Ad Astra Taipei

"Ad Astra," derived from the Latin phrase Per Aspera, Ad Astra—"Through hardship, to the stars"—captures the restaurant’s philosophy and spatial narrative: a tranquil outpost within a cosmic journey. The design blends the urban rhythm of New York, the wabi-sabi minimalism of Japan, and the natural warmth of Nordic materials to shape a refined, contemplative fine dining experience.



Guests enter through a turning corridor that leads to a main dining space, where tea-tinted mirrored ceilings and a curved feature wall create an immersive enclosure. The space unfolds in layers of warm, low-color-temperature lighting, dark-hued finishes, and finely crafted materials that evoke a sensory rhythm. At the heart of the space, an island counter made of durable, antimicrobial material pairs with a sunken kitchen, enhancing ergonomics and fostering a direct visual dialogue between chefs and diners.



Multiple functional details—including built-in ice buckets, drainage, motion-activated lighting, waste return slots, HVAC, and sound systems—are seamlessly integrated into tables and walls. Rich local materials such as Burmese teak, KD veneer, and galvanized steel introduce tactile contrast and depth. Above, the ceiling grid harmonizes lighting, HVAC ducts, acoustic panels, and wiring in a unified design gesture that alleviates the oppressive feel of the original low ceiling, delivering visual clarity and spatial comfort.



Lighting and air systems are calibrated not only for energy efficiency but also to reinforce the space's calm, atmospheric quality. Within one year of opening, Ad Astra was awarded a Michelin star and praised by media and diners alike. It stands as a contemporary example of how architecture, culinary artistry, and emotional storytelling can coexist seamlessly.