GITANE || Studio Modijefsky's Fresh Take on Amsterdam's Newest Dining Spot
When it comes to marrying culinary excellence with interior innovation, Amsterdam's new restaurant, Gitane, is an outstanding example.
Designed by Studio Modijefsky, this West Amsterdam gem is not just a treat for the taste buds but a visually captivating space that echoes the signature culinary style of its founder, Angelo Kremmydas.
The celebrated chef, Angelo Kremmydas, has long held the city's food connoisseurs in rapt attention. His debut at Gitane embodies his culinary expertise, which fuses diverse cultures and flavours into a refined yet unpretentious gastronomic experience. Studio Modijefsky's design aptly mirrors this ethos, inviting guests into an ambiance as intimate as dining in Angelo's home.
Ground Floor: A Timeless Odyssey
Upon entering Gitane, the warm embrace of wooden interiors and coloured glass welcomes guests. The ground floor, illuminated by a neon 'BAR' sign, has a nostalgic charm, effortlessly blending vintage cafe chairs with custom wooden furniture. The room's centrepiece is the long custom benches, which span the ground floor and mezzanine and are designed with the world's first-of-its-kind terrazzo. The walls paint a picturesque story, with abstract tiled landscapes, light stucco, and white tiles forming a patchwork of textures. This delightful play of materials and colours gives one a sense of the rich history that might have adorned these walls.
The intimate ground floor illuminated by a neon sign.
The Bar: A Sculpted Beauty
Descend two steps from the main floor, and you're greeted by the bar's pièce de résistance: a zigzag terrazzo marvel. This design, reminiscent of the building's exterior brickwork, sets the stage for an intimate rendezvous. Guests can pick from an array of natural wines or sneak a peek into the kitchen's culinary wonders. The dark brown mirrored ceiling, reflecting the light spheres and bar patterns, creates an enchanting ambiance, making the bar an irresistible spot to linger longer.
The bar is the centrepiece that eyes will gravitate towards.
Details of the bar material, which features a first-of-its-kind terrazzo.
Mezzanine: Elevated Elegance
The journey continues upwards to the mezzanine, accessible via a vintage wooden staircase. Here, the ground floor's design elements are elevated to a new dimension. With its geometric pattern, the rattan ceiling harmoniously connects the two floors. Zigzag details, reminiscent of the bar below, are strategically positioned, be it in the seating or the banquette. If you are lucky enough to secure a seat by the railing, you are treated to a bird's eye view of Gitane's vibrant dining scene.
A seat by the railing lets you take in the energy on the ground floor.
Terrazzo elements in the mezzanine echo those of the bar design.
Terrace: Alfresco Bliss
The experience at Gitane isn't confined to its interiors. The terrace, with its custom wooden love seats and vibrant awnings, promises a relaxed environment to enjoy an aperitivo. As you sip on your drink, watch the world pass by, building anticipation for the delightful meal that awaits inside.
Studio Modijefsky has masterfully curated a dining space that offers a sensory journey for guests and resonates with Angelo Kremmydas's culinary vision. Every detail tells a story, making Gitane the newest must-visit destination for both food aficionados and design enthusiasts in Amsterdam.
The lively scene on the Gitane terrace.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Gitane
Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Program: Cafe, bar, restaurant
Assignment: Interior design & Identity Design & Branding
Completion: June 2023
Size: 103m2 Interior & 35m2 Exterior
Client: Angelo Kremmydas
Design: Studio Modijefsky
Esther Stam, Agnese Pellino, Mariana Amado Trancoso, Ivana Stella & Gina Di Domenico
Photography: Maarten Willemstein (Interior)