In the heart of Rome, within the historic Galleria Alberto Sordi, the new Stendhal Milano restaurant stands as an ode to Milanese design of the 1980s and 1990s reinterpreted in a contemporary key. Designed by the Vudafieri-Saverino Partners studio, led by architects Tiziano Vudafieri and Claudio Saverino, the project masterfully combines aesthetic tradition with modern functionality, creating a refined and welcoming environment.
Spanning 130 square meters across two floors, the restaurant is a space suspended between past and present, where every element evokes the essence of “Milanese style” with elegance and irony. The designers aimed to convey the intimate and convivial atmosphere of the original Milan restaurant while adapting it to the vibrant and festive spirit of the Italian capital.
One of the project’s distinctive features is the “Stendhal Green,” an iconic color that serves as a visual thread throughout the design. This green hue characterizes walls, furnishings, and details, creating a cohesive visual identity that connects the restaurant’s two floors. The custom wallpaper, in shades of green with patterns of arches and openings, visually references the historic Galleria in Brera, home to the original restaurant, establishing a dialogue between the two cities.
The project stands out for its use of premium materials such as brass, marble, textured glass, and wood, with the latter crafted to create unique, bespoke surfaces. Every detail, from the furnishings to the finishes, has been meticulously curated with a tailor’s precision. A standout example is the ground floor bar counter, custom-made in lacquered green with a marble top and green tile inserts, serving as the visual and social centerpiece of the space.
Behind the bar, an antique mirror and a suspended bottle rack reinterpret Vienna straw with a brass mesh detail on the shelf edges. This feature not only recalls retro aesthetics but also introduces a contemporary dimension to the design.
On the ground floor, large windows establish a direct relationship between the interior and the exterior of the Galleria Alberto Sordi, emphasizing the dialogue between the restaurant and its urban context. This visual and spatial connection is a key element of the project, positioning the space as a natural extension of Rome’s living room.
The mezzanine floor, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and cozy atmosphere. Here, an open kitchen has been created, serving not only a functional role but also becoming an integral part of the visual and sensory experience of the restaurant. Around a small ribbed wooden counter with a marble top, three seating spots allow guests to watch the chefs at work, reinforcing the concept of conviviality and transparency.
A detail that unites poetry and design can be found on the wall adjacent to the staircase connecting the two floors: a neon sign with a quote from Stendhal’s Promenades reads: “Il n’y a aucune logique à Rome, mais la sensibilité passionnée y vit toujours” (“There is no logic in Rome, but passionate sensibility always resides here”). This homage to the Eternal City highlights the connection between the Milanese soul of the project and Rome’s cultural vibrancy.
The Stendhal Milano project in Rome fully reflects the design philosophy of Vudafieri-Saverino Partners, always attentive to the hybridization of languages and the creation of atmospheres that foster human relationships. Architects Tiziano Vudafieri and Claudio Saverino, known for their ability to blend rigor and wonder, have created a space that is both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present.
From the choice of materials to the spatial organization, every detail tells a story of sophistication and care, transforming the restaurant into an iconic location that bridges Milan and Rome in a dialogue of style and culture.
Credits
Project: Stendhal Milano
Studio: Vudafieri-Saverino Partners
Location: Rome, Italy
Year: 2024
