Chez Fifi: A Parisian Dream Comes to Life in Manhattan’s Upper East Side
Nestled in a historic Upper east Side townhouse, chez Fifi is more than just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to 1930s Paris, brought to life by the creative minds behind Sushi Noz and the Swedish design firm JOYN Studio. This elevated french bistro, the brainchild of brothers Joshua and David Foulquier, is a heartfelt tribute to their mother, Fifi, and a festivity of their French heritage.
The Foulquier brothers, known for their acclaimed Sushi Noz, have ventured into new territory wiht Chez Fifi. Drawing inspiration from their roots, they envisioned a space that marries refinement with warmth. “We wanted to create something that felt like home,” says Foulquier. “A place where guests could experience the charm of a Parisian bistro, right here in New York.”
A Vintage European Escape
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Step inside Chez Fifi, and you’re transported to early-20th-century Europe. The interiors, meticulously crafted by JOYN studio, exude an intimate, layered aesthetic. The main dining room is a symphony of rich mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, and plush banquettes, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the private dining room offers a secluded retreat.Meanwhile, the second-floor salon—complete with a fireplace, a vintage chandelier, and an eclectic mix of furnishings—feels like stepping into a Parisian living room. “Working with JOYN Studio allowed us to create something deeply meaningful and unique,” Foulquier shares. “They didn’t just design a space; they created an experience.”
JOYN studio’s U.S. Debut
Chez Fifi marks JOYN Studio’s first foray into the U.S. market. Known for their Scandinavian aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail, the Swedish design firm has brought a fresh perspective to this Parisian-inspired project. “Chez Fifi captures the warmth of a Parisian bistro, enriched by JOYN’s Scandinavian touch,” Foulquier notes.
The collaboration has resulted in a space that feels both timeless and contemporary. From the powdered blue ceilings to the stone bar, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to evoke the charm of 1930s Paris while maintaining a modern sensibility.
A Feast for the Senses
Beyond its stunning interiors, Chez Fifi promises a culinary journey that complements its aesthetic. While the menu details remain under wraps, the ambiance alone is enough to draw in discerning diners. the combination of vintage decor and modern design creates a setting that’s as memorable as the food.
Key highlights of Chez Fifi
| Feature | Description |
|—————————|———————————————————————————|
| Location | Upper East Side townhouse, Manhattan |
| Design Firm | JOYN studio (first U.S. project) |
| Inspiration | 1930s Paris, early-20th-century Europe |
| Main Dining Room | Mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, plush banquettes |
| Private Dining Room | Exclusive, intimate setting |
| Second-Floor Salon | Fireplace, vintage chandelier, eclectic furnishings |
| Design Ideology | Scandinavian aesthetic meets Parisian charm |
A New Chapter in Hospitality Design
Chez Fifi is more than a restaurant—it’s a testament to the power of thoughtful design and storytelling. By blending vintage European elegance with Scandinavian minimalism, JOYN Studio and the Foulquier brothers have created a space that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, Chez fifi sets a new standard for immersive dining experiences. whether you’re a design enthusiast or a food lover, this Upper East Side gem is a must-visit.
for more insights into the latest trends shaping the hospitality industry, explore Hospitality Design’s coverage of 9 Trends That Will Shape the Hospitality Industry in 2025.
Chez Fifi is now open, inviting guests to step into a Parisian dream—one that feels like home, no matter where you’re from.
Headline: “A Chat with Scandinavian Design Visionary, coated in poured blue ceilings.Designing Parisian Dreams in NYC: An Interview with Astr Numerous From JOYN Studio”
Introduction:
Nestled in a historic Upper East Side townhouse, Chez Fifi is more than just a restaurant; it’s a love letter to 1930s Paris, brought to life by the creative minds behind Sushi Noz and Swedish design firm JOYN Studio. This elevated French bistro, a brainchild of brothers Joshua and David Foulquier, is a heartfelt tribute to their mother, Fifi, and a party of their French heritage. Today, we’re thrilled to have the senior editor of world-today-news.com sit down with Astrid Numerous, the talented designer behind JOYN Studio, to discuss the creation of Chez Fifi‘s enchanting Parisian-inspired interiors.
A Vintage European Escape with Astrid Numerous
Senior Editor (SE): Astrid, thank you for joining us today. Chez Fifi is a stunning tribute to early 20th-century Europe. What inspired your design choices for this project?
Astrid Numerous (AN): Thank you for having me. The Foulquier brothers wanted to create a space that felt like home, a place where guests could experience the charm of a Parisian bistro right here in New york. Our team at JOYN Studio took inspiration from 1930s Paris and early 20th-century Europe, combining the refinement of the era with a touch of Scandinavian minimalism to create an intimate, layered aesthetic.
SE: The main dining room is a symphony of rich mahogany paneling, deep blue hues, and plush banquettes. Can you walk us through thedesign process for this space?
AN: The main dining room was designed to be the heart of the restaurant, exuding an atmosphere of understated elegance. We worked with deep blue hues, reminiscent of the iconic powdered blue ceilings in Parisian bistros, and contrasted them with warm mahogany paneling and plush banquettes to create a cozy yet refined ambiance. The goal was to evoke the feeling of dining in a historic Parisian brasserie while maintaining a modern sensibility.
Designing Exclusive Experiences
SE: Chez Fifi offers not only a beatiful dining room but also an exclusive private dining room and a second-floor salon. How did you approach designing these spaces to create distinct experiences?
AN: Each space at Chez Fifi was designed to offer a unique experience tailored to our guests’ preferences. The private dining room provides an exclusive, intimate setting for smaller groups, while the second-floor salon, complete with a fireplace, a vintage chandelier, and an eclectic mix of furnishings, feels like stepping into a Parisian living room. The salon is perfect for those seeking a more casual, lounge-like atmosphere.
JOYN Studio’s U.S. Debut
SE: chez Fifi marks JOYN Studio’s first foray into the U.S. market. How has your Scandinavian aesthetic been adapted to fit the needs of a New York restaurant?
AN: Working on Chez Fifi allowed us to blend our signature Scandinavian aesthetic with Parisian charm, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The clean lines and minimalist approach of Scandinavian design provided the perfect canvas for incorporating vintage European elements, while our focus on functionality and comfort ensured that the space remained practical and inviting.We believe that the combination of these design philosophies has resulted in a truly unique and captivating dining experience.
Setting a New Standard for Immersive Dining Experiences
SE: With Chez Fifi, the Foulquier brothers and JOYN Studio seem to have set a new standard for immersive dining experiences in New York City. How do you think the hospitality industry is evolving, and what role do spaces like Chez Fifi play in that evolution?
AN: The hospitality industry is continually evolving, and I believe that spaces like Chez Fifi are paving the way for a more experiential approach to dining. Guests today are looking for more than just a meal; they want to be immersed in a unique, memorable habitat that tells a story. By blending vintage European elegance with Scandinavian minimalism,Chez fifi offers a truly unforgettable experience that goes beyond just grate food and service.
SE: Astrid, thank you for sharing your insights on the creation of Chez Fifi. It’s clear that this restaurant is a true testament to thoughtful design and storytelling.
AN: Thank you for having me. It’s been an absolute pleasure working on Chez Fifi with the Foulquier brothers, and we’re incredibly proud of the result.We can’t wait for everyone to experience the magic of this enchanted Parisian haven right here in New York City.
