By Design Brendan Bakker has completed the transformation of the Italian Fine Dining restaurant “Cantina di David” situated in the historic heart of Utrecht City. Nestled in a captivating 13th-century wharf cellar along the renowned Oudegracht Canal, the restaurant’s unique setting provided the canvas for a distinctive design that embodies the essence of “Italian fine dining” in every detail. The ambiance and design of the space harmonize timeless elegance with luxurious and contemporary materials, imbuing the interior with a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Unique Cellar Setup
Cantina di David stands as one of Utrecht’s largest restaurants, accommodating up to 180 guests with an à la carte menu. Spread across three cellars, each cellar boasts its own distinct identity. The central cellar, known as “the heart” of the restaurant, places emphasis on the kitchen, featuring a sleek black décor and a louvre wall designed to showcase the culinary activity within the open kitchen.
The largest cellar is dedicated to the bar and wine cellar experience. Characterized by an open brickwork structure, this space features a striking 7-meter-long marble bar at its center, complemented by a wine wall showcasing over 500 bottles, setting the stage for an immersive wine-tasting experience. Meanwhile, the smallest cellar, adorned once again in black décor, offers an intimate dining ambiance, making it the ideal setting for romantic evenings.
Thoughtful Materialization
The interior décor and furnishings are meticulously curated, with each element carefully selected to marry the sophistication of fine dining with the historical charm of the cellars. Custom-made furniture upholstered in soft velvet enhances the dining experience, while brass copper wall cladding adds texture to the rugged brickwork surroundings. Handmade pendant lights add a touch of luxury to the interior, while wall fixtures accentuate the unique shapes and curves of the cellars.
The suspended louvre ceiling, crafted from felt material, serves a dual purpose of concealing installation works and light fixtures while also functioning as a sound-absorbing feature, creating a harmonious acoustic environment. Since its transformation, the restaurant has garnered recognition through various awards, including Restaurant of the Year by Italie Magazine, a nomination for Interior Design of the Year by Architectenweb, and a second-place award for AD Golden Ladle Utrecht by AD newspaper.
