Studio Modijefsky captures a retro beach vibe to set the tone for an unexpected experience at classic Italian eatery Volare.

Key features

To introduce an authentically Italian atmosphere, Studio Modijefsky demolished all the non-bearing elements to clear the visual pathways and create optimal sightlines. The result is an open space designed around a central bar to encourage social interaction and capture the intimacy of European café culture. Materials – including antique wood and wicker, marble, ceramic and stucco – are used to depict Italy’s rustic seaside aesthetic. 

Another evocative feature is the colour palette, captured in a series of retro-inspired graphics that transport visitors to the Amalfi Coast in the 1960s. Muted reds, oranges and tonal blues, reflected in antique cocktail bottles lining the entire space, create a calming effect while discretely delineating its various functions. The visual play is mirrored in the soft loops of cotton fabric that drape from the ceiling in a regular rhythm, providing acoustic comfort. 

The restaurant accommodates casual coffee-drinkers, those looking for libations and those wanting to eat. The latter can choose from a series of larger tables or the private dining area in the basement. Meanwhile, walls and columns in front of the bar combine to form wall tables, ideal for people passing by that want to enjoy a quick snack. The grand finale is Volare’s trattoria, fronted by an angular chef’s table overlooking an open kitchen to give guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the kitchen.

Frame’s take

Volare is reflective of a wider trend in hospitality, which is seeing restaurants that tap into people’s craving for escapism through immersive and imaginative travel experiences –especially given the months of uncertainty we’ve faced as of late. When a staycation is the only option, venues like Volare suspend reality and bring the joy of travel to the doorstop of its locals. To achieve this, Studio Modijefsky has incorporated a medley of details and textures that could have been gimmicky, but instead of competing for attention they appear subtle, each one part of a whole and well-considered concept.