Cool Spaces: Zaytinya by Rockwell Group

WORDS Cheri Morris PHOTOS Jace Varney

Rockwell Group unveil Zaytinya, a new restaurant under the direction of two-star Michelin Chef José Andrés. Its decor is an aesthetic celebration of José’s vast knowledge of Mediterranean cuisine where sea-like curves and conversating textures transport guests into a contemporary abstraction of the coast.

Situated at the Ritz Carlton, New York, Zaytinya’s decor is a soft undulation of oceanic cyans, warm bronze metals, white oak woods, pattern detailing and specially commissioned artworks bound by a neutral architectural base.

Continuity in design elements lends a rhythm: Exposed wood ceiling beams punctuated by acoustic linen-textured panels correspond to the floor bands, while arched antique bronze mirrors and booth seating compliment warm leather detailing on the Millwork credenzas.

The bar features a blue lavastone top, a chiselled stone bar die and a custom backlit backbar screen made of two-toned glass discs inspired by the Evil Eye, the protective talisman. To finish, a custom Gio Ponti-inspired tiled floor depicting an abstracted olive and leaf provides a visual connectivness to the screen.

READ MORE: Restaurant & Bar Design Awards Shortlist 2022

In the main dining room, linen shades created by The Alpha Workshops, a Not For Profit providing arts education and employment to adults with disabilities, feature illustrations designed and hand-painted by The Rockwell Group’s Graphics Studio – visual stories that celebrate Mediterranean culture, its harvests and ancient art.

The Rockwell Group has had two other projects shortlisted for the Restaurant & Design Awards 2022. View the full shortlist at restaurantandbardesignawards.com or check out some of our favourite contenders here.

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