Located in the coastal town of Saint-Malo in Brittany, France, the Japanese restaurant Otonali occupies a structure originally built in the 1970s. The building has been revitalized through a sensitive renovation by Marsollier Villacorta LLC, whose redesign of the façade and interiors not only accommodates the functions of a contemporary Japanese restaurant but also pays homage to the vibrant industrial port nearby. A carefully selected palette of galvanized steel, local granite, and native oak strikes a balance between robustness and warmth, grounding the project in its immediate environment.
The ground floor of Otonali takes shape as a convivial izakaya, conceived as a gathering place for local workers after hours. The custom galvanized steel storefront merges seamlessly with the original structure, creating a focal point that is at once striking and restrained.
MV-LLC
Inside, layers of material have been deliberately peeled back to expose raw walls and columns, evoking the tactile atmosphere of a cave-like interior. Remnants of wallpaper reveal graphic patterns, while terracotta ceiling tiles recall the building’s original character. Solid granite counters in varied finishes and bespoke oak tables lend refinement, complemented by cast-glass pendant lights that diffuse a soft glow, cultivating intimacy for evening diners.
Exclusively open at night, the upper floor offers a traditional omakase experience, where ten guests are seated along a ten-meter table oriented toward the harbor. The space, enveloped in dark tones, exudes warmth, with a linear pendant fixture casting gentle light over the dining table.
To one side, a custom cellar displays bottles of sake and wine with the precision of an art installation. On the opposite side, a lounge area features furniture crafted from reclaimed timber sourced from the owner’s family barn, weaving together personal history, material authenticity, and a sense of understated uniqueness.
Edited
Nguyen Anh
Photography
Wallo Villacorta (daytime)
Jean-Baptiste Thiriet (evening)
