Breathtaking Ocean Views & Laid-Back Luxury: Discover Budatai

The Budatai project, created by the Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón | Architecture & Interior Design architectural studio, has become one of Puerto Rico's most esteemed dining establishments. Located in the fashionable Condado district, Budatai offers a stunning view of the ocean from its semi-enclosed outdoor patio. However, the original floor plan did not fully capitalize on this breathtaking feature. The partners at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón saw an opportunity to enhance the dining experience by maximizing the ocean view for all patrons.

With limited time and resources, the team at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón set out to transform the building's exterior. They converted the existing Art Deco windows into doorways and meticulously replicated each window in a new exterior wall. This innovative solution effectively doubled the size of the main dining room while ensuring that every restaurant-goer could enjoy the spectacular ocean view. The result was a seamless integration of the interior and exterior spaces, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.

The interior design concept for Budatai was inspired by the idea of a "jewel box." Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón sought to create a sense of opulence and warmth throughout the restaurant. The waiting lounge area was adorned with luxurious red velvet, while the ceilings were brushed with metallic gold. The main bar was crowned with a "mother of pearl" countertop, adding a touch of elegance. Every detail, from the washrooms to the banquettes, was carefully considered to provide a truly luxurious and welcoming experience for guests.

Despite working within a modest budget, Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón's meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful design choices resulted in the immediate success of Budatai. Within days of its opening, the restaurant established itself as one of Puerto Rico's most sought-after dining destinations. This success paved the way for two more equally acclaimed venues, Bar Gitano and El Barril, both of which were also designed and executed by Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón. The architectural studio's ability to create spaces that exude laid-back luxury and embrace patrons with warm hospitality has solidified their reputation as one of the Caribbean's most accomplished firms.

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