Moona - Central Square

Moona is a chef-driven Middle Eastern restaurant known for its warm hospitality, vibrant food, and a contemporary approach to culturally rooted dining. Following the success of its original Inman Square location, the brand sought to expand with a second restaurant that would evolve the concept into a larger, yet more flexible format. The new location was designed to create all-day use while transitioning seamlessly into a lively, full-service dinner experience in the evening. Located on the ground floor of the repositioned MIT Engine Building at the corner of Main Street and Windsor Street in Cambridge, the project involved a full restaurant tenant fit-out within a newly redeveloped commercial lab building.

Serving as both architect and interior designer for the project, Bergmeyer guided the development of this next generation of the Moona brand. The goal was to preserve the character that made the original restaurant successful while evolving the space into a more contemporary environment that reflects today’s dining habits, with greater emphasis on takeout, delivery, and flexible dining.

The design concept focuses on creating a warm, modern Middle Eastern atmosphere expressed through subtle cultural references rather than literal motifs. The palette emphasizes texture, layered materials, and warm lighting to create an environment that feels authentic, sophisticated, and welcoming throughout the day. The space balances operational functionality with an immersive dining experience, supporting both casual daytime activity and a vibrant evening dining scene.

Throughout the design process, Bergmeyer navigated evolving program needs and budget considerations through careful planning and targeted value engineering, ensuring the core design vision remained intact.

The result is a thoughtful evolution of the Moona brand, delivering a flexible restaurant environment that supports contemporary dining behaviors while maintaining the warmth, hospitality, and cultural authenticity at the heart of the concept.