Phnom Penh Noodle House
Phnom Penh Noodle House, an iconic spot in Seattle's International District since 1987, underwent a revitalization led by the owner's daughters in 2013, aiming to usher in a new era of the restaurant. Ifusing it with warm hospitality, modern design elements, and a rich narrative of Cambodian culture, including custom lighting by a longtime friend adds a special touch to each dining area.
Phnom Penh has been an International District staple and community gathering place ever since owner Sam Ung opened the restaurant in 1987. Ung’s three daughters, Diane, Dawn, and Darlene, have been running the restaurant since 2013 and when they envisioned reopening the restaurant they wanted to create a new era of the restaurant.
We sought to create a warm and optimistic gathering place for the community that is characterized by simple elegance and sincere family hospitality. The design emphasizes modern elements and natural materials to create a refined, warm palette. The wood cloud and wall defines the dining area as the anchor of the space. Art walls and object display shelves add a sense of personality while telling the history of the restaurant and their Cambodian culture. The tile design in the restrooms is inspired by the bubbling water used in cooking.
Custom lighting throughout the space was designed and built by Bradley Sweek, with Amiga Lighting, who was a frequent customer of the original restaurant and became a family friend over the years. The lighting ties into the modern aesthetic and simple materials, though gives each dining area a special and unique element.
