FINE DINING | Restaurant
Specialisation
Architectural Development
Interior Design
Decor​
Location
Kefalonia, Greece
Year Established
2022
Lead Architects
Simone De Nardi
Emmanuil Matsis
Panagiotis Kourkoumelis
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Design Team
Simone De Nardi
Emmanuil Matsis
Panagiotis Kourkoumelis
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What was once an unremarkable commercial structure has undergone a profound transformation to become Terre Mouikis, a restaurant that seamlessly blends architecture with nature. Located in the heart of Argostoli, Kefalonia’s capital, the building now serves as a threshold between the bustling streets and a secluded garden oasis. The design strips the building of its former identity, reinterpreting it as a permeable diaphragm—guiding guests from the urban environment into a space of tranquility and refined hospitality.
In a deliberate design choice, the kitchen asserts its presence, becoming the only element visible from the street. Through three frameless frosted windows, the kitchen’s bright, crisp interior—defined by white tiles and stainless steel—contrasts sharply with the earthy, textured ambiance of the dining areas. This transparency pays homage to the culinary mastery of Michelin-starred chef Asimakis Chaniotis, turning the act of cooking into an open spectacle, celebrating craftsmanship at the heart of the experience.
Given Kefalonia’s warm climate, Terre Mouikis comes alive in the evening, when low lighting cultivates an atmosphere of intimacy and warmth. Thoughtfully positioned fixtures highlight textures and surfaces, allowing the architecture to emerge subtly under the night sky. The work of lighting designer Alexandros Kikinas enhances the materiality of the space, reinforcing the dialogue between built form and natural surroundings.
All functional elements are neatly arranged behind two diagonal walls that extend from the entrance to the back garden, organizing the space with clarity and purpose. These walls not only define circulation but also act as architectural statements—one housing an outdoor waiting bar, while the other leads to an elegant staircase inspired by Adalberto Libera’s Casa Malaparte. Ascending this sculptural form, guests reach the rooftop dining area, where an elevated perspective frames the treetops and garden below, offering an intimate yet expansive experience.
The restaurant’s most compelling feature is its hidden backyard, a lush refuge enclosed by verdant trees and gardens. Recognizing this rare quality, architects Simone De Nardi, Manos Matsis, and Panaiotis Kourkoumelis shaped the layout to accentuate openness. The structure follows the existing grid of columns, flowing fluidly toward the outdoor space, reinforcing a sense of movement and perspective. The façade, nearly closed off to the street except for the entrance gate, enhances the contrast between the urban exterior and the serene interior, heightening the anticipation of arrival.