When Sydney-based architectural practice Alexander - CO. were commissioned to design Glorietta an Italian bar - restaurant in North Sydney, their primary challenge was one of identifying how to transform a cold, double-height glass box within a new corporate tower into a warm, lively dining and entertainment destination. Inspired by the client’s love of all things Italian, the designers swathed the space in natural materials such as wood, rattan and linen, and olive, apricot and rust-red accents evoking the charm of the Italian countryside. Equal parts contemporary and classic, Glorietta espouses an effortless sophistication that reflects the authentic taste of the wood-fired pizzas, the glorious wine list from select Italian and Australian winemakers, and the classy effervescent spritzs, negronis and other aperitivo classics.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Having to contend with an amorphous, glass-enclosed, open-plan space on the podium level of a newly built commercial tower, the team divided the 220-seat restaurant into separate yet complementary zones, anchored by a slender white arbour housing the open kitchen, the bulbous pizza oven, and the elegant bar counter. The zones are delineated by different floor treatments, including polished concrete in the bar and northern dining area, timber boards in the central dining space, and broken stone slabs surrounding the kitchen. Distinct seating arrangements further enhance this configuration and imbue the spacious venue with intimacy. High tables with stools and communal tables encourage socializing, built-in banquettes evoke laidback comfort, and rust-red hued square tables with bentwood chairs foster one-to-one moments, while a vintage round family table was selected for its sentimental value.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

The space feels warm and welcoming despite the building’s corporate architecture thanks to an earthy colour palette and the use of the natural materials such as recycled timber which were selected for their durability and sustainability. A cloud-like rattan installation in the shape of inverted barrel vaults cleverly conceals the building’s silver panelled ceiling, while cream and wheat-coloured linen curtains lining the perimeter soften the starkness of the floor-to-ceiling glazing. Olive and apricot leather upholstery, red-rust table tops, and brass and marble details along with potted plants complete the restaurant’s convivial setting which is fast becoming a sought after destinations for afternoon spritz seekers, late-night fine diners as well as Sydney’s casual pizza crowd.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

Glorietta restaurant by Alexander - CO. Photo by Anson Smart.

keywords:Restaurants Design Interior Design 

keywords:Restaurants Design Interior Design