Alessa is a unique Italian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, (212 Hospitality Group) designed by White Noise Design Studio. They describe it as a ‘slice of la dolce vita,’ offering hearty Italian cooking to a diverse audience. It’s a one-of-a-kind space in the city where you can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences intertwined with architecture, culture, Victorian style interior design, and storytelling.
Editor’s Note: “Alessa is more than a restaurant where Victorian grandeur and Italian charm play a perfect duo. Along with flavours and textures, this place is an indulgence of warmth in design and a treat with artistic visuals. This restaurant is an experience where every corner unveils a secret discovery and a journey through its culture and cuisine.” ~ Anusha Sridhar
This Restaurant Blends Victorian Style Interior Design With Culture & Cuisine | White Noise Design Studio
The two-floor restaurant spans 6500 sq. ft., with refreshing dining concepts on each floor. The intent is to indulge, gather, celebrate, and revel in the warmth of Italian hospitality while in the heart of New York City.
WNDS choreographed Alessa’s artistic visuals, from the branding, interior design, decor, and furnishing to the construction, administration, and installation. The new space and its identity aim to create an engaging balance between business lunches and relaxed dinners.
A strong sense of identity makes the restaurant a standout dining destination. We conceptualised the dining and bar interiors in tandem with Alessa’s branding for a wholesome and cohesive bond between the two.
The front area comprises a lively bar for post-work cocktails, while the main dining area further ahead offers elegant, plush, and structured furniture.
The flow of spaces creates a dynamic flow. Moreover, it lets diners come and go as they desire. It’s upscale yet approachable, whimsical yet functional. Additionally, it solves the problem of finding a dining venue that can cater to different moods and occasions under one roof.
However, an exciting feature is a speakeasy at the back. A hidden lounge with plush seating, ambient lighting and artisanal furniture, makes this a restaurant with a secret. Furthermore, the zoning creates interest and intrigue. Thus, making diners discover something new with each visit.
Lighting design plays a massive part in the ambience at Alessa. A seamless interplay of visuals from natural daylight to vintage-inspired lighting fixtures makes each space usable at all times. Moreover, it creates different moods.
Come evening, strategically placed soft, warm lighting makes glossy finishes come alive, creating a well-illuminated and cosy atmosphere. We purposefully employed rich, tactile materials such as brass, velvet and mosaic tiles reminiscent of Italian aristocracy. We included beauty in functionality with our ornamental mosaic pizza ovens.
Alessa is a testament to versatility, demonstrating how a singular space can transform to meet different needs throughout the day. It immerses diners in a sensory experience, a refreshing addition to Midtown’s dining landscape. The intentional and purposeful design of every element in the restaurant sets it apart, both culinarily and experientially.
Fact File
Designed by: White Noise Design Studio
Project Type: Restaurant / Bar / Cafe
Project Name: Alessa
Location: New York (Midtown Manhattan)
Year Built: September 2024
Project Size: 6500 Sq.ft
Design Team: Sanjana Paramhans, Utsav Shah, Rddhima Golyan & Shruti Sridhar
Photograph Courtesy: Zack DeZon
Name of Project Management Firm: Mck contracting
Name of Project Manager or Consultant: Mickey Mckenna
Firm’s Website Link: White Noise Design Studio
Firm’s Instagram Link: White Noise Design Studio
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