Ni Hao Restaurant

Location: Pyrmont

Nihao means ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello, how are you? in Chinese and is one of the latest refurbishments of Chinese restaurants in the Pyrmont area, this one set away from Chinatown at the waters end of Harris Street. Nihao offers a relaxed and casual dining experience as an intimate 90 seat restaurant and is perfectly positioned to serve local residents and neighbouring office buildings.

Honouring traditional Chinese food with a modern twist, fun is certainly on the menu with dishes such as ‘Hot Chick (with Attitude)’ ‘Beijing Ripoff’ ‘Death Row Chook’ (crispy skin) and if you’re a fan of deep fried ice cream, then simply ask for ‘Me Love U Long Time’!

” ‘This is a small restaurant in a heritage listed building,” explained Russell Wing of HC Group Australia who designed the venue. “We were asked to create a warm, cosy, private yet funky space and simultaneously fit as many diners in as possible. The solution and focal point soon became our booth seating. Back to back booth seating allows you to create private, yet visually organised and functional spaces. Suitable for couples or groups of six, they’re good for sound acoustics and a great product to play with fabrics and lighting.”

It was decided to combine materials from both of the HC Group’s divisions, HC Commercial Furniture (HCCF) and HC Designer Screens (HCDS) using laser cut acrylic panels backlit with LED lighting. This reflected shapes onto ceilings and walls and gave a warm glow to the bronze floor beneath. Timber screens further helped define and soften the space.

Design: HC Group Australia (incorporating HC Commercial Furniture and HCDS)
HC Commercial Furniture: Booth seating, tables and chairs, LED lighting
Fabric: Warwick Allambhra
HCDS: Timber Screens, Laser panelling around booth seating, wall panelling