The Tala logo, its tanoa bowl illustration in white on deep teal.

Tala

Tala is a contemporary Samoan restaurant in Auckland, founded by Henry and Debby Onesemo, and the first restaurant in New Zealand to receive a Michelin star. Meaning “story” or “tale” in Samoan, Tala expresses Chef Henry’s heritage through a personal approach to fine dining. We developed the brand strategy, identity, print collateral, and website to reflect his vision.

The identity centres on a custom logo illustration inspired by the traditional tanoa bowl, connecting Tala’s Pacific roots with a refined visual approach. A vibrant colour palette draws on island life, bringing warmth and character to the brand while complementing the considered presentation of the food.

Across print and digital, the design creates a consistent expression of Tala’s story, honouring its cultural roots and the personal vision behind the restaurant.

Sector
Hospitality
Discipline
Brand Strategy, Brand Identity, Illustration, Print, Website
Location
New Zealand
Contributors
Henry & Debby Onesemo
Photography
Manja Wachsmuth
Chef Henry cooking over fire, in three photographs each marked with the Michelin flower.
A Tala canvas bag and a round Tala sign on a white wall, on an orange ground.

We made Henry’s story central to the identity, giving Tala a distinctive visual presence that helps guests connect with its Samoan heritage before they arrive.

A Tala menu beside a dish in a woven parcel on a dark table, on teal.
Three photographs of Chef Henry at the fire, each marked with the Michelin flower.
A Tala poster on a concrete wall: a swimmer, the Tala logo on teal and a coconut by the fire.
The front and back of a teal Tala business card.
A smoking coconut dish lifted by hand, beside Tala lettering on a candlelit wall.