GYRE.FOOD uni" cafe in the iconic GYRE building in Omotesando, a quiet, calm and spacious place Read in Japanese

GYRE.FOOD uni

The GYRE building, located just off the Omotesando intersection, catches the eye of architecture lovers at least once. This building is more than just a commercial facility; it has become one of the icons of the Omotesando landscape. On weekdays when I want to spend a leisurely lunch time, I drop by the cafe "uni" in GYRE.FOOD.

It is crowded on weekends and holidays.
Located on the fourth floor of the GYRE building, which houses luxury brands such as CHANEL and Maison Margiela, this café has a refined and sophisticated atmosphere and is a well-known spot for those in the know.

Order ahead style. The reason why it is popular even on weekdays.

At uni, you order at the counter first and pick up your order when the bell rings.
When we visited shortly after midnight on a weekday, there was a line of people waiting for coffee, but what surprised us was the spaciousness of the restaurant.
With plenty of seating, you can feel confident that you can sit down at any time of the day.

Diverse Seating and Atmospheric Space Design

A major attraction of this café is its diverse seating configuration, which can be used for different occasions.
The terrace seating surrounded by trees, counter seating, work desks, and staircase-like block benches make it look like a contemporary art museum.

The stacked wooden block seating in particular is a bit challenging for beginners, but once you get used to it, you will find it comfortable.

Wi-Fi is available, and there is a power outlet at the counter, making it a perfect working café.
On weekdays, the atmosphere is quiet and relaxed, with many people working on their computers.

Menu

Home-roasted latte and savory croissants

This time, I had a latte and a croissant.
The latte is made with specialty coffee roasted in-house, and its mild and rich flavor is impressive.

The croissant is heated after ordering and is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are aromatic and perfect as a light meal.

The architecture and design of Omotesando's iconic "GYRE Building" is remarkable.

Who designed it?

The architectural design of the GYRE Building was created by architect Jun Aoki.
The interior design and scenography was done by Masamichi Katayama, a world-renowned interior designer and the leader of Wonderwall.

Jun Aoki is an architect known for his work on "Louis Vuitton Omotesando" and "Aomori Museum of Art" and has been proposing a new relationship between the city, architecture, and commercial space.

Masamichi Katayama, on the other hand, has designed spaces for numerous domestic and international brands, including UNIQLO and NICO AND CO., and is highly regarded for infusing commercial facilities with his own unique aesthetic and narrative.

What is the structure of the building?

The GYRE building features a spiral structure.
If you look closely at the exterior of the building, you will see that each floor is structured in such a way that it rotates upward, shifting diagonally, just like the layers of strata piled up on top of each other.

This is not mere design; it is based on the design concept of "urban circulation.

Visitors are naturally guided to the upper floors as they move by escalators and stairs, creating a seamless connection between the city and the building.

What does "GYRE" mean?

GYRE" means "whirlpool" or "circular flow" in English, a name that is directly related to the structure and concept of this building.
It is an architectural translation of keywords such as "circulation," "exchange," and "rediscovery" in urban space, and provides a new perspective every time you visit.

Architectural Evaluation and Role

The GYRE building has been highly acclaimed in the architecture and design industry since its completion, and has become an indispensable spot for "Omotesando architecture tours" among foreign media and tourists.

The facility also serves as a "crossroads of Tokyo culture" where various cultures such as fashion, art, and food are concentrated.
It is a rare building in Omotesando, a highly sensitive area, where "the location itself is a brand".

An urban oasis that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of Omotesando

Despite its Omotesando location, uni's spacious and quiet atmosphere allows you to spend time on your own.

The window seats offer a relaxing view of the city, and the terrace is also recommended when the weather is nice.

Next time, I would definitely like to visit during lunch time and report on the well-reputed "Japanese plate," "Western plate," and "curry plate" as well.

A new restaurant in Sendagaya?

We have recently heard that a new restaurant with the same name as "uni" has opened in the Sendagaya area, so we are keeping an eye on this one as well.

https://www.instagram.com/uni_sendagaya

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