Poké Bar

CONTEXT

Poké Bar is located in Portugal, on the Atlantic coast, inside the five-star Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel, overlooking Praia da Califórnia. The ocean is not just a view, but a constant presence. That proximity shaped every decision. The concept draws from traditional Hawaiian poké, reinterpreted through its context. Not transported, but repositioned. The project exists between the origin and the place.

CHALLENGE

Poké is familiar but inherently generic, offering limited distinction. The challenge was to build that differentiation while defining a coherent storyline connecting origin, place, tone, and experience.

Hawaiian-inspired visuals are widely overused. The opportunity was to approach that origin with restraint, acknowledging it without relying on cliché.

Beyond food, the space operates as a broader lifestyle environment, including sunset DJs, cocktails, and poolside moments. The identity needed to expand that perception without losing clarity.

At the same time, it had to align with a five-star context, remaining refined without becoming generic.

STRATEGY

The approach was based on alignment, not fusion.

Hawaii and Sesimbra share rhythms such as fishing culture, surf, long days, and slow transitions into the night. But similarity does not imply sameness. Sesimbra has its own identity, light, and Atlantic character.

The strategy was to let that context lead.

The Hawaiian origin remains present, but in a supporting role within the broader storyline. The brand is anchored in Portugal, shaped by its coastline and pace.

It also needed to sit naturally within the universe of the Sesimbra Oceanfront Hotel, feeling premium without being forced.

The verbal identity reinforces this positioning:
“Pure Hawaiian poke, touched by the Portuguese coast.”
“The spirit of Sesimbra’s coast.”
“Ocean in a Bowl.”

ALOHA! is used sparingly, as a subtle signal.

Client

Highgate Portugal / Sesimbra Ocean Front Hotel

Location

Sesimbra, Setúbal

Role

Creative direction, Visual identity, Logo design, Motion design

Your brand should be communicated, felt, and lived by people through unique and unforgettable experiences. I would love to hear about your ideas. Get in touch.

info@brunosilva.design

Let's connect

Your brand should be communicated, felt, and lived by people through unique and unforgettable experiences. I would love to hear about your ideas. Get in touch. info@brunosilva.design

Let's connect