Counter Restaurant Lion
Counter Restaurant Lion

Restaurant and cocktail bar in Rome. Maximalist style as a counterpoint to the austerity of the building that houses it

In the heart of Rome, halfway between the Pantheon and Navona Square lies the new restaurant and cocktail bar designed by COLLIDANIELARCHITETTO. It is called LIÒN and is housed in a historic building from the Fascist era: the bold shapes and saturated colours in a maximalist style contrast with the austerity of the building that houses it, restoring fragments of the dolce vita to the city

In spite of its location, LIÒN is not intended to appeal to tourists: the subdued lighting and mirrored surfaces welcome you into a sophisticated restaurant whose delightful outdoor area overlooks Largo della Sapienza. LIÒN is spread over two levels: the ground floor, completely projected outwards thanks to the large windows outlined by a thick travertine frame; while the basement is accessible through a marble staircase embellished with brass details and includes the service rooms, the kitchen and the wine cellar

Lion restaurant entrance

The circle is the matrix generating the dynamic elements, with soft, sinuous lines that characterise the interiors, from the slender, arched friezes that wrap around the space to the deep, three-dimensional diamond-shaped screens of the brass-coloured lacquered panelling. Slender metal structures enclose transparent coloured elements, such as the discs suspended above the black marble tables or the diamond-shaped elements of the bottle rack above the counter, creating an ethereal formal lexicon with a contemporary flavour

Lion restaurant entrance

The use of pastel-coloured glass to create decorative architectural elements is a contemporary reinterpretation of the lead glass of the early 20th century; the choice of essential geometries and the use of primary colours are inspired by Wright's research. The large columns covered with mosaic penetrate the long counter covered with turquoise diamond glass where the skilled bartenders mix their cocktails on a thick milled brass surface

Lion restaurant entrance

The use of colour is also well modulated: teal, turquoise and red dominate the space and the furnishings, from the velvet chairs to the continuous sofa with its enveloping forms, creating a harmonious combination of micro and macro elements that make up the project. The refinement of the shapes and dimensions creates an eclectic and innovative environment which is both informal and elegant, where you can take a relaxing break in style in the heart of Rome

Lion restaurant entrance

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