The main dining and wine halls of the new Receptor Restaurant in Tomsk

Housed in a historic 19th-century building in Tomsk, Receptor is the city’s newest gastronomic landmark. Designed by interior designer Elena Rybalkina, the space seamlessly intertwines contemporary art, science, and history.

The name Receptor was no coincidence — it draws inspiration from a scientific concept. In biology, receptors are sensory structures that detect external stimuli and transmit signals to the nervous system. "We wanted to create a place where stimuli would awaken not only taste receptors but also visual and emotional ones," explains Elena.

At the heart of the restaurant’s architecture are its original arches and brick vaults, which define the space. Elena and her team of restorers accentuated this geometry by reinstating arched window openings and incorporating the motif throughout the interior. Rather than erasing the passage of time, the designer embraced it as an integral part of the decor: layers of old paint on the walls and an exposed lath ceiling, now encased in polycarbonate and illuminated in signature red and green hues, imbue the space with a living sense of history.

Receptor offers three distinct yet interconnected areas: the Main Hall, the Wine Hall, and the street food zone. These spaces flow seamlessly, inviting guests to linger — from morning coffee to an evening glass of wine. The 72 m² Main Hall and the 42 m² Wine Hall are designed in a light, neutral palette, with a recurring egg-shaped motif — an homage to the investor’s farming background. This organic form is reflected in custom furniture, textiles, and decorative wall panels made from egg cartons, thoughtfully paired with mirrors to enhance the sense of space.

A standout feature of the interior is the large communal table, supported by century-old wooden beams uncovered during the building’s structural reinforcement. These elements not only add texture but also establish a tangible link to the past.

But Receptor is more than just a restaurant — it is also a dynamic cultural space, functioning as an exhibition venue, coworking hub, and library. Its ever-evolving collection of periodicals covers fashion, cuisine, art, beauty, and lifestyle, offering an intellectually engaging atmosphere for the modern urbanite. The interiors feature ceramic art and rugs from Elena Rybalkina’s LeafLaurelbyRybalkina collection, graphic works by emerging artist Diva from Parking, life-sized glass sculptures of ham and ribs by Tamara Shabanova, and playful pieces by Ekaterina Belyavskaya.

The immersive experience extends to the tableware, curated in collaboration with artisans from Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and Tomsk. Porcelain, stoneware, and glass are combined in unexpected yet harmonious compositions, ensuring that even the table settings become part of the restaurant’s visual narrative.

Receptor is where history and innovation converge, creating a fully immersive sensory experience where every element — from architecture to art and tableware — tells a story.

Interior designer Elena Rybalkina
@LeafLaurelbyRybalkina

Photo credit Slava Fleor
@Krasyukproduction