Liystor
LIYSTOR is a new restaurant in the historic center of Athens that reshapes the gastronomic experience, with an emphasis on fish and on the quality of raw ingredients. Housed in the former residence of archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis, it bridges the sea, architecture, and time, blending the city’s memory with a contemporary, authentic aesthetic.
For LIYSTOR, we designed the brand identity in its entirety, from the name and visual language to the menus and the website.
FOOD SERVICES
DESPINA AERAKI (creative director/ designer)
CHRISTOS PANAGIOTOU (designer/ motion graphics)
JOE MARINAKOU (naming/ copywriter)
YIANNIS KONSTANTAKOPOULOS (web developer)
ANTONIS YIAMOURIS (photographer)
ELIAS PRAPAS (3D artist)
CACAO ROCKS (graffiti)
X COLLECTIVE (architectural studio)
The space where LIYSTOR is located today was once home to archaeologist Kyriakos Pittakis, who in 1822 uncovered the Klepsydra of the Acropolis – a natural spring that surfaced and disappeared into the rock, like an hourglass measuring time continuously.
This discovery inspired the name LIYSTOR – a tribute to the place and its history.
The visual depiction of the hourglass connected the element of water (hinting at the fish-forward menu), with the passing of time that takes us from past to present.
Analyzing the word “klepsydra”, we drew from its greek etymology, “the thief of water”, poetically merging it into a single word, with the letter “Y” revealing the hidden water (greek: Ύδωρ) within the name LIYSTOR.
The logo design is a visual composition that unifies all elements of the name LIYSTOR. It draws inspiration from the venue’s history, the restaurant’s focus on fish, and the fusion of the words “thief” and “water.”
Two symmetrical, geometric fish create an hourglass in the negative space -a nod to the Acropolis Hourglass- while also forming a thief’s mask, highlighting the name’s etymological identity.
The clean, geometric typography and earthy color palette complete the aesthetic, resulting in a logo that is both distinctive and memorable.
The tagline “Your daily catch” refers to the daily catch of fish, highlighting the restaurant’s all-day character and the freshness of its ingredients.
On a second level, “catch” connects to the idea of seizing or capturing, echoing the metaphor of the “thief of water” embedded in the name LIYSTOR.
Thus, the phrase functions in two ways: as an invitation to an authentic gastronomic experience and as a subtle reference to the brand’s story.
The visual language of LIYSTOR was developed through a dialogue between gastronomy and architecture.
The brand’s aesthetic draws inspiration from the materials and natural textures of the building itself (marble, wood, etc.) capturing its timelessness, as well as from the menu, where natural elements are translated into flavor.
The color palette reflects this fusion of materials and history: terracotta references the roof tiles and older Athenian architecture, while cypress green evokes nature, inspired by the small courtyard garden.
Through these references, LIYSTOR’s visual identity creates a connection between past and present, taste and space, visually expressing the restaurant’s essence – one that goes beyond food.
The corporate identity of LIYSTOR was designed to reflect the same purity and elegance that define the brand.
We created a set of printed applications (envelopes, letterheads, business cards, etc.) using special finishes and papers differentiated by color, drawing shades from the brand palette. In this way, we formed a harmonious yet dynamic identity that mirrors LIYSTOR’s philosophy.
For the menus, we designed three editions – Brunch, Lunch & Dinner, and Wine List – strictly following the brand guidelines, with the handcrafted binding adding a sense of authenticity and meticulous attention to detail.
For the Lunch & Dinner menu specifically, we designed an original printing concept that blends functionality and aesthetics. The menu consists of A3 sheets folded in half to create an A4 body, into which A5 insert papers are nested.
This mechanism simplifies the binding process, as the pages interlock with each other, allowing for easy menu updates without the need for reprinting.
Finally, on the inner side of the cover, we created a pocket for the daily specials, completing a practical, adaptable, and refined construction.
When designing the signage for LIYSTOR, we drew inspiration from the minimal, geometric shapes of the logo, creatively reassembling them into subtle compositions integrated throughout the space.
The three-dimensional compositions that guide visitors toward the cellar and the restrooms, act not only as navigational markers, but also as sculptural interventions reminiscent of small ancient Greek statues fixed to the wall – a discreet reference to the site’s historic character.
The uniforms were designed following the brand guidelines and incorporating brand elements such as the mark and the tagline in different placements, ensuring visual consistency with LIYSTOR’s identity.
In creating the website, we aimed to open a window into LIYSTOR’s aesthetic, preparing the visitor for the spatial atmosphere, the gastronomic experience, and the building’s history. Using clean typefaces, earthy tones, minimal information, and strong imagery, we captured the essence of the restaurant, inviting the visitor to discover every detail in person.