Cave-like pinkish interiors, the warm-toned of granite rocks and Sardinian earth tones are combined for this restaurant in a beautiful setting of Porto Cervo, Italy.

Designed by Milan-based architecture practice studio wok, the 80-square-metre restaurant takes cues from the hues and elements of the local landscape. 

As clearly reflected to the interiors of the restaurant, guests are able to perceive the curving materiality of the granite warmed by the sunlight and by the reflections of the crystal-clear sea and its interaction with the lush greens of the Mediterranean scrub.

The studio aimed to translate these elements and the local atmosphere into the space with minimal touch and additions.

"A tribute to the essence of the Costa Smeralda: "Architecture is lived in while art is looked at; this is a fundamental difference. Architecture is a physical and sensory experience because you go inside it." Ettore Sottsass," described studio wok.

The studio asked themselves: "What is the Costa Smeralda, what does its essence consist of?" 

"When we think of this part of Sardinia, we think of granite rocks shaped by the wind," the studio explained. 

Pinkish interior finishes are contrasted with coral-colored wall that defines the bar behind it. The smoothness of the walls also complements the story itself to reflect the real atmosphere of the local area. 

Warmness and intimacy are harmonized gently for this restaurant if they are looking a cozy place.

"The power of the wind erodes and carves out the granite formations, turning them into architectural structures that can be lived in," said the studio. 

"The restyling project for the Myrto restaurant is an opportunity to pay tribute to this area and to tell its story." 

According to the architects, "architecture becomes a tool for narration and dissemination." 

The restaurant is connected to an outdoor patio which is also transformed into an interior space, an underwater cave with a lightweight roof that reacts to the wind and sunlight, and provides a glimpse of the sky. 

Curving spaces, chosen in abstract layout, colored furnishings and volumes create a contrast, forming a palette of greens that echoes the hues of the landscape. 

All the materials, colors, and furniture were chosen and designed specifically for this project, resulting in a site-specific concept.

"Myrto has been a presence for 9 years at the Promenade du Port, a hub of art, culture, and design in the beautiful setting of Porto Cervo, bringing an innovative approach and experiences that are both surprising and intimately connected to the sense of the local area," the architects added. 

"At the same time, Myrto's approach is equally innovative with a concept in which gourmet pizza and haute cuisine interact in a synergistic, intriguing, and unique way."

Floor plan

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Project facts

Project name: Myrto Restaurant in Porto Cervo

Architects: studio wok

Location: Porto Cervo, Italy

Size: 80m2 

Date: 2021 

All images © Simone Bossi

> via studio wok