San Sabino Restaurant’s Interior Transformed with Buttery Yellow by GRT Architects

Inside the restaurant in New York’s West Village, created by the Brooklyn-based studio GRT Architects, yellow hues create a sunny atmosphere. GRT Architects collaborated with Angie Rito and Scott Tacinelli, the chefs who worked on the neighbouring Don Angie restaurant.

The new location is characterized by buttery yellow interiors that contrast with its light gray exterior and it has a completely different menu and appearance. The two restaurants are located in the same wedge-shaped Greenwich Avenue building, which was formerly home to three separate retail establishments with “diminutive storefronts.” The historic corner was restored to its former magnificence by having the facades repaired and the windows opened.

“Under many layers of paint and filler we found the original storefronts clad in copper sheet that seemed only better for neglect with a charming verdigris and patina,” said GRT Architects. Above the bar, a stainless steel ribbon fronts the lower connection and extends to the dining area. The periphery is surrounded by low-slung, ribbed banquettes covered in warm caramel-colored leather, particularly beneath a mirrored side wall that has light boxes positioned in between the reflective panels. Smaller, glossy yellow squares and circles are patterned into mottled grey stone floor tiles, emulating the traditional carreaux d’octagones pattern.

In order to improve acoustics, the ceilings are padded and upholstered in addition to the handcrafted yellow tiles that were added behind the bar. Overall, the cool metal tones and the vivid color scheme combine to create a playful yet elegant dining space that changes dramatically from day to night and mirrors the inventive takes on the Southern Italian food offered.

Tal Schori and Rustam-Marc Mehta established GRT Architects in 2014 and in the coming decade, the firm will develop a portfolio of New York City projects. These include several restaurants in Manhattan, such as the maximalist Bad Roman on Columbus Circle and the equally bright Cucina Alba in Chelsea.

Industries