milpa

Calgary, Alberta, Canada | 2023

Located on Seventeenth Avenue just outside of downtown Calgary, Milpa is a Mexican restaurant that stands out for both its distinctive design and flavorful cuisine. The restaurant’s ocean blue archways, visible through its glass exterior, create an inviting and eye-catching focal point. Inside, Chef Elia Herrera, a third-generation chef from Córdoba, Veracruz, offers a menu of Mexican small plates and cocktails that highlight the bold flavors of her heritage. Milpa has quickly become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

Milpa’s design was crafted on a tight budget in a 2,200-square-foot space within a newly constructed mixed-use building. Drawing inspiration from Mexican colonial architecture and Veracruz’s coastal beauty, the design incorporates arches and elements that evoke the region’s landscape. CNC-cut MDF arches, treated with semi-gloss paint and embedded with LED lighting, create a sense of movement and guide guests through the space, enhancing the atmosphere while making the ceilings appear higher. The bold Azul blue color contrasts with soft, sandy neutrals, helping to define different areas within the restaurant.

The layout flows naturally from the entry area to the bar and dining spaces, with a more intimate section located behind the bar. The central bar, topped with turquoise-stained concrete, is a striking design feature and offers a visual connection to the surrounding areas. Throughout the restaurant, a balance of vivid and serene elements—such as light wooden furniture, polished concrete floors, and curated artwork—reinforces Milpa as a celebration of culture, family, and shared dining experiences. The design’s transformation from an empty space into a vibrant environment mirrors the richness of the flavors Chef Herrera serves.

Project by BOLD Workshop in collaboration with Stock and Custom and _SA.

Photos by Hayden Pattullo