New Yorkers Get a Slice of La Dolce Vita at Alessa

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant unfolds as a tactile design experience in the heart of Manhattan

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos by Zack DeZon

alessa new york italian restaurant midtown manhattan tactile design patterns wood mirrors chandelier colored glass

News:

F+B

January 31, 2025

New Yorkers Get a Slice of La Dolce Vita at Alessa

The 6,500-square-foot restaurant unfolds as a tactile design experience in the heart of Manhattan

Words by: Stephanie Chen • Photos by Zack DeZon

212 Hospitality Group has unveiled Alessa, an Italian restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

Designed by White Noise Design Studio, the new concept is described as a ‘slice of la dolce vita,’ a place where diners can enjoy culinary experiences intertwined with architecture, culture, and storytelling.

The two-floor restaurant spans 6,500 square feet with a front area that comprises a lively bar and main dining room featuring a mix of elegant, plush, and structured furnishings. The flow between the spaces allows diners to come and go at their leisure.

alessa new york italian restaurant midtown manhattan tactile design patterns wood mirrors chandelier

At the back of the space, a hidden speakeasy lounge is characterized by plush seating, ambient lighting, and bespoke furniture.

Rich, tactile materials—such as brass, velvet, and mosaic tiles—reminiscent of Italian aristocracy are used throughout Alessa. The result is an aesthetic that is upscale yet approachable and whimsical yet functional.

Lighting design plays a major part in creating the overall ambience at Alessa. An interplay of natural daylight and vintage-inspired lighting fixtures conjures different moods. Come evening, soft, warm lighting makes glossy finishes come alive, producing an illuminated and cozy atmosphere.

alessa new york italian restaurant midtown manhattan tactile design wallpaper leather seats turquoise banquettes