Meximodo Metuchen NJ

Concept Description:

MexiModo is a bold and modern Mexican restaurant rooted in classic Mexican cooking. The design mixes vibrant color, rich textures and crafted details for a unique and fun dining experience.

Project Description:

The energy of a celebration and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine and culture were the inspiration for the design of MexiModo. To bring this forward in the space Celano Design Studio blended artwork, traditional Mexican craft, and bold architectural moves inspired by famed Mexican architects Luis Barragan and Ricardo Legoretta. Layered against this are rich textures and authentic materials to give the space an approachable and festive feel.

From the exterior of the restaurant large windows wrapping the building draw guests in giving them full view of the lively atmosphere inside. Colorful metal flowers, iconic to the brand cover the brick building and set as a backdrop to the patio dining area. Bringing the fun of the restaurant out to the promenade, the patio dining area is surrounded by lush greenery and has residential style seating upholstered in a mix of graphic patterns making it the perfect place to sip a margarita on a sunny afternoon.

Once inside the open floor plan allows guests to be immersed in the energy of the full space. The bar area, bar dining and main dining all work together to create a celebratory vibe while allowing guests to have a range of experiences.

Slide up to the bar and be greeted by Catrina, our muse for the celebration and painted boldly in the center of the feature bar and surrounded by traditional Mexican tiles. If she likes you, she might blow you a kiss, wink at you or rain flower petals from the sky. This is all achieved through video mapping and happens slowly through the day and evening brining excitement and the unexpected to the guest experience. If exploring new spirits is your thing, peruse the vast collection of the best tequilas and mezcals from distillers around Mexico highlighted in bright pink shelving on either side of the bar.

From the main dining room, an open kitchen framed by colorful porcelain tile allows guests see their dishes being made and contributes to the lively energy of the space. Sculptural stepped wood banquettes with magenta upholstery and fun graphic pillows make this a perfect spot for a lunch with the family, date night or group hang with friends.

If you want to throw your own celebration at MexiModo then Dalia’s Rose Room is where you want to do it. Walk up the stairs through the rose tunnel featuring thousands of floating roses and enter the semi-hidden loft above the main dining room. This magical spot transports guests to a Mexican Garden inspired lounge and private dining room. The walls are wrapped in a large-scale custom floral wallcovering, the tile floors have a colorful geometric pattern, there’s a hanging garden swing, the perfect photo op and gigantic neon rose light fixtures hovering over the space. Combined together this makes for a truly unforgettable place to celebrate and make memories.

Project Design Team:

• Vincent Celano – Founder & CEO
• Stephanie Niebler – Partner & Creative Director
• Mahek Joshi – Interior Designer & Project Manager
• Rob Veluz – Principal & FF&E Director
• Mark Simpson – Associate Director of Lighting Design

Additional Information:

• Owner/Developer: LeMalt Hospitality Group
• Architect of Record: Rogers Calvanico Group
• General Contractor: IBO Construction