Lupetto Restaurant and Sotto Bar, designed by Parts and Labors, offer a unique dining experience rooted in Italian fable and urban oasis design.
Contents
A Culinary Narrative Rooted in Italian Fable
Lupetto Restaurant’s design draws inspiration from a classic Italian fable, depicting a lone coyote venturing into the city. The narrative, conceptualized by Parts and Labors, interweaves the tranquility of the forest with the vibrancy of the metropolis, creating a captivating ambiance. The restaurant’s interior showcases a harmonious blend of natural elements and urban chic, reflected in the use of fluted walnut panels, forest-colored walls, and custom parquet floors. These design choices pay homage to the lush greenery of nearby Madison Square Park, fostering a sense of connection with nature within the urban landscape.
Embracing the Outdoors: Light and Transparency
Large windows and dappled sunlight flood Lupetto’s 12-foot-high space, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior. Natural light streams through thin linen curtains, illuminating the window seats and creating an inviting atmosphere. The strategic use of natural light enhances the restaurant’s overall aesthetic, promoting a sense of openness and tranquility.
A Fusion of Textures and Materials
Rosa Alicante marble, a soft red Italian stone with white and gray streaks, graces Lupetto’s surfaces, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the space. The marble’s unique texture and color complement the natural wood and forest-inspired hues, creating a balanced and visually appealing environment. The juxtaposition of materials reflects the restaurant’s design narrative, merging the ruggedness of the natural world with the sophistication of urban design.
The Heart of the Culinary Experience
A wood-fired pizza oven, the centerpiece of Lupetto’s open kitchen, invites guests to witness the creation of Neapolitan-style pizzas. This interactive culinary theater fosters a sense of community, encouraging guests to gather and share in the dining experience. The open kitchen design embodies the Italian tradition of sharing plates and fostering a convivial atmosphere.
Sotto Bar: A Subterranean Oasis of Indulgence
Located beneath Lupetto, Sotto, a subterranean amaro bar, transports guests to a realm of timeless elegance and sensory delight. Founder Mark Barak’s vision of “vacation madness” is embodied in the bar’s design, which features a unique blend of low lighting, pink and gold accents, and brass coyote paw prints, celebrating the “fruits of the forest.” Sotto’s ambiance exudes a sense of unapologetic sensuality, inviting guests to escape the ordinary and embrace a moment of indulgence.
Lupetto and Sotto: Fostering Community and Ownership
Both Lupetto and Sotto aim to create spaces where the community feels a sense of ownership. The restaurants’ inviting atmosphere, emphasis on shared experiences, and commitment to providing a unique dining and social experience contribute to a feeling of belonging and connection among patrons. Lupetto and Sotto have become cherished destinations in the Flatiron District, offering a haven for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere.
Project Information:
Architects: Parts and Labors Design
Area: Lupetto Restaurant
Project Year: Sotto Bar
Location: New York, United States
Materials: Rosa Alicante marble, walnut wood, linen curtains
Project Type: Restaurant, Bar
Photographer: Parts and Labors Design
