From the vibrant heart of Caldwell, Idaho, Amano has become a beloved destination for those seeking an inspired fusion of traditional and modern Mexican cuisine paired with craft cocktails. When owners Salvador and Becca Alamilla set their sights on revitalizing a historic downtown building for their new space, they turned to Cushing Terrell—their trusted architectural and engineering design partner from the restaurant’s original location—to help bring their vision to life. This collaboration transformed the former bank building into a dynamic new home for Amano, honoring its legacy while setting the stage for its next chapter.
The Alamillas envisioned a dining experience inspired by traditional Mexican cooking with a sense of belonging reminiscent of rural communities in Mexico. The design reflects this vision, using masonry, wood, metal, and fibers to enrich the space and create an atmosphere that is elegant and approachable.
The design of Amano’s new home is a celebration of culture, history and community. Every detail was thoughtfully considered to honor the owners’ heritage and create an authentic, welcoming atmosphere. Custom lighting, carefully chosen materials, and a retail area with curated crafts contribute to a unique and immersive experience. The building’s storied past is woven into the design: original structural elements are exposed, for example, and the former bank’s alcoves have been repurposed as private dining rooms.
Amano offers a variety of specialty spaces, including a dedicated mezcal and tequila tasting room, a patio for outdoor dining, and traditional barbacoa cooking pits. The restaurant is designed to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings in private rooms to lively celebrations in the main dining area.
The bar is a focal point of the Amano experience, where skilled bartenders craft custom cocktails using an array of specialty ingredients. The bar countertop, created by Molding Mud, echoes the terrazzo flooring of the original bank, creating a visual connection between past and present—a motif also carried into the bathroom sink design…