- Interior
Welcome to JRK! and Mangrove, a dynamic new restaurant and lounge in the heart of Miami. This unique concept brings Jamaica's rich heritage to life through a combination of cultural tributes and contemporary flair. Here, Jamaica's lush landscapes, vibrant colours and artisanal craftsmanship blend effortlessly with modern design innovations, resulting in an unforgettable experience that welcomes guests day and night.
The interior design of JRK! and Mangrove, created by Studio Andreas De Camps (STUDIO AD) in collaboration with FictionWorks, is a masterpiece of multifunctionality and aesthetic appeal. According to Andreas De Camps and Olivia King, co-founders of FictionWorks, ‘This innovative design combines two different projects in one space, creating a diverse and vibrant experience that pays homage to Jamaican culture.’ JRK! is all about a bright, inviting atmosphere that reflects the soul of Jamaica. The restaurant offers home-made bowl creations, traditional Jamaican breakfast pies, coffee and fresh pastries, all available through the ‘pie window.’ The space is bathed in natural light, with accents of yellow and green creating a warm, energetic ambience. Guests are greeted by an evocative setting: an old lift gate leads past lush greenery and a custom-made mirror painting, reinforcing a community-oriented ambience. 
The main dining area has a striking green leather sofa and a composite gallery wall decorated with Jamaican-inspired artworks by Nick Mahshie. Across the way, a painting by Amani Lewis complements the vibrant colour palette, lit by custom-made glass chandeliers and vintage Peill and Putzler pendant lights that create a soft amber glow. The bar, with its aged zinc countertop and bamboo panels, exudes a retro charm enhanced by red vinyl bar stools and a background of green domino tiles.
Mangrove offers an upscale speakeasy-style bar and lounge experience. This intimate, dimly lit space is decorated with vintage Caribbean décor, lush greenery and local art. A DJ booth with vinyl records provides the perfect background music to enjoy handcrafted cocktails. The décor exudes a nostalgic atmosphere with eclectic charm, inviting you to relax and enjoy the soulful vibes of the 60s and 70s. The space exudes eclectic charm, with a seamless mix of mid-century modern elements evoking the nostalgic allure of the 60s and 70s. Vibrant colours, such as yellow, green and orange, define the dining experience and create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere. Old, patinated materials contrast with rough, concrete walls, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia and character.
The intimate, dimly lit space is decorated with vintage Caribbean décor, lush greenery and local art
Inspired by the landscapes, colours and craftsmanship of Jamaica, as well as mid-century modern decor elements, the design combines cultural homage with timeless style. These inspirations are carefully woven into the interior, creating a distinct and memorable identity. The 233-square-metre layout is designed to ensure both operational efficiency and guest-friendliness. Practical considerations such as seating capacity, guest demographics and operational flexibility were paramount, allowing the space to transition effortlessly from daytime dining to evening entertainment. Multi-purpose spaces in Mangrove serve as both main dining and DJ space, adding to the venue's versatility.
Upon entering JRK!, guests are greeted by an evocative setting: an old lift swing gate leads past greenery and a custom-made mirror painting, setting the scene for a community-oriented ambience. The main dining area has a striking green leather sofa and a composite gallery wall decorated with Jamaican-inspired artworks by Nick Mahshie. Across the way, a painting by Amani Lewis complements the vibrant colour palette, lit by custom-made glass chandeliers and vintage Peill and Putzler pendant lights that create a soft amber glow. The bar, with its aged zinc countertop and bamboo panels, exudes a retro charm enhanced by red vinyl bar stools and a background of green domino tiles. JRK! and Mangrove offer a unique and diverse experience that reflects Jamaica's cultural richness and vibrancy in every detail. This innovative design creates a seamless transition from an inviting, bright dining space by day to a luxurious, intimate lounge by night. Guests are invited to explore a world where design innovation merges with an immersive culinary experience, right in the vibrant heart of Miami. 
Photography by Pablo Enriquez
Text by Celien Hemelaer