter runs along the space, separating the service and kitchen areas from the dining room. Toward the back, a triangular island defines the bar and café area. The restrooms are discreetly hidden beyond a circulation tunnel.
Lighting is both diffuse and striking, articulated through large fan-shaped fixtures that punctuate the first space, and Ginkgo Biloba leaves crafted in burel, creating a welcoming and delicate effect.
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Project name: The Capsule Neo-Bistro
Project location: Lisboa, Portugal
Architecture Office: Atelier Réalité
Main Architect: Mariana Póvoa, Pedro Pedroso, Sílvia Rocio
Year of conclusion: 2024
Total area: 140,00 m²
Architectural Photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
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