For the wine connoisseurs of the world, a Barbera varietal is considered an approachable “daily drinker”. It sets the tone for a casual, light-hearted Italian family meal. Bobby Stucky and his team at Frasca Hospitality Group wanted this restaurant to evoke the same feeling and approachability of a classic Barbera. The restaurant exudes rich, thoughtful elements with elevated hints of a classic Italian Osteria.  As a cousin to both Tavernetta and Pizzeria Alberico, both owned by Frasca Hospitality, the trio restaurants bring a fresh approach to the Italian dining experience.

The restaurant has an open layout with a large, beautifully-detailed wood banquette in the center, surrounded by deep saturated red leather booths and a rich soapstone bar. Textures of Italy emerge in the white painted brick, custom forged brass dome light fixtures and stained wood paneling flanking the walls. Details of fluted glass, natural stone and touches of brass add a level of refinement to the space. A thoughtfully designed wine room, with a capacity of 3000 wine bottles, anchors the restaurant and is visible throughout, displaying Osteria Alberico’s impressive wine collection. White linen café curtains provide a subtle softness and layering element of a classic Italian Osteria.

From a technical standpoint, the design team was challenged by its strip mall location and the lack of inherent charm. Instead of trying to replicate a faux Italian-aesthetic, the team embraced the nature of the space by leaving the exposed concrete floors, spiral ducting, and interior brick walls. The richness and saturation was brought in through the furniture selections, intricate millwork and refined light fixtures that provide the perfect nod to an authentic Italian Osteria, but also claiming its own identity.