HomeArtDining by design: 4 to watch

Dining by design: 4 to watch

joanne molina16 | 02 | 2019

Designed by David Collins Studio, the firm of the late restaurant and bar design icon David Collins, and Zanghellini Holt & Associates the Continental restaurant in Hong Kong pairs the charm of European cafes and its local environment. Airy and time intimate, it's surrounded by a lush tropical vegetation, inside it furnishings (including Bross Roulette armchairs) in warm shades of brown, amber, brass and green. It's chicest feature: the ceiling, which features curved panels that recall the figures of zen gardens. thecontinentalhongkong.com

Designed by three passionate creators and epicureans: the chef Jean-Marc Notelet and the interior designers, Nicolas Adnet and Marc Hertrich of the Studio MHNA, Caïus is a captivating blend of old and new located a stone’s throw from the Arc de Triomphe. where decor and cuisine act as one. The classic woodwork decor has been ‘disrupted’, as specified by Nicolas Adnet and Marc Hertrich. Repainted in a pewter-grey shade, the panelling associates with white-brick walls and industrial-style glass walls. Gold leaf - masterfully created by gilders Bouin and Gardon - punctuate the walls, panelling and moulded cornices. Original carpets, created using Studio MHNA’s parquet design, and repurposed cement tiles co-exist on the ground, delineating the spaces. The seats were upholstered with various coverings in tones of orange and dark purple. Pillows were added to accentuate the cosiness. Covered in patent leather, the tables add a skilful touch of sophistication. In the lobby, furniture such as curious cabinets – large, black-wood glass cabinets -highlight wines, spices and other products selected by the chef. The bar is dressed with enamelled lava plates and wears its vermilion-red colour well. The table d’hôte area is furnished with a table that accommodates 10 guests in its high-back chairs is bathed in natural light. studiomhna.co / caius-restaurant.fr

The Studio Vudafieri-Saverino Partners has restyled Milan's renowned two-Michelin star restaurant Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadiaphoto with a project that combines traces of the past and openness to the contemporary. W alnut strips also define the rooms, adorning the walls and creati ng plays of light and shade , favou red by the changes in section. Wood also features in the windows, covering the soffits an d creating a frame work around them , like in the old Milanese houses in the district . The linen - effect wallpaper envelops the space , while iconic mirrors with irregular shapes - two unique pieces by Giampiero Romanò - give a touch of irony and lightness to the rooms. The wood and fabric chairs, designed specifically for the restaurant, recall Milanese design of the ‘50s and come in three different shades of green and blue. vudafierisaverino.it / aimoenadia.com Photo: Santi Caleca

Designed by Spanish designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán, Madrid's latest gastronomic destination is Etxeko, presided over by Michelin-starred Basque chef Martín Berasategui. Designed as part of the new BLESS hotel, its sensory architecture compliments its authentic and healthy creations that truly embody Basque roots, redefining haute cuisine. blesscollectionhotels.com

Whether designers are tossing the ‘white tablecloth’ experience or simply reimagining it, casual eateries and Michelin-star restaurants are rethinking how design ought to complement and not override the vision and philosophy of their chefs – or the singular qualities of their locales. These visions embody the how interior designers are taking a timely new path. This new approach doesn’t fetishise starchitects or designer stamps, but takes the time and effort to honour the experience and vision of those who work and dine within its walls. – Joanne Molina

Caïus Etxeko Il Luogo di Aimo e Nadiaphoto restaurant design The Continental restaurant Hong Kong