Makoto Vail is a minimalist restaurant interior located in Vail, Colorado, designed by HBA San Francisco. A quick hop-over from LA revealed a hidden gem tucked away in Vail. Anticipating the typical high-season conundrums, long lines, and average ski-town fare. The discovery of this quiet slice of Vail, proved us wrong — no longer did Niseko’s world-class sushi, skiing, and nostalgic ambiance feel like a distant destination.
Nestled on the mountain’s edge, the Grand Hyatt Vail uniquely offers ski in & out convenience, providing all amenities, including ski pass services & rentals, mere steps from your hotel room. The most unique part of the experience aside from the ski-lift directly to the mountain, was the fine dining options available after a long day of skiing within the property. Makoto, overseen by Chef Makoto Okuwa, showcased exquisite offerings. Amidst the secluded Vail setting, conversations unfolded about Chef Makoto’s journey from Japan to Snowy Vail. The logistics of sourcing ingredients, flown in from Japan, underscored the meticulous curation by Makoto and his team, from sake to whiskey, leaving no detail overlooked.
Amid our culinary exploration, Chef Makoto’s ingenuity shone as he crafted noodles for a signature dish, using fresh snow gathered from outside. This attention to detail impressed and added a touch of localized flair to the dining experience, taking us to a distant land all while still being in Vail. As we delved deeper into the restaurant, its interior design enveloped us, transporting us to the snowy landscapes of Niseko. The ambiance, coupled with the culinary delights, created a sensory journey that felt like a thousand-mile leap from Japan, yet right in the heart of Vail. With each bite of the finest, freshest sushi, the distance seemed to dissolve, leaving only the immersive experience of culinary excellence.
“We sought to create a design that blends with the surrounding landscape and celebrates the perfectly imperfect shapes sculpted by nature,” said HBA San Francisco Senior Designer Joelle Henning. “Like the philosophy of Japanese cuisine, the overall expression of the interiors is simplistic, pure and refined, where minimalism is an art form, the essence of the material boldly shines, and the breathtaking Alpine views draw the eye.”
The design ethos of Makoto Vail marries traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary influences, mirroring the natural beauty of Vail’s landscape. The restaurant features an all-wood décor punctuated by dark metal accents, creating a balance between warmth and modern simplicity. Joelle Henning, Senior Designer at HBA San Francisco, expressed that their design intention was to harmonize with the local environment while emphasizing the raw beauty and simplicity seen in nature, akin to the core principles of Japanese cuisine.
Continuing into the dining area, timber-slatted walls create distinct but interconnected spaces, maintaining an open and fluid environment. The main attraction here is an open kitchen with a sushi bar that allows diners to engage with the culinary process, subtlety gazing at the magic of Chef Makoto & his team as they bring life to each dish with such precision & passion. The bar’s backdrop of sleek, dark metal contrasts with the natural resilience depicted in the bar face tile, while polished stone countertops and leather-like upholstery with clean, curvilinear forms inspired by natural elements enhance the elegance. Timber tabletops with a live edge and nano doors that open to a scenic, all-season terrace further connect the indoor space with its natural surroundings.
