Redwood Grille
395 Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica, CA
Tel: 310-576-0600
Architect: SF Jones Architects

Perched over the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, Redwood Grille, designed by architect Stephen Francis Jones, seamlessly navigates the challenges of being loud but understated and high tech but natural.

Three large sail-like structures are mounted above the patio and dramatically illuminated from below, with bird-of-paradise plants casting shadows. Inside the long, narrow structure the firm extended the bar toward the dining area, which is enlivened by glazed floor-to-ceiling wine displays and by a curtain of silver metal chains backed by mirrors. The composition reproduces the flickering light of a Redwood forest, explained Jones.  More nods to Redwood: the 22-foot-long communal table, which is a redwood tree sliced down the middle, hand-hewn walnut floors, leather booths, and walnut tables.