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OCIO Press
First Look: Roma Norte Opening at Seaport
Village
"The vibe feels mysterious, yet charming, utilizing elements like rich velvet furniture, bronze accents, and antique mirrors for an ambiance inspired by Mexico City's iconic architecture and melded with a modern San Diego feel."
Roma Norte Brings Technique-Driven
Cocktails and Mexico City Flair to San
Diego
"Nodding to Mexico City's vibrant and diverse architecture, which includes both colorful facades of colonial-era buildings as well as modernist designs, the bar incorporates muted hues of navy, terracotta, and concrete to reflect the city's artistic spirit. Plush velvet furniture, a deep brown marble bar top, retro lighting, bronze detailing, custom wallpaper, and patinaed antique mirrors evoke a sense of nostalgia and sophistication."
Roma Norte Brings Standout Cocktails
and Mexico City Chic to San Diego
"At 2,000-square-feet with a capacity for 60 guest, Roma Norte's dark, moody interior, illuminated by the backlit bar, creates an intimate yet social atmosphere. Under a canopy of soft lights and greenery, bar-height tables encourage mingling while cozy two-tops flank the walls. "
The 2022 Eater Awards
Kingfisher- Restaurant of the Year
"This restaurant's award-winning interior design provides a dazzling backdrop for classic dishes reinterpreted with seasonal Chino Farm produce and modern techniques, making Kingfisher a must-try.'"
2022 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
Michelin Guide recognizes Valle, Kingfisher restaurants in ‘sneak peek’ of full honorees list coming Dec. 5
"Kingfisher’s herbacious food is eye-catching, but the restaurant’s showstopping 23-seat bar is what most people — including the Michelin inspector — talk about after they walk in. Designed by Ocio Design Group, the bar’s overhead light fixture has been nicknamed the 'super bloom.'"
2022 THE SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
"KINGFISHER BAR & EATERY (Orchid for Interior Design) Judges' comments: this is a combination of big moves with no restraint, one of them being the bar, which is beautiful. It feels like an area of communal gathering and keeps the place together, but at the same time it also has these doors that open up to the neighborhood. It's an environment that makes you want to go back."
Kingfisher, a jewel in the heart of San Diego
"OCIO designgroup is a design firm based in San Diego that managed the project development and succeeded in making the most of the space.
The bar commands the dining venue, the focal point around which the surrounding environment is articulated."
"Kingfisher pays homage to the amalgamation of Vietnamese and French cultures that went on to influence design, architecture and cuisine in the 19th and 20th centuries. The radiant and deep color palette is reflective of Vietnam’s native colorful Kingfisher, after which the restaurant is named."
Bon Appétit's 50 Best New Restaurants 2022
"San Diego’s Kingfisher is a stunner of a restaurant by any metric. The space is glitzy and inviting"
2022 SAN DIEGO ARCHITECTURAL FOUNDATION
Taste of Design
"Guests enjoyed bites from chef Jon Bautista while hearing about the design inspiration from Rodolfo Ocio and the award-winning team at Ocio Design Group."
2022 THE SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE
Kingfisher and why it's the hottest Restaurant in San Diego
"The interior of Kingfisher was designed by Ocio Design Group in Bankers Hill. Its centerpiece is a showstopping 23-seat bar topped with an ornate crown piece that Tye said they’re calling the 'super bloom': 'It’s really overarching, like a big wave is coming down on top of you or a big hug.'"
The Gorgeously Vibrant Kingfisher Takes Flight in Golden Hill
"Glittering in gold, the 90-seat space was created in collaboration with Ocio Design Group and CLTVT, with a shimmery lotus print encircling the dining room where banquettes line the walls and metal display cases hide two cozy booths. Folding glass doors open up the dining area to a sidewalk patio."
fashionphile headquarters
"The design is modern with playful elements like a slide to transport people or purses & a living room with fireplace. The environment is clean and sophisticated, serving as a backdrop for the main attraction: luxury handbags."
Chic Contemporary Bistro and Wine Bar Lands in La Jolla
"After departing to build his thriving catering business, which operates a showroom in downtown La Jolla and Caroline’s Seaside Cafe at the Scripps Seaside Forum, Ciuffa recently returned to the original Come On In!, remodeling the space with Ocio Design Group into Candor, a stylishly casual restaurant that is a reflection of the chef’s Italian roots and his 25 years of cooking in San Diego."
Chef Giuseppe Ciuffa opens new restaurant in Come On In’s original space
"San Diego-based Ocio Design Group gave the 1,200-square-foot space a complete renovation, which included an enclosed patio, an open kitchen and a dedicated wine bar serving unique flights, wine-friendly canapés and a daily aperitif menu."
Tour of Fashionphile’s Cool New Carlsbad Office
"For Fashionphile’s Corporate Headquarters, Ocio was given a blank canvas to design a creative office/procurement center. Our challenge was to create a lay-out and design that integrates the sleek offices and retail space with the operational side of the business in a way that is open and cohesive. For the look, we went modern with playful elements like a slide to transport both purses & a living room with fireplace."
Crab Hut Expands and Adds Bar on Convoy
"The eatery, one of the local originators of the seafood boil, has taken over and remodeled an adjacent space in its complex, adding 1,000-square-feet plus 32 more seats and enlarging its total footprint to 3,700-square-feet..."
2018 THE MAUI NEWS
‘Fish meets field’ at Herringbone Waikiki
"Ocio Design Group oversaw the design, incorporating nautical elements from the original California locations while making the most of Hawaii’s idyllic weather with a 2,000-square-foot open-air lanai. Salvaged lobster traps decorate the entryway, which leads to a circular bar made of repurposed wooden barrels."
Tacos and Tequila Fueling the Gaslamp’s New Volcano Rabbit
"Reimagined by local firm Ocio Design Group to resemble a traditional Mexican hacienda with both playful and elegant touches..."
2016 OFFICE SNAP SHOTS
Fashionphile Offices – Carlsbad
"Our building has an exciting and inspirational feeling about it for all of us working there."
Crab Hut Opens In Mira Mesa With New Raw Bar & Craft Cocktails
"Owners Kim Phan, Ky Phan and Quan Le... hired Ocio Design to help implement their vision for the 5,000-square-foot space, which includes the eatery's signature nautical touches — including a handpainted octopus mural and a custom-built boat suspended over the bar — but incorporates them into a modern, updated style."