In Valencia, Spain, NAC is a restaurant designed by EstudiHac. The interior makes extensive use of copper as a defining feature while serving a menu centered on rice dishes and Mediterranean tapas.
The exterior is designed for flexibility, with large windows that open the dining room to the street and terrace. This system allows natural light and ventilation during the day and a more enclosed, intimate setting at night. The terrace expands the dining capacity and creates a link between indoor and outdoor service.
Inside, over 200 perforated copper discs cover one wall and the front of the open kitchen. These add texture, reflect light, and create a focal point visible from multiple angles. The material choice is intended to connect with the tactile, layered nature of the restaurant’s dishes.
The dining area has a simple palette of white tables and black and white wall art. Copper pieces such as flower pots and candlestick holders are placed on each table to match the overall design language and add warmth to the neutral setting.
The open kitchen is a central visual feature, with copper pendant lights positioned above the counter. These lights highlight food preparation and integrate the kitchen into the guest experience.
Menus are fixed to copper clipboards and hung on a copper pipe mounted to the wall. This functional storage approach also contributes to the unified copper theme.
NAC’s kitchen specializes in a wide range of rice dishes, including traditional Valencian styles, along with Mediterranean-style tapas. The variety reflects the regional food culture while catering to different dining occasions.
NAC combines a consistent copper-focused interior with an adaptable facade and open kitchen layout. The design supports its focus on Mediterranean cooking while creating a space that can transition easily between day and night service.
Photography by Germán Cabo
