Millimeter Arkitekter has transformed a defunct cinema in Stockholm into gourmet Italian dining spot, L’Avventura.

The Metropol-Palais cinema was designed in 1927 by Swedish architect Björn Hedvall in the heart of the Vasastan neighbourhood. Millimeter Arkitekter has taken cues from the original design to create the sumptuous new eatery while giving the space a Mediterranean twist.

‘We tried to create a new interior with its own design language that could stand for itself, and at the same time speak well with the existing interior,’ Millimeter’s interior architect Tina Marin told Dezeen.

As part of the building’s adaptive reuse, the studio has retained the cinema’s towering 20-metre-high ceiling and classical frescoes by artist Nils Asplund. These wall-paintings provide inspiration for the furnishings, which continue the red colour scheme and set the tone for the restaurant’s opulent atmosphere.

Red velvet banquettes curve around classic round dining tables, decked in white linen tablecloths, while tall glass shelving provides a contemporary element behind the bar, contrasting the dark green bar top and bar stools.

L’Avventura is helmed by restaurateur Karl Ljung who says: ‘I married into an Italian family, and have drawn a lot of inspiration with regard to food and atmosphere from our many trips through the country.’

Channeling the Italian vibe are a pair of mature, imported olive trees that have been planted in the centre of the dining room space to make the most of its soaring volume. Smaller saplings also dot L’Avventura’s two bars.

Ljung’s team serve modern Italian dishes, so expect the likes of saffron risotto with mussels, Italian-style tuna tartare, and fresh pasta with truffle oil and shaved parmesan.

L’Avventura, Sveavägen 77, 113 50 Stockholm

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