Linh Café: A Fusion of French Elegance and Vietnamese Charm


Bar and restaurant render with French elements and custom light fixture

A Design Story Rooted in Culture and Passion

When it comes to creating a truly immersive dining experience, the design plays just as important a role as the menu. Linh Café—a beautiful blend of French bistro and Vietnamese cultural —is a perfect example of how thoughtful interior design can elevate a restaurant experience. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re transported to a space where cultural influences converge seamlessly, creating an atmosphere that is both refined and inviting.

The story behind Linh Café is one of love, tradition, and evolution. The café is named after the wife of Tai, the restaurant’s owner and head chef, who was born in Vietnam and trained in the culinary traditions of France. With a deep understanding of both French and Vietnamese cultures, Tai wanted to create a restaurant that celebrated both, not just through its cuisine but through its design as well.

The design blends the old-world charm of French bistro interiors with key elements that pay homage to the vibrant, earthy spirit of Vietnamese culture.

Concept board for a restaurant with Vietnamese and French aesthetic.

Harmonizing French and Vietnamese Design Elements

One of the standout features of this unique design is the balance of two very different elements – French bistro style meets Vietnamese cultural influences. The biggest design challenge was seamlessly merging these two elements into a cohesive aesthetic. Known for our concept forward process and design expertise we took on this challenge with finesse, creating a space with both old world charm and modern elegance.

As you step into the café, the first thing you’ll notice is the oversized bar, which immediately draws the eye. The custom-carved marble countertop evokes the timeless refinement of French interiors. Above the bar, custom lighting designed by Karin and the rest of the House of Bohn team becomes a defining design feature. This elegant lighting fixture serves both functional and artistic purposes, casting a warm, golden glow that complements the café’s fusion of cultures. Copper accents are subtly carried throughout the café, creating a harmonious flow.

The iconic bistro chairs that line the space are a nod to the timeless Parisian café aesthetic, paired with custom rattan banquettes and lush greenery – creating a visual connection to Vietnam’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture.

Custom copper light fixture hanging over the bar in Linh Cafe
Karin Bohn looking at custom lighting in construction, tulip designed light fixture

The Art Nouveau Influence

One delightful surprise in the design of Linh Café is the influence of Art Nouveau. Known for its sweeping curves and organic shapes, Art Nouveau is beautifully reflected in the oversized, flowing forms of the café’s bar and furniture. The large, curved bar is one of the interior’s most striking features, providing a bold visual statement and offering ample space for guests to gather and enjoy their meals in a relaxed, yet elegant setting. This early 20th-century French design style, with its intricate and organic shapes, is not commonly practiced today, making it one of the most challenging styles to work with. Designing in this way, and finding craftspeople to work with, was both challenging and satisfying.

The kitchen, open and visible to diners, serves as another integral design element. It’s not just a functional space but part of the café’s overall ambiance. We aimed to put the chef “on stage,” drawing inspiration from theatre lighting and framing. The chef-led kitchen becomes a focal point, where food preparation is part of the dining experience, allowing guests to feel connected to the craft and artistry that goes into every dish. The kitchen’s design was also carefully considered to fit seamlessly into the café’s layout, creating a harmonious flow between the dining area and the food preparation space.

Bringing Together Two Cultures Through Design

The overall design of Linh Café is a beautiful reflection of its culinary concept: a place where French and Vietnamese cultures meet in perfect harmony. From the bistro chairs to the custom-designed lighting, every element has been thoughtfully chosen to reflect the two cultures that define this space. It’s a place where elegance and warmth coexist, and where diners can enjoy the best of both worlds.