GASTRONOMY The encounter of Italian cuisine with British design

FOOD & DESIGN

A combination of Italian cuisine and English design in a restaurant where you can eat and shop

BY: LAURO LINS | PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE MANZONI

themanzoni.com

The Manzoni is more than a restaurant. It is an experimental space, a theatrical backdrop for the best in Italian food and British design: a mix of restaurant, showroom and shop. The restaurant became a hub for works by British designer Tom Dixon, one of the owners, who conceived the place as a showroom for his creations and as his office in Milan. Dixon has always had a restaurant in his London studio and, last year, opened The Manzoni during the Milan Fair, where the venue catered to several dinners and parties. “The idea is that everything is for sale, consequently tables, candlesticks, glasses, furniture, absolutely everything will be available for buying,” explains Jessica Strutt, Tom Dixon’s press aid.

The restaurant has the concept of hospitality that allows customers to experience the setting, savor good food and see the pieces in use instead of on shelves. The restaurant’s entrance on Via Manzoni, close to Milan’s famous Alla Scalla Theater, is dominated by a rough granite bar that contrasts with the mint green floor. A series of six stainless steel display cases, adjacent to the reception area, showcases tea and coffee pots and glass bottles by the designer. The main dining area is a long, narrow L-shaped room with a lightcolored curtain. Throughout the entire space, the walls are painted in a shade of gray.

01. The Jungle Room at the

Manzoni. 02. The restaurant’s main lounge in a linear arrangement in neutral shades. 03. Chef Davide Figliolini. 04. Cocktail served at the restaurant bar. 05. Stainless steel showcases with tea and coffee pots and glass bottles signed by Tom Dixon.

Roman chef Davide Figliolini is at the helm of the kitchen with a menu that offers traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, not only in terms of gastronomy but also in design. “Everything is associated with the concept of good food and a design that makes people feel comfortable,” explains Strutt. In addition to the main hall there is the Jungle Room, which is a gathering space for small groups and a multipurpose showroom with a series of light fixtures from the Opala and Spring collections. The color green of the environment contrasts with the concrete of the restaurant. The idea behind The Manzoni follows the new concept of creating retail experiences. Anyone who has been there will tell you that the food is as good as the design by Dixon. 3