Minimalist ceilings and neon light fittings are paired with traditional design elements at this Athens restaurant in the city’s well-heeled Kolonaki district.

Upon first sight, Gorlomi is the quintessential classic restaurant with its wooden floors, marble counters and curving banquettes. But Bobotis + Bobotis Architects have created a warm and welcoming space with a few surprising details – not least the concrete ceiling that sits above classic plaster moulding.

The studio has used a high-contrast colour palette for the 445 sq m restaurant, pairing inky blue walls with orange upholstery and crisp white architraves. Floral wallpaper and velvet curtains offer a ‘comforting backdrop for diners’ while versatile lighting ranges from striking, sculptural neon chandeliers to soft glowing orbs.

Gorlomi’s indoor dining space opens into a tiled terrace with plenty of greenery and a retractable roof for less favourable weather. The two separate zones are joined by a thick marble bar, topped with sea white and onyx black, a gathering point for the more formal dining space.

Finally, the food. Chef Luca Piscacci’s menu offers fine dining with Italian comfort food, including poached fish, handmade stuffed pasta, and risotto.

Ploutarchou 9, Athina 106 75, Greece

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