The restaurant Hrybova Khata from Bukovel made it to the shortlist of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards

The interior of the renovated restaurant Hrybova Khata in Bukovel was designed by the Ukrainian architectural studio YOD Group. The designers built the new concept around mushrooms — the main product served at the establishment.

“This architecture organically grew within the existing restaurant space, much like a mushroom grows in a mycelium. It emphasizes the idea of organicness and locality through reinterpreting traditional materials and presenting the region’s gastronomic traditions,” explains YOD Group managing partner Volodymyr Nepyivoda.

The entire interior is made from two materials: textured plaster and local travertine (a porous mountain stone) mined from a quarry near Ternopil.

The hostess stand is decorated with chaga mushrooms, which naturally grow on tree trunks. The light fixtures also serve as hand faucets — their bodies were created by Valeriy Kuznetsov from recycled plastic.

Designer Dasha Tsapenko created six curtains shaped like outerwear coats and one rectangular curtain — made from biotextile infused with mushroom mycelium. First, they wove nets from coconut and hemp fibers, seeded them with spores of the tinder fungus, and placed them in an environment favorable for growth. After three weeks, the spores grew and formed an uneven layer of mycelium.

The dining space is organized around the concept of three local gastronomic traditions: cheese-making with famous cheese “koniki,” meat with traditional smoked “shvoldari,” and alcoholic drinks distilled from local plants.

“For us, it’s important to receive recognition, make shortlists, and win prestigious professional competitions. This is our platform for cultural diplomacy — to tell the world about modern Ukrainian design and the powerful creative potential of our country. To be distinguished and recognized,” YOD Group adds.

The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards is an independent international award recognizing global establishments for the best interior designs. Founded in 2008.