CanopySuupaa
Shortlisted in the 2025 Eat Drink Design Awards by Interiors Australia
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WHAT WE DID
Restaurant Fitouts
Café Fitouts
Favourite Fitouts
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BUDGET
$650,000 -
DURATION
13 weeks
Bringing the Konbini Experience Back to Melbourne
Suupaa isn’t your average restaurant. Described by Broadsheet and The Age as one of Melbourne’s hottest new dining destinations, it blends the nostalgia of the Japanese convenience store (konbini) with the energy of a modern dining experience.
When Suupaa set out to establish its Cremorne home, the ambition was clear: bring the konbini experience (and all its intricate details) to a Melbourne audience in a way that’s never been done before. The challenge? Packing a full-scale restaurant into a tenancy never meant to hold one.
Turning a Tight Space Into a Fully Equipped Kitchen
One of the defining challenges of this project was services. For guests, Suupaa feels seamless, energetic, and effortless — but hidden above the ceiling is over $350k worth of services that make it all possible.
From a charcoal scrubber system to remove kitchen odours before discharge onto the street, to three AC units, wet and dry fire systems, and the electrical load required to run a high-intensity restaurant — every square metre of ceiling space was pushed to its limit.
This level of technical integration in a 200m² tenancy was a feat of coordination, problem-solving, and precision.
Recommended Reading: Restaurant Fitout Costs in Melbourne (Updated For 2025)
Designed Collaboration With IF Architecture
Working alongside Stefanie and the team at IF Architecture, we navigated the details that make the space shine. The collaboration extended beyond big design strokes into on-site problem-solving — everything from mounting details and tile layouts to core hole placements and the metallic paint feature that defines the dining room.
This close collaboration ensured that every challenge became an opportunity to refine the final outcome. We were all invested in creating a space that went beyond facsimile, but carried the heartbeat of Tokyo within its walls.
Recommended Reading: Restaurant Floor Plans: Top Design Tips for Melbourne Venues
Special Details That Elevate the Experience
What makes Suupaa feel so distinct is the attention to detail. Some of the project’s standout elements include:
- Tiles imported directly from Japan, connecting the design to its cultural inspiration.
- A suspended LED display, mounted from the roof, giving the restaurant a retro, bold exterior to contrast the minimalist elements throughout the fitout.
- Custom stainless-steel benches, seamlessly integrated into joinery and tile work.
Every element was carefully considered to ensure Suupaa’s brand and concept translated into a physical space that feels both authentic and elevated.
Recommended Reading: Restaurant Design: 7+ Tips to Make Your Fitout Unforgettable
