The Cake is a restaurant interior design project in Kyiv, developed in collaboration with Slava Balbek at Balbek Bureau. The space represents a new direction in modern French pastry aesthetics — refined, tactile, and proudly handcrafted.

Opened in November 2014, this Kyiv restaurant became an example of how contemporary design can balance simplicity and individuality. The project was completed in only four months — from concept sketches to the grand opening — setting a record for speed without compromising craftsmanship or detail.

The interior of The Cake spans 80 square meters and celebrates contrasts: ten thousand handmade concrete tiles form a unique, textural floor surface, contrasting with the precise geometry of desserts displayed behind transparent kitchen walls. Every element feels bespoke — from the custom furniture and bar panels to the sculptural pink accent that visually anchors the space.

Two seating zones define the atmosphere: a rustic wooden bar with felt-covered stools on metallic frames, and a lounge area with bottle-green velvet sofas in warm grey tones. The overall composition combines industrial rawness with soft, elegant comfort — a signature of modern Ukrainian design.

Even the monochrome restrooms continue the theme of expressive minimalism — executed in pink, deep green, and yellow. Natural daylight flows through large windows, enhancing the material palette and revealing the handcrafted beauty behind every surface.

The Cake remains a notable example of contemporary restaurant design in Kyiv, reflecting the independent spirit that defines both the project’s name and its creative concept.