Bar Cicchetti saw AHMM return to Level after seven years, to create a double height full-service restaurant and craft bar dedicated to offering a bold and fresh perspective on northern mediterranean flavours, with a communal, neighbourhood appeal.
The space previously housed a sports bar concept with an enclosed private dining mezzanine which divided the space. The client wanted to create a sophisticated space that connected with the young professional demographic in the surrounding area.
The key architectural strategy was the unification of the main dining area downstairs with a new open mezzanine lounge/bar upstairs. The space is designed to encourage patrons to choose their level of interaction within the restaurant with a variety of banquet community, bar and soft seating groupings.
The honest pallet of natural materials like ground and polished concrete and warm white oak panelling reinforces the menu of simple but refined shared plates. Careful attention was also given to the selection of other finishes optimal for acoustics, the implementation of a sophisticated lighting scheme and the creation of an outdoor dining space that engages the streetscape.
