WHERE THE MEDITERRANEAN AND SAN JOSE MEET
Meso - Modern Mediterranean
An oasis in the heart of Santana Row, San Jose, California
THE ETHOS
Drawing from Arcsine’s signature “Method Design”, Meso, a 200-seat modern Mediterranean restaurant create’s an urban retreat within the bustling hub of Santana Row. Meso, meaning “middle”, draws from of a variety of countries and cultures, incorporating Greek, Italian, French, and Moroccan themes, mixed with local elements and art motifs, into an oasis for the San Jose community and beyond.
Meso’s atmosphere cultivates a sense of discovery and wanderlust. A warm earth toned palette along with the cool blue hues of the Mediterranean Sea imparts the space with an overarching sense of calm. Upon entering, a decorative blue tile inlay at the host stand welcomes guests while inlaid rope and wood shelves offers a glimpse into what is the dining room beyond.
CREATING AN URBAN RETREAT
Evoking scenes from a Mediterranean courtyard, Spanish moss, air plants, and succulents dot the dining room. A free standing fountain with hand-made blue tiles serves as the centerpiece of the dining room, while two pendants each with 12 hand-blown lamps from Troy Lighting illuminate the tables below. Off the main room, the private dining room entryway is bordered by custom millwork. Mosaic wall tile connects arched niches while column mounted sconces provide warmth.
Sliding accordion doors seamlessly connect the indoor dining rooms to the outdoor patio. The patio is blanketed by a louvered deck-covering and string lights, providing context to the curved alfresco space. French-inspired round back metal chairs surround the custom metal tables with tile insets as teak wood with light fabrics and rose textured throws complete the outdoor environment.
We worked closely to showcase the ethos of Meso—it was like dropping a stone in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and watching the waves ripple along the shores of a variety of countries and cultures.
LOCAL DETAILS
Local elements were critical in providing a space that resonated with the community. Wrapping the façade of the restaurant is an exquisite mural by Bay Area Artist Caroline Lizarraga, evocative of rammed earth and the washed tonal hues of the Mesopotamian Plains. Local influence is also found in two large pieces of custom rope art, designed by San Francisco-based Windy Chien, located above the round booths in main dining room.