Sydney’s Cibaria restaurant, designed by Luchetti Krelle, features eye-catching arches, white stucco walls, and colourful patterned tiles. Located on the ground floor of the Manly Pacific Hotel, the space offers stunning views of Manly Beach. The designers took inspiration from the masserias of Puglia, Italy. These are old farmhouses turned hotels that show off local traditions and fresh produce. As a result, Cibaria combines rustic charm with modern dining.
The studio described the design as a mix of stone, fabric prints, and tiles. This mix creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests enter through timber-framed glass doors, leading to different seating zones.
Timber, Tiles, and Thoughtful Layout
Inside the 630-square-metre space, the seating options include two open kitchens with bar stools, curved banquettes, various tables, and two private rooms. Timber is used throughout, such as fluted panels around the reception desk and banquette bases. A slatted timber screen hides services, while timber beams add a Mediterranean feel.
To bring in more light and views, the designers raised the low ceilings and added large windows. White stucco walls have arches and openings inspired by French architect Jacques Couëlle’s Cala di Volpe hotel in Sardinia. These walls include “grotto-like niches,” such as three arches that frame a gold wine display, adding a sculptural touch.
Bold Colours and Patterned Floors
The red and white stripes seen throughout the restaurant echo the Italian flag and Venetian mooring poles. These stripes appear on the awnings, banquettes, ceilings, and cornices. The floors feature terrazzo in red, green, and pistachio shades. Checkerboard tiles outline different areas. Near the sea, the formal dining rooms have terracotta pavers with thick grout lines.
The casual ice cream corner has a lighter terrazzo floor to hide sand from beach visitors. Bathrooms continue the design theme with dusty pink terracotta walls and a silver travertine vanity carved from one stone. The red and white stripes reappear as burgundy skirting boards, linking all areas together.