Atica Paris by Atelier Leymarie
Paris, France
Atica, designed by architect Chloé Leymarie of Atelier Leymarie, is a sensory gastronomic journey. The immersive dining experience is unlike any other. Located in Paris’s 5th arrondissement, a short stroll from the Seine, this large 450-square-metre space transforms dining into an eight-act exploration through time, space and culture.
The ground-floor lounge combines warmth and minimalism with timber panelling and furniture that exude understated elegance. Stainless steel accents provide balance for a modern yet inviting touch. Moving into the dining room, guests are completely cocooned in an immersive projection of 16K-resolution screens, where vivid natural landscapes and artisan stories blur the line between art and gastronomy. The effect is one of escape, where each sense is considered in the activation of memory and delight.
The interiors by Atelier Leymarie are an essential ingredient to how the experience plays out. It’s a space where every element invites diners to see the world anew. This is exactly why Atelier Leymarie and Atica have redefined hospitality in 2024.
Atica Paris by Atelier Leymarie Gourdon | Photography courtesy of Atica Paris
Atica Paris by Atelier Leymarie Gourdon | Photography courtesy of Atica Paris
Atica Paris by Atelier Leymarie Gourdon | Photography courtesy of Atica Paris
Atica Paris by Atelier Leymarie Gourdon | Photography courtesy of Atica Paris
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall by Vincenzo De Cotiis | Photography courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall by Vincenzo De Cotiis | Photography courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall by Vincenzo De Cotiis
London, England
Drama, sophistication, heritage and art – Ladbroke Hall is a London destination for design, music and, of course, food. Within the complex is Pollini, a restaurant collaboration by chef Emanuele Pollini and architect Vincenzo De Cotiis, who then brought in Carpenter’s Workshop Gallery co-founders Loïc Le Gaillard and Julien Lombrail.
Pollini is set within the historic foyer of the former Sunbeam Talbot Motor Company, a Grade II-listed Beaux-Arts building. De Cotiis has woven reverence for its heritage into the restaurant’s design. It is an architectural triumph that balances grandeur with intimacy. Hand-patinated, reclaimed fibreglass tabletops evoke Pollini’s Italian roots, while antiquated mirrors wrapping the central bar reflect a gilded glow. The unmistakable focal point is a large chandelier by Nacho Carbonell with voluminous mesh balls that float in a chaotic array.
Pollini shows what’s possible when great minds come together, making its influence this year undeniable. And if that isn’t enough, Pollini was awarded a coveted ‘3 Forks’ by the prestigious award body Gambero Rosso in 2024.
Pollini at Ladbroke Hall by Vincenzo De Cotiis | Photography courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery
Tramo by Selgascano and Andreu Carulla
Madrid, Spain
Layers and levels, ambient light and warm timber, while the interiors feel light and breezy at Tramo, its deeper mission of urban regeneration and social change are what makes it unique. Set in the Chamartin district of Madrid, Spain, Tramo is part of a wider initiative by Proyectos Conscientes, which seeks to redefine the concept of urban recreation and promote responsible consumption.
Selgascano’s Andreu Carulla took the lead with this project, collaborating with various experts ranging from bioengineers, sustainability and strategic consultants, chefs and branding agencies.
The fitout considers the original building, with an eye to adaptive reuse. As such, modifications were limited, and new elements were kept to a minimum, so its essence remains. The kitchen is the visual centre and metaphorical ‘generator’ of the space. The concrete and steel trussed roof revives a construction method once typical of 1950s Madrid, a technique that has nearly vanished in modern architecture.
Understated in its design but ambitious with its intentions— Tramo is pioneering a new path when it comes to restaurant design and its impact on a community. There couldn’t be a more worthy studio and project to recognise in the Best of est 2024.
Tramo by Selgascano and Andreu Carulla | Photography by Juan Baraja
Tramo by Selgascano and Andreu Carulla | Photography by Juan Baraja
Tramo by Selgascano and Andreu Carulla | Photography by Juan Baraja
Dome Restaurant at Potato Head by OMA | Photography courtesy of Potato Head Bali
Dome Restaurant at Potato Head by OMA | Photography courtesy of Potato Head Bali
Dome Restaurant at Potato Head by OMA
Bali, Indonesia
There’s an air of nostalgic familiarity at the Dome Restaurant by OMA. Set within the iconic Potato Head complex in Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia, the ancient vernacular is met with aesthetic visions of the future. Is it one or the other? Neither. But that’s what makes it work.
The space reimagines ancient cisterns through a modern lens, using local materials and techniques. A reflective blue epoxy floor evokes the look of water, with matching blue fixtures, structural columns and furnishings all enhancing the immersive atmosphere.
The design balances futuristic elements with earthy accents – a circular metal bar and monolithic JBL 4355 speakers are paired with Indonesian tribal sculptures. Custom pieces include OMA-designed fixtures and bespoke lounge chairs by Potato Head’s in-house design team, creating a harmonious blend of cultural heritage and contemporary design innovation.
Pushing design boundaries and introducing a sense of locality makes this a worthy project, and why it has left an indelible mark on the hospitality landscape for 2024.
Dome Restaurant at Potato Head by OMA | Photography courtesy of Potato Head Bali
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn by Alexander& CO.
Queenstown, New Zealand
The Barrel Room is a subterranean space within Ayrburn in Queenstown, New Zealand. Bringing an evocative blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, the space is a wine-ageing cellar and now a 60-person function space. Concocted by Australian studio Alexander& CO. in collaboration with local architect SA Studio, the interior balances its brand-new build with a weathered, timeless aesthetic. Cracking render walls, hand-forged steel gates, and face brickwork create an intimate, atmospheric setting. A striking, site-painted wall mural further deepens the narrative, paying homage to the region’s rich history and fertile vineyards.
The Ayrburn precinct is on a 30-acre pastoral landscape surrounded by vineyards, ponds and the breathtaking backdrop of Coronet Peak. The design reflects a deep connection to the land, weaving together stories of adventure and nostalgia, all with an overtone of modern indulgence. The Barrel Room captures the spirit of this historic site, offering the refinement of European wine cellars, elevated by New Zealand’s natural beauty. The originality and visual feast of this restaurant makes its influence an impactful addition to our Best of est line-up this year.
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn by Alexander& CO. | Photography by Anson Smart
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn by Alexander& CO. | Photography by Anson Smart
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn by Alexander& CO. | Photography by Anson Smart
The Barrel Room at Ayrburn by Alexander& CO. | Photography by Anson Smart
