barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-1You guys know that I dig inspiring restaurant design. In fact, it’s often equally as important as the food I’m eating at the time. I guess that’s the result of being such an interior design geek! Eighteen months or so ago I visted San Francisco for the first time and I was taken with their vibrant food scene. Not only were the dishes delicious but the restaurant design was often on point, too. Case in point with the restaurant design of fine-casual American pasta bar, Barzotto. Click through after the jump to see this stylish space in full!

barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-2I always feel drawn to spaces that aren’t too try-hard or showy. I’m just not about glitzy-glam interior design. For me, when it comes to design the less sparkle the better! I like spaces that mix styles and design directions to create a comfortable and lived in feel. A space that evokes a welcoming, cozy vibe – that’s the key for me. It’s for this same reason that I felt drawn to Barzotto’s restaurant design. Let’s start with those simple square white subway tiles laid in a diamond pattern: a simple way to add visual interest to timeless looking design element. Love that!barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-3The restaurant interior design is a mix of vintage/collected objects. In fact, the former restaurant’s bright red hutch now serves as a side-station! Vintage Italian cookware thrifted by the owner, Marko, from Alameda Flea Market fills the front counters’ shelves. This touch gives the space a lived-in, relaxed and welcoming feel, don’t you think? The strapped leather seating pads are a beautifully subtle element to the design, too.barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-4As part of a major renovation all the walls were taken to white (either original exposed cinderblock walls or Venetian plaster), the beautiful wood-paneled ceiling was white-washed, and a central open kitchen bar became a focal point. Guests who sit here at the heart of the restaurant can watch the kitchen team hand-rolling fresh pastas. Extra-long spaghetti hangs on drying racks for practical reasons (and dramatic effect, of course!). Speaking of dramatic effect: the restaurant’s branding is on fire! I love the use of striking typography and vibrant color. Once again, this simple approach has paid dividends as the menus will feel effortlessly stylish for many years to come.barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-5The moment I saw the lighting in the space I recognised that much of it was from one of my favorites, Schoolhouse Electric. The contempoary brass pieces are mixed in with designs from Restoration Hardware and CB2, too. This front section of the restaurant (pictured above) is a lovely part of the design as the simple seated bar at the open windows allows diners the opportunity to relax and watch San Francisco’s Mission neighbors stroll by. Guests are greeted at a custom counter and built-in shelving for retail wines, fresh pastas, and soft serve gelato sundaes. Yum! All in all, this stunning restaurant design makes me excited to plan a return trip to San Francisco. Have you dined at Barzotto? What’s inspiring you about the space? Do you get design ideas from restaurants interiors, too?barzotto-san-francisco-restaurant-interior-design-6 // Interior design by Hannah Collins | Brand identity and graphic design by Danielle Moore | Photography by Kassie Borreson; used with permission

Author

Will Taylor

Will lives in NYC and is an interior design author and content creator. He's been blogging about his love of design, style and travel since 2009. His #MakeYouSmileStyle approach to decorating and dressing has inspired over one million Instagram uploads to the hashtag from followers across the world.

11 Comments

  1. The floor tiles! The floor tiles! Yes I am excited about them! 😉

  2. Love the tiles…and the wall scones. Need to check this place out. Thanks for posting will!

  3. Pingback: Barzotto – COTA ZERO

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Hey, I'm Will

Welcome to Bright.Bazaar, my make-you-smile style corner of the internet. I’ve been sharing my love of beautiful design, feel-good homes, everyday style, inspiring travel and, pretty much everything in between, since 2009. As well as working as a content creator, I write interior design books and edit a bi-weekly e-newsletter called Smile Mail. I live in New York City with my heartmate and can often be found listening to Madonna’s Confessions album and dreaming up my next home renovation project.