Danish architecture and design studio Johannes Torpe has realised the interiors of new Copenhagen restaurant Levi, merging Italian glamour with Japanese minimalism
Photography courtesy of Johannes Torpe Studios
Multidisciplinary design and architecture studio Johannes Torpe has unveiled the interior design of new Copenhagen restaurant Levi, a low-key eatery set in the heart of Copenhagen.
A homage to Italian elegance and Japanese aesthetics, the restaurant serves a fusion of Italian and Japanese food that is lovingly made by Head Chef Andrea Calducci.
Set inside a modern building on Ny Østergade, the restaurant is reminiscent of 1930s Milan, with opulent interiors that feature a beautiful contrast of green shades, brushed larch wood and amber-hued drapery.
Photography courtesy of Johannes Torpe Studios
Honouring the Danish and Japanese traditions for minimalistic, refined aesthetics, the designers drew upon both Italian and Japanese design to create a sophisticated interior for the restaurant.
‘In designing the restaurant, we needed to create an environment that respects the building and reflects the food being served,’ explains Johannes Torpe.
‘Besides the interior design and architecture, we designed everything,’ continues Torpe. ‘From the logo to the menu card, to the custom furniture, the bathroom furniture and all the lighting.’
Photography courtesy of Johannes Torpe Studios
Upon entering the elegant restaurant, guests are greeted by a custom-designed U-shaped bar, which features a Verde Alpi marble countertop, polished stainless steel, glass racks, and lamps that illuminate the acoustic ceiling above (supplied by Kvadrat).
‘The story is that, in any good Milanese restaurant, you always start in the bar by getting an aperitif,’ says Torpe. ‘Then you get your meal and end up in the bar with an espresso and a grappa.’
Torpe continues, ‘So, we wanted the bar to be an eye-catching element with the storytelling of Old Milan. A bar where you can both eat, drink, or just enjoy a €2 espresso on the go, just as you would in Italy.’
Photography courtesy of Johannes Torpe Studios
Cosy seating is upholstered in a deep moss green wool fabric from the Kvadrat Vidar collection, initially designed by Fanny Aronsen and re-coloured by Raf Simons, while a custom terrazzo floor, which comes in shades of green, amber and white, completes the Milanese-inspired interior.
Other design features include carefully chosen pieces, such as Johannes Torpe-designed seating by Moroso, lighting courtesy of Leucos, as well as other beautiful objects, all dotted throughout the restaurant to create an inviting and informal atmosphere.
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