Cecchi’s transports diners to a bygone era of New York dining

Studio Becky Carter used a mix of historic influences for the interiors of Cecchi’s, which feel like stepping inside a time capsule of New York restaurants.

The centrepiece of the West Village restaurant is a series of murals by artist Jean-Pierre Villefane, which create a distinctly theatrical, Art Deco feel inside Cecchi’s. According to studio founder Becky Carter, this was an ‘infinite inspiration and fodder’ for the restaurant’s design – with real-life colours, shapes and furniture choices echoing Villefane’s illustrations.

There are parts of Cecchi’s that are entirely classic – including its cane-backed dining chairs, white tablecloths, mahogany bar and mosaic tiled floor– although Carter has also added a few less expected elements, for example, using high gloss purple laminate for the restaurant bar.

Lighting is another prominent feature, with sculptural pendants created by New York firm L’Observatoire International and integrated lighting around Cecchi’s bar, paired with layers of mirror and fluted glass.

It’s an appropriately vintage atmosphere for the restaurant, which took over the space from Café Loup – a widely hailed New York institution that closed down in 2019. Cecchi’s menu feeds into the retro experience, offering traditional Manhattan restaurant fare, including steak, burgers and shrimp cocktails.