The oldest restaurant in Udine, opened since 1849, with a first-class cuisine recognized throughout the region and beyond, mainly oriented to seafood dishes. The restaurant is located in the historic city center, adjacent to the old fish market which remained in operation until about 10 years ago.
The owners’ desire was to wear a new dress that best represents the quality of the service and the cuisine, made of tradition but increasingly oriented towards innovation: «We have been thinking of renovating the interiors for two years – said the brothers Massimiliano and Gianluca Sabinot, respectively chef and maître. – We are a point of reference in the hospitality industry in the city and not only. Our customers are demanding, cosmopolitan and used to eat out in the best restaurants around the world: this is why we wanted to be more contemporary, we are aiming to the highest quality not only in the menu but also for the environment in which we welcome people».
Starting from these assumptions, the study and project of Visual Display began, with a very precise idea in mind: the challenge of creati Ristorante “Vitello d’Oro” – the renovation projectng an atmosphere which is welcoming and charming at the same time, contemporary but respecting history and characteristic features of the place. A space that could also connect with a new clientele, more dynamic and international, and with new generations; but without disappointing the expectations and affection of the “historic” clients who have always frequented it.
“Before considering the stylistic and technical aspects – says Giorgio Di Bernardo, Visual Display CEO – the project started by analyzing with the customer the dynamics, flows, and needs of the restaurant. We individuated and preserved those gestures that over the years have become rituals and safety both for those who work there and for guests. The design has begun with designing the experience, working carefully on flows and functions to guarantee the quality of work and service. Investigating and creating new opportunities and improving what was already positive.”
The project involved the total renovation of the interior and part of the external façade, an intervention that restored the structure without altering it but rather bringing to light historical details previously hidden under plasterboard layers; like the second city wall, on which the restaurant rests, which is now one of the points of attraction in the restaurant’s atrium.
The original elements of the premises that were already visible, such as the Venetian terrazzo flooring and the wooden beams of the hall, have been restored to their splendor by a masterful conservative restoration work and enhanced by an accurate dedicated lighting project.
PROJECT Ristorante “Vitello d’Oro” renovation
ART DIRECTION AND PROJECT Visual Display
LOCATION Udine, Italy
YEAR 2019
PHOTO Alessandro Paderni/Eye Studio
