Chef Nikko Cagalanan along with wife and business partner, Paula Kramer, have unveiled Bareo, a new restaurant set within the former Kultura space in Charleston’s Cannonborough-Elliotborough neighbourhood. Where Kultura established a devoted following, Bareo refines the couple’s vision, focusing on hand-folded dumplings and kakigōri, the Japanese shaved-ice dessert, while remaining true to the sense of community that defined their previous venture.
The name draws from baryo, the Tagalog word for neighbourhood; a concept that underpins both the menu and the mood. For Cagalanan, who grew up in the Philippines, the baryo is about proximity, generosity, and the rituals of gathering over simple, flavour-driven food. At Bareo, that idea translates into a concise, playful offering that moves between sweet and savoury with ease.
Onigiri arrive in spirited combinations. Steamed dumplings are filled with locally sourced, seasonal proteins and produce, and dumpling noodle soups offer comfort. A rotating bento-style plate encourages sharing, reinforcing the restaurant’s social intent. The kakigōri programme provides a counterpoint to the savoury dishes, with flavours such as buko pandan and brown butter bibingka reimagining childhood favourites through the prism of Japanese technique. Alongside, a considered bar menu presents beer, wine, and sake-based cocktails, complemented by an expansive tea service inspired by Chinese Gong Fu traditions.
Designed by Agatha Strompolos, the interiors reference Japanese lacquer boxes, layering dark tones with moments of warmth. Black-and-white wallpaper and a matcha-green floor establish a graphic foundation, while shoji-style ceiling panels cast a soft glow across the room. Japanese and Philippine accents blend together, creating an intimate, den-like atmosphere. Counter seating and a handful of table serve to foster conversation.
“With Kultura, we built a community that meant so much to us,” says Cagalanan. “Growing up in the Philippines, the idea of baryo was everything. Food and drinks bringing people together, simple dishes full of local flavours and warmth remind me of home. That’s the spirit we want to carry forward with Bareo.”
In a neighbourhood that continues to evolve, Bareo positions itself as welcoming neighbourhood joint for those in search of a break from the norm.
@bareocharleston
@agatha_jane_interior_design
@nikko_cagalanan
Bareo Charleston Photography, Ruta Smith.
