Gabo’s

A New York whisper in the heart of Madrid

Type of Project

Restauración y Espacios Gastronómicos

Client

Mil Studios

Location

Madrid / España

Year

2025

Client

Gabo’s

A New York whisper in the heart of Madrid

Gabriel Peña —known to everyone as Gabo— returns from New York with a desire to bring to Madrid, his hometown, the same vibrant, cosmopolitan rhythm that defines New York’s nightlife. He chooses a space with soul and joins forces with MIL STUDIOS and Light & Studio to shape a restaurant where music, gastronomy and celebration intertwine, and where life simply flows without restraint.

This New York–inspired scenography called for a lighting concept that was subtle, elegant, and deeply atmospheric — one capable of drawing the visitor in, inviting them to discover, step by step, the surprises hidden in every corner. Here, light becomes an invisible scenography, an emotional architecture in low key, rich in contrast, designed to encourage intimacy, conversation and connection.

When Gabo discovered this semi-basement on Calle Prim —a place that had seen many gastronomic ventures come and go— he knew immediately: it was either this place or none at all. From that moment on, highlighting the original architecture of the space —its vaulted ceiling and exposed brick— became a fundamental premise of the project. The brick comes alive thanks to a grazing linear light, subtly integrated into the back of the perimeter banquettes. A meticulous construction detail fully conceals the light source, allowing the material itself to speak. To enhance the clandestine atmosphere and amplify the reddish undertones of the brick, the entire space is lit at an exceptionally warm colour temperature of 2100 K.

From the upper line of the vault, discreet spotlights trace delicate beams that follow the curve of the ceiling and accentuate its cavernous effect, reinforcing the immersive nature of this authentic speakeasy.

Special care has been taken to highlight the gathering points through discreet high-performance lighting fixtures, seamlessly embedded into the architecture.The bottle racks also incorporate 2100 K LEDs recessed into the shelves, forming a warm visual perimeter that supports the scene without imposing itself.

The placement of the LED profiles follows a visual comfort logic: on the upper shelves, the strip is hidden underneath the surface; on the lower shelves, it’s placed on top. This subtle inversion helps conceal the light source and preserve the overall illusion. Here, light isn’t shown — it’s suggested.

At the bar front, the lighting takes on a new rhythm. Focused, precise beams are used to interact with the space’s rebellious spirit. Mini downlights embedded under the bar counter project narrow 12° beams that dramatise every movement — the gesture of resting a glass, a glance, a pause — intensifying the theatricality of the entire scene.

The result is a visual choreography that adds rhythm, tension and personality to the heart of the restaurant.

After 10 p.m., Gabo’s transforms. The restaurant shifts, and music takes centre stage. The DJ booth and vinyl area, tucked away at the back, become the true protagonists.

This is when everything aligns: the architecture, the lighting, the sound and the people merge into a single immersive experience. The lighting dims even further, heightening the low-key ambience and allowing every table, every moment, every note to breathe.

Gabo’s isn’t just a place you go to — it’s a place you step into… and one that’s hard to leave.