Piccolo Morini: A Fresh Take on a Soho Classic

After over a decade of serving Northern Italian cuisine in Soho, Osteria Morini is taking a new direction with the opening of Piccolo Morini. The transformation, announced by the Altamarea Group, marks June 1, 2024, as the original restaurant's final day of service.

Located just a short stroll from its predecessor, Piccolo Morini embraces a more casual and vibrant dining experience. With 92 seats, the new spot focuses on handmade pasta, martinis, and shareable plates, creating a lively atmosphere.

Interior designer Alsun Keogh of Nusla Design aimed to retain the essence of the original while introducing a fresh perspective. “We didn’t erase the old identity to create the new one,” she explained, likening the design to an Italian grandmother’s living room reimagined by her hip grandchild. This meant incorporating familiar elements, such as solid-wood tables and vintage décor, but presenting them in a modern context.

The color scheme reflects this generational shift, featuring deep hues like oxblood and forest green, combined with vibrant accents of amber and coral. The restaurant’s signage also embodies this evolution, with the classic Morini name displayed in bold orange, complemented by the playful, neon yellow of Piccolo.

Piccolo Morini is designed to cater to different moods; it features an intimate dining area for serious meals and a vibrant bar for a more relaxed vibe. Keogh's vision was to create a space where the charm of the original restaurant lives on, yet feels distinctly new and inviting.

Source: design-milk.com