Filistix

Filistix continues its evolution, continually finding new ways to introduce Edmonton diners to the homegrown chain’s unique spin on Filipino and other Southeast-Asian flavours. Starting as a portable trailer, and then moving into multiple fast-casual outlets, Filistix made its first foray into a complete dining experience with this downtown location.

The space needed to be adaptable for two styles of service: the busy government district lunch rush, and downtown dinner service. For this reason, the lunchtime ordering and pick-up counters serve as the bar and food pick-up locations for servers during dinner service.

Taking inspiration from Filipino modernist Leandro Locsin, we combined concrete and wood with pops of energetic colour and higher finishes to create an indoor/outdoor feeling in the style of tropical brutalism. We chose outdoor seating for both its look and durability, and built the countertop out of terrazzo—another material seen often in outdoor spaces. Finally, we maximized the front window openings and filled out the environment with tropical plants, a custom lattice-patterned ceiling, and textured wall surfacing similar to stucco, to create an interior that really feels as much a patio as a dining room.