Project Name
La Isla Manila Restaurant
La Isla Manila Restaurant
Services Provided
- Brand Identity Design
- Landing Page Design
- Stationery Design
- Marketing and Print Design
- Social Media and Digital Design
Location
Barrie, ON
Industry
Hospitality & Cultural Dining
Year Completed
2025
The Challenge
La Isla Manila was entering a new chapter under fresh ownership with a brand that no longer reflected who they were. Beloved but inconsistent, the identity lacked the cohesion and cultural depth needed to unify a growing chain and compete in an increasingly crowded dining market. They needed a complete reimagining, not a refresh.
The Goal
The goal was to craft a brand identity for La Isla Manila that captures the essence of its Filipino heritage, culinary excellence, and vibrant dining experience. The new identity needed to resonate with both Filipino and international audiences, convey warmth and authenticity, and unify the chain under a single, memorable brand. Ultimately, the objective was to create a culturally rooted, visually compelling, and strategically cohesive brand system that reflects the restaurant's present energy while supporting its ambitions for expansion, recognition, and lasting impact.
The Target Audience
Filipino food lovers and curious diners seeking a vibrant, authentic cultural dining experience.
Core Patrons
Individuals of Filipino heritage seeking authentic cuisine and cultural connection.
Culinary Explorers
Diners interested in experiencing and appreciating the richness of Filipino flavors.
Competitors Analysis
Insights revealed a chance to make La Isla Manila stand out with a bold cultural identity.
The Solution
A bold, heritage-rich brand crafted for La Isla Manila to do more than stand out. Built to tell a story.
Every touchpoint — from the website to marketing assets — was designed to connect deeply, inspire curiosity, and turn first-time visitors into loyal patrons.
Heritage-Driven Identity
Developed a bold, vibrant visual identity and cohesive design system that celebrates Filipino culture while creating an inviting, memorable dining experience.
Website as a Cultural Gateway
Materialized an intuitive, visually engaging site that reflects the brand’s personality and connects with diners.
Marketing & Brand Assets
Designed versatile marketing materials and assets to ensure consistent brand presence and strengthen visibility across all touchpoints.
theICON
JASMINE FLOWER
AKA SAMPAGUITA
The logo’s icon is inspired by the Sampaguita, the national flower of the Philippines. This delicate white jasmine symbolizes purity, strength, and Filipino heritage, reflecting the warmth, authenticity, and cultural pride at the heart of La Isla Manila.
theWORDMARK
The logo embodies an ethnic yet minimalist aesthetic. The logo font draws inspiration from the traditional Baybayin script, showcase its distinctive contrast of thick and thin strokes with a subtle, handwritten touch. Paired with a clean, rounded typeface, the logo captures a rich cultural essence while evoking warmth and a sense of home.
theLogo Suite
Stationery Design
The business cards were designed as a tactile extension of the brand — bold, elegant, and memorable.
theTYPOGRAPHY & COLOUR PALETTE
Instrument Serif
Nunito Sans
Menu Page Design
The Menu Landing Page brings La Isla Manila to life online — bold, intuitive, and immersive, turning curiosity into connection with every click.
Print Design
From menus to merchandise, each piece blends vibrant design with purposeful storytelling to create a consistent, engaging, and memorable brand experience.
Digital and Social Media Design
The La Isla Manila identity was extended across digital ad placements, built to command attention in every context from Uber ads to out-of-home digital screens.
Branded content crafted to carry the La Isla Manila story across social platforms, stopping the scroll while staying true to the identity
“"Maryam was a pleasure to work with. I reached out to her to help rebrand our restaurant, and she was incredibly supportive and helpful throughout the entire process. She provided clarity at every stage and was patient when I felt unsure or lacked confidence in making decisions. Her guidance made the process feel manageable, and her turnaround time was impressively quick. The quality of her work was excellent — I highly recommend her!"”
Every brand has a story.
