Buho Menu
Project
Buho Menu
Design and concept
Angie Umaña
Date
08/12/2025
CONCEPT
El Búho restaurant approached me with the goal of refreshing the visual concept of their menus, seeking a design that more clearly reflected their essence: a plant-based, conscious cuisine deeply connected to nature.
The request focused on giving new life to the menu, transforming it from a purely functional piece into a visual extension of the restaurant's philosophy and atmosphere. From this starting point, a graphic concept was developed to translate the brand's values into a clean, calm, and contemporary visual language.
The result is a minimalist, editorial-inspired system that communicates clarity, balance, and sophistication, while maintaining warmth and approachability.
LINEAL ICONOGRAPHY
The visual system incorporates linear illustrations inspired by vegetables and natural ingredients, used in a subtle and refined way. This approach reinforces the restaurant's vegetarian identity without overwhelming the layout or relying on literal imagery.
The linear style adds a modern, cohesive aesthetic, helping the menu feel current, elegant, and accessible.
LOOK AND FEEL
The menu was designed in two complementary visual versions, allowing flexibility across different lighting conditions and environments.
1. Light background with earthy and deep green tones
This version conveys a clean, bright, and natural aesthetic. The light background evokes freshness and openness, allowing plant-inspired colors—such as leafy greens and terracotta tones—to stand out organically and guide the reader through the content.
It is particularly well-suited for well-lit spaces, offering high readability and a light visual experience.
Circular graphic elements were incorporated as a unifying device, connecting the menu to the visual language already established in the restaurant's sticker system. This creates a cohesive dialogue between brand touchpoints and reinforces consistency across the customer experience.
2. Dark background with light typopgraphy
The dark version offers a more refined and elegant atmosphere while remaining accessible. Deep green tones reference soil, foliage, and nature, while light typography ensures strong contrast and excellent legibility.
This option works especially well in evening settings or spaces with ambient, low lighting.
HIERARCHY & READABILITY
All layouts prioritize clear hierarchy and ease of reading. Thoughtful typographic sizing, spacing, and category organization ensure a smooth navigation experience.
Decorative elements were intentionally reduced to keep the focus on what matters most: the culinary offering.
TYPOGRAPHY
A typeface in the Avenir style was selected for its clarity, geometric structure, and contemporary elegance. It projects a professional yet approachable tone, aligned with the restaurant's values and the editorial nature
of the design.
DESIGN INTENT
The goal was for the menu to feel like a natural extension of the restaurant itself—conscious, welcoming, and environmentally aligned.
Every visual decision supports the brand's core values of simplicity, authenticity, and balance, enhancing the overall dining experience through clarity and thoughtful design.