- Travel
A gastronomic masterpiece will unfold in the heart of Paris on 15 January 2024: Oka Fogo, the culinary domain of Michelin-starred chef Raphael Rego. Designed by talented architect Arnaud Behzadi, this double restaurant is imbued with a rare synergy between Brazilian authenticity and contemporary aesthetics.
Housed on the ground floor of a beautiful Haussmann building in the 17th arrondissement, the restaurant is a visual and gastronomic spectacle.A striking contrast between the building's original stone structure and Oka Fogo's warm, inviting Jatoba wood façade attracts immediate attention. Inside, architect Arnaud Behzadi invites guests into a world of sophistication, where carefully selected natural materials such as wood and marble create a warm and inviting ambience. 
Oka, which means 'house' in Tupi, welcomes just 16 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere accentuated by the rhythm of the adjoining kitchen.The second room, Fogo - Portuguese for 'fire' - seats 40 and shares space with the grill and bar.Two immense frescoes, created by artist Florence Bamberger, adorn the walls of Fogo and the ceiling of Oka, creating a unique visual dialogue between Brazilian and French cultures. Bamberger drew inspiration for these works from the universe of contemporary Brazilian artist José Francisco Borgès, a tribute to the eclectic spirit of chef Raphael Rego. For special occasions, Oka Fogo also offers more intimate spaces, including an alcove for up to six people and a tasting room with a vaulted ceiling, reminiscent of a cellar and housing an impressive collection of more than 5,000 wine and champagne references.
An artistic universe where gastronomy, design and culture embrace
Oka Fogo's interior reflects not only the culinary finesse of chef Raphael Rego, but also the artistic vision of Arnaud Behzadi.Inspired by Brazilian decorative art and the work of architect Sergio Rodrigues, Behzadi has imported a selection of signature chairs, making the restaurant not only a culinary destination but also an art gallery for design lovers.Florence Bamberger, artist and visionary, adds a unique dimension to Oka Fogo's gastronomic adventure.Her two immense frescoes, one depicting a whimsical interpretation of Brazilian fauna, flora and artefacts and the other a reinterpretation of Manet's Déjeuner sur l'herbe with a French echo, create a vivid visual symphony. 
Arnaud Behzadi's journey began long before Oka Fogo.After graduating from the Ecole Spéciale d'Architecture and further honing his skills at various architecture firms, he founded a firm with more than 30 architects.This firm is now expanding into new offices in Dubai, working on projects as varied as they are ambitious in hotel and restaurant design.Oka Fogo is not just another restaurant; it is an artistic universe where gastronomy, design and culture embrace each other. An unparalleled experience created by the masterful hands of Raphael Rego, Arnaud Behzadi and Florence Bamberger, where every bite is a work of art and every corner tells a story. 
Photography by Claire Israel
Text by Elke Aerts