The restaurant’s name ICHU derives from a plant found in the Peruvian Andes that only grows in extreme conditions. The name reflects both Martinez’s in-depth knowledge of indigenous ingredients and his passion for new culinary challenges. The Studio has drawn inspiration from Peru’s landscape and Martinez’s culinary style. Featuring richly textured materials and raw finishes to evoke Peru’s changing topography and dynamic ecosystem, the vibrant colours and inventive flourishes capture Martinez’s progressive culinary style.

The restaurant is divided into distinct sections and the design takes guests on a journey through Peru’s varying altitudes. The main dining room features an island banquette with excavated fossil stone detail while different slate titles reference indigenous rock formations. The main dining banquette is of Incan geometry. Its sweeping forms dictate the dynamic language of the space, whilst the mineral palette of upholstery and excavated detail amplifies the rawness of Peru throughout the restaurant. The stepped timber ceiling pays tribute to the undulating and dramatic topography characteristic of Peru.

Artwork representation was an integral element in layering the narrative of the restaurant. We envision the story of terrain and landscape told through the guests’ unveiling and discovery of unique textures and artisanal gems. We have commissioned a local artist to create over-sized organically shaped strata plates, inspired by the minerals and rawest rock formation found in the extreme altitudes in Peru.