Opened in spring 2021, in the traditional heart of Mykonos town, Nōema Restaurant is a hybrid space designed to inspire a strong sense of community and place. With a contemporary Greek restaurant, an open-air bar, a concept store, and an eclectic line-up of live music, Nōema embodies the easy-going joie de vivre of the Greek islands. A celebration of simplicity, generosity, and spontaneity where nature rules, time stands still, and being together is what really matters.
Nōema is the Greek word for ‘meaning’ or ‘substance’. Distilling the Cyclades’ culinary traditions and cultural heritage to their essence, it is a modern interpretation of this timeless, organic way of life. A modern spin on Cycladic minimalism, the project was conceived in collaboration with Greek architect K-Studio. Casting a new light on the stripped-back Cycladic aesthetic, the subtle design riffs on contrasting elements of raw concrete, polished cement, textured tiles, and dark wood.
The subdued palette of charcoal, seal, and sand reflects the granite boulders, drystone walls, and golden beaches of Mykonos, but shies away from Cycladic white and blue clichés — a warm and welcome contrast to the luminous lime-washed alleys of Mykonos town. Earthenware and oversized plants create a tropical Mediterranean atmosphere, reflecting Nōema’s natural ethos.
Nōema’s open kitchen, bar, and salon radiate from the enclosed courtyard, creating a seamless transition between loosely defined areas for eating, drinking, and dancing. The yard, or avli, is the heart of the Cycladic home — a secret garden, protected from the elements, where family and friends come together.