MA Studio’s Timber-Clad Bistro Blends Nostalgia with Saudi Hospitality.

Juno Riyadh marks the second chapter for the Italo-American bistro that first made its home in Doha. For this 180 square metre outpost in Saudi Arabia’s capital, MA Studio—the Doha-based practice led by Selma Akkari and Rawan Muqaddas—was once again entrusted with shaping the interior, this time with a fresh perspective while maintaining the brand’s core values of comfort, nostalgia, and good food.

The restaurant occupies a repurposed multi-use development overlooking a valley in Riyadh. Once dedicated to the medical sector, the complex has been reimagined as a vibrant hub of offices, shops, and dining venues. For the Juno team, the location’s all-day activity and strong community feel made it the perfect fit. The exterior facade was deliberately designed to be subtle and understated, as though the restaurant had always belonged there, with discreet signage that sparks curiosity rather than announcing itself.

Culinary Worlds Collide: Juno Restaurant in Doha by Rawan Muqaddas and Selma Akkari.

Drawing inspiration from the timeless Italian establishment and the iconic American diner, Juno’s interior evokes a warm and welcoming atmosphere that combines materials and elements reminiscent of two culinary worlds.

Inside, an elongated wooden volume anchors the design, housing many of the restaurant’s core elements. This sculptural feature—a reinterpretation of the Doha flagship on a larger scale—stretches from entrance to terrace, with carefully carved volumes accommodating waiter stations, art nooks, and the glowing pizza oven tucked into a cavernous alcove. At the centre sits a generous bar that facilitates the flow between back and front of house, complete with pizza slots and a window for serving Juno’s signature sugar-topped tiramisu.

The flooring plays a clever role in guiding the dining experience. Poured terrazzo with marble chips defines the main space, while smaller, more intimate zones are marked by dark square cement tiles—a subtle material shift that signals a change in mood.

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The timber room and private room function as hideaways, their moody palettes and integrated artworks creating a sense of retreat. Behind a veil of classic glass blocks, the private room introduces unexpected brightness with a lilac banquette and playful marble tabletop.

MA Studio partnered with UK-based art advisor Le Connoisseur to source pieces by emerging artists, reinforcing Juno’s identity as a place for food, connection, and shared moments. It’s a considered approach that balances minimal aesthetics with genuine warmth—hallmarks of the AD100 Middle East-recognised practice’s design philosophy.

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[Images courtesy of MA Studio. Photography by Oculis Project.]