The phrase “Italian restaurant design” evokes many iconic visuals: cozy booths, gallery walls, wood bars, and red checker tablecloths. But in recent years, these cornerstones have been slowly replaced with something else altogether: vibrant prints, colorful accents, and bold lighting. “Maximalism is having a moment and, frankly, I think the Italians do it best!” says Hannah Collins, founder and principal designer of ROY Design, the firm behind Corzetti, an Italian restaurant in San Francisco.
However, this wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. In fact, in the early 2000s, Italian restaurants embraced a clean, modern aesthetic—almost the exact opposite of what is now in vogue. Nonetheless, it paved the way for this new iteration. “We lived with midcentury modern for so long, it is only natural for people to want to see a change that feels exciting and counter to the last big trend movement,” Collins adds.
Though these changes do coincide with broader design trends over the years, the Italian American restaurant debuted with such a distinct aesthetic, that its evolution stands out.
“[Italian dining has] always been about perception and fantasy,” says Ian McAllen, the author of Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American. Originally, the design and cuisine of the eateries often reflected immigrant nostalgia for a fantastical, simplified homeland. However, the past decades have seen wanderlust for Italy grow, and the maximalist design could speak to this desire. “For those who maybe can’t travel to Sicily or Capri, the new-red sauce restaurant offers a joyful, over-the-top escape,” McAllen adds.
Below, AD looks back at the iconic eateries’ origins and contemporary transformation.
In 1886, what is largely considered the oldest Italian American restaurant, Fior D’Italia, opened in San Francisco. The venue emerged at a time when people from around the world were flocking to the state during the Gold Rush and the founder, Angelo Del Monte, had the idea to open a restaurant for the fortune seekers.