The One Metro Campus on Schlüterstraße is undergoing a fascinating transformation: corporate office space is gradually giving way to publicly accessible dining destinations. Leading this shift is the gourmet restaurant "La Vie by Thomas Bühner," which has occupied the ground floor of Metro headquarters since May. Here, fine dining meets an elegantly conceived interior—a vision brought to life by Düsseldorf-based designer Olaf Kitzig. This creative partnership has already proven successful elsewhere: Kitzig Design Studios previously crafted a similarly refined atmosphere for Bühner's "La Vie" in Taipei.

The entrance unfolds from the soaring atrium of Metro headquarters, discretely veiled behind a monochrome aluminum façade. As you cross the threshold into the narrow entrance hall, a video installation immediately captures your attention—showcasing breathtaking natural phenomena that evoke the elemental purity underlying both the cuisine and its ingredients. The reception area draws you in with refined lounge furnishings, floor-to-ceiling walnut paneling, and a sculptural cooling island in natural stone, curating an exceptional selection of wines and spirits. Beyond lies the dining room, anchored by organically curved velvet carpeting in warm beige and brown tones. Thoughtfully positioned tables and seating in varied hues create generous spacing throughout the space, fostering an unhurried, intimate sense of ease. The layout accommodates all party sizes: intimate two- to four-person tables, an oval banquette nook for up to six, and two sweeping marble counters. These counters command attention with their organically flowing forms in Irish green and red jasper—functioning as both visual anchors and stages for aperitif and dessert presentations. Understated urban touches, including works by Berlin graffiti artist Stohead, introduce a contemporary edge to the refined interiors. The kitchen remains strategically concealed behind a translucent partition, offering tantalizing glimpses without compromising the room's intimate mood. The cuisine itself merits its own narrative—suffice it to say, the plating harmonizes beautifully with the surroundings, while hinting at the chef de cuisine and his team's pursuit of culinary excellence. Fresh from its opening, "La Vie" has already earned a Michelin star and nine Gault Millau toques—a promising beginning as Thomas Bühner works toward reclaiming the three-star status he once achieved at his legendary "La Vie" in Osnabrück.

www.kitzig.com
www.laviebythomasbuehner.de

Photography:
Marvin Schwienheer
www.marvinschwienheer.com

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 03|25)