Italo Social Eatery
MTMDESIGN had the aim to create a higher level concept without losing the “funky Italian” spirit of Italo Social Eatery and the the other group venues by Funkadeli group in Shanghai.
Italo Social Eatery is a restaurant and lounge by Funkadeli group in Shanghai. As a multipurpose concept, it had to accommodate guests for lunch/brunch and morph into a dining/aperitivo/cocktail venue that goes till late at night.
We took inspiration from the mid-century Milan and Rome. Those were the Italian golden years, with its innovative and optimistic design, Cinnecitta’s movie stars glamour and hedonistic spirit … We wanted to take this ambiance as starting point and reformulate it in a contemporary way.
The Italo experience starts at the cinematographic staircase, wrapped bright red in bright red perforated metal panels and mirrored ceilings. A dramatic custom design wood and brass hexagonal louver filters the views at the entrance, revealing the seafood raw bar and lounge room. The eclectic furniture, resembles a comfortable “loft” living room.
The cocktail bar seats at the center of the action acting as main character and colorful backdrop with its handmade ceramic tiles, dome custom made light fixtures and hammered brass panel.
The veranda umbrella room, with its patchwork terrazzo flooring, adds a bit nostalgia and links both lounge dining rooms. It’s also used as VIP room and flexible dance floor for parties.
The lounge-dining room has perforated metal custom designed light fixtures and a neon mural that provide a festive glows.
Italo is a cinematographic hedonistic space that changes for each situation through its dramatic bespoke lighting and flexible layout.
Design: MTMDESIGN
Design Team: Max Trullas, Chen Chen, Ted Zhang
Photography: Derryck Menere
