Meiji-En is a 600 seat Japanese Restaurant overlooking the Delaware River with spectacular views of the river, marina, and Ben Franklin Bridge. The project involved the transformation of the river end of Pier 19. The large scale of the restaurant is tempered by subdividing the space into linked spaces for various dining experiences: sushi bar, tempura bar, teppanyaki dining, shabu-shabu room, cocktail bar, lounge, and three linked banquet rooms.

Partitions between each function are made of open wood screens and subtle changes of floor level to maintain panoramic views from all seating areas. Natural finishes such as bamboo and natural stone, along with plantings and the glow of Japanese paper lanterns soften the space and provide an appropriate scale and texture.

Spence Kass was Project Designer while an Associate at Shapiro Petrauskas Gelber.